How to Get Your Husband More Involved with Pregnancy

Trying to get your husband more involved with pregnancy can be challenging because after all, you are the one handling the physical part of giving birth. Nevertheless, your husband doesn't have to wait on the sidelines; he can be proactive, too. "The best way to keep from being left out is step up to the plate and get involved," says Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel, co-authors of What to Expect When You're Expecting. "Many fathers-to-be feel like they're on the outside looking in, and that's not surprising." They can defeat those feelings by taking some easy, practical steps.

Have a Discussion

First, sit down with your husband and ask him how he's feeling about the pregnancy and whether he feels like he's in limbo. It's ok to ask him about his thoughts and if he's feeling not involved. If future dad isn't necessarily excited, ask him why. If he shows signs of enthusiasm about the new arrival, those feelings will have ripple effects upon you.

Ultrasound

After your husband sits on the sidelines for awhile, the ultrasound can be considered the first call into the game. There's something about hearing the heartbeat for the first time and seeing the image of your baby that really brings a reality check. It's like starting out in first gear and all of a sudden experiencing the ultrasound shifts everything to second.

Things to Do

Your husband can accompany you to the doctor's appointments, ask questions to the physician, and take an active role in listening to the doctor's advice. If you've signed up for child birthing classes, he should attend them with you. As the pregnancy develops, feeling tired becomes a burden, and sometimes the simplest chores are a little trying. He can help as much as possible through housework and taking trips to the supermarket. Some other creative ways your husband can get more involved with pregnancy include working in the nursery, doing the painting, and configuring the décor. With a good frame of mind, future dad can have some fun with many of the preparations.

Reading to Baby

Your husband can get more involved with pregnancy by reading to your baby while in the womb. This promotes a sense of bonding between father-to-be and the newborn. Most books are short in length, so reading doesn't take a lot of time, and it can help with voice recognition.

Reading for Knowledge

Reading books, articles, and blogs can become powerful sources of information. Future dads can browse websites such as brandnewdad.com and fathersforum.com, just to name two of them. Gaining insight on what other future fathers are experiencing and feeling can provide a certain comfort level that your husband isn't alone.

Sources:

Murkoff, Heidi & Mazel, Sharon (2008), What to Expect When You're Expecting, Fourth Edition. New York, NY: Workman Publishing.

http://www.babycenter.com