Hubbie Help: Simple Ways That A Husband Can Help A Pregnant Wife
Having a pregnant wife can be a stressful time for both the
husband and the wife. The wife, though, bears the brunt of
pregnancy's trials. A responsible husband should try his best to
ease the burden off his spouse during this high-stress period.
Here are a few simple ways to help your pregnant wife through
these troubling times:
1) Look Out For Her Health, Both Mentally And Physically
Your wife's health is very important. Pregnant women experience
many changes, both physically and emotionally as they progress
through their pregnancy. These changes can be sometimes not
noticeable to the woman herself. Expecting fathers can be a big
help by learning about the pregnancy progress and watching out
for his partner's health. This can be done by encouraging her to
eat a proper diet and avoiding cigarettes, alcohol and the use
of unnecesary drugs.
A proper diet for a pregnant woman is for her to eat a variety
of nutritious foods. Sharing in her diet would be helpful in
having your pregnant wife maintain it. Focus on eating
vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy products and meat. This can
even go beyond the pregnancy and actually become a habit. Eating
healthy is good for your body and your growing children may
learn to adopt nutritious eating habits from you.
Smoking and alcohol have been both proven to have detrimental
effects for children in the womb. If your wife is addicted to
either, help her to quit as soon as possible. Also, second-hand
smoke is also a great danger. Keep away from the smokes or quit
altogether. This goes the same for alcohol; it's never wise to
tempt your wife by drinking while she can't. As for unnecessary
drug use, try to ask a doctor first before using any
over-the-counter drugs to make sure no negative side-effects can
result from it.
You should also take note of your wife's moodswings. Try helping
her deal with her temperamental nature during her pregnancy. Be
understanding. When she's depressed, cheer her up. When she's
angry, calm her down. When she's insecure, have long talks with
her to reassure her that you love her and your unborn child.
Assisting your wife through these trying times is one of your
primary duties as a husband.
2) Physical Activity
Exercise is another way for a husband to help his pregnant
spouse. It can be fun and stress relieving. Remember to check
with her doctor about an exercise regimen before beginning.
Choose exercise that are not too strenuous or dangerous. Taking
long walks with her would be an excellent choice; the scenery
would relax her and your companionship would do wonders for her
your relationship.
Also, helping with the housework is a great way to help your
pregnant wife. Try doing the chores that involve heavy lifting
or strenuous work. Have her skip any household job that requires
the use of aerosols or products with strong fumes, like cleaning
the bathroom or painting. Taking care of the family pet should
also be your job. Quite a few animal-related sicknesses are a
threat to your pregnant wife and unborn child's safety.
3) Preparing for Child Birth:
Taking childbirth preparation classes can hep you get ready for
the big event. It also gives you the opportunity to discuss
pregnancy with other pregnant couples in a less stressful
environment than a doctor's office. Meeting other expecting
couples also gives you the chance to swap stories and share the
joys of the pregnancy.
Childbirth classes operate on the belief that the more you know
about the pregnancy process, the less anxious you'd feel and the
more you'd feel that you and your wife are in control.
There are three types of childbirth preparation classes. The
Lamaze method is probably the most popular: it concentrates on
helping to ease the pain of childbirth through breathing
exercises and by educating the expecting couple. The Bradley
method focuses more on educating the couple and giving the
husband a more active part in the birthing process. The Leboyer
method's primary interest is in the unborn child itself; trying
to make it more comfortable for the baby both inside and outside
the womb.
Whatever method you choose, the classes usually last from five
to nine weeks. Check with your doctor or the local hospital on
what classes are offered. No matter what method you and your
wife choose, they all help your pregnant wife, and yourself,
greatly with dealing with the pregnancy.
4) Take Care Of Yourself, Too:
Focusing on your wife is important, but try to take care of
yourself, too. It wouldn't do for your wife to see you as a
nervous wreck. Pay attention to your own moods, needs and
worries. Talking with your pregnant wife about your concerns can
ease some of that worry. Discussion with your wife can help ease
the stress and assist you both in weathering the ups and downs
of the pregnancy.
Hopefully, these simple pointers help you on your trip towards
fatherhood and help you and your wife to experience and
appreciate the joys of pregnant life more.