The popular baby care product company’s ad popped up again on my timeline. The one which calls on to dads to share the load too, and captures a series of endearing moments between fathers and their kids during mundane chores like diaper changing, putting them to sleep, bathing them etc., by following the Dad’s Guide to pregnancy. Such a beautiful video, and a great way to reinforce the idea that both the parents are in it together – the moment they decide to create a life together. It is believed that a woman becomes a mom the moment she comes to know of her pregnancy and starts nurturing the tiny life within her.
On the other hand, traditionally Indian dads have been involved only much later. The trends, however, are changing and many new age dads now want to be as invested in the entire process as their partners. Here is a brief on Dad’s Guide to pregnancy and a few pointers on how the soon to be dads can productively contribute to the whole process. So what are the most important things dads to be need to keep in mind? What I’d put right on top of the list is being as informed as possible, of all the changes their partners are going through – physically as well as emotionally. The resources are endless, and just a click away. The 1st Trimester (months 0 -3) This is probably the most challenging time for most mums to be, with all those raging hormones wreaking havoc with her system. As her uterus begins to support the growth of the fetus and her body adds to its blood supply to carry oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby, many of the pregnancy symptoms, such as fatigue, morning sickness, headaches, and constipation also appear. It’s very important for the mother to maintain a healthy diet and this is where the dads should pitch in. Hand her that glass of nutritious green juice in the morning, or make her a cup of herbal tea when she is feeling low – baby and mumma will both thank you for your thoughtfulness. The 2nd trimester (months 4-6) This is usually the most comfortable phase in a healthy pregnancy, with the morning sickness gone and a now visible bump, mums tend to acquire that wonderful pregnancy glow at this time. While it’s still extremely important to keep all doctor appointments and take necessary precautions, this is the time for dads to pamper their partners with a few easygoing outings – be it within or around where you live.
Babymooning is perfect at this time, of course with your doctor’s nod. The 3rd trimester (months 7-9) So this is when things get real serious. Yes, the D-day is not far now.
The third trimester is a good time to educate yourself about labour and delivery. Take time out to enroll in a childbirth class, designed to prepare you and your partner for labor and delivery. It’s a great way to learn about the different stages of labor and delivery options, and is as important for dads as it is for the mums to be aware of. Keep in regular touch with your doctor and follow his/her instructions to the T, start getting that hospital bag ready and pamper your partner as much as you can. After all, you’re both about to embark on the most exhilarating journey of your lives! Ready reckoner for each trimester: Months 0 -3
- Ensure she is eating healthy and taking all her supplements on time.
- Shower her with a lot of tender loving care.
- Read together on what to expect
Months 4-6
- Pamper her with movie dates, short getaways
- Keep all doctor appointments, get tests/scans etc done on time.