Posts Tagged ‘dad to be’

Pregnancy And The Expectant Father

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Fathers-to-be should be aware of some of the possible issues that may possibly accompany the couple’s pregnancy. Offered here are several challenges the father to be ought to prepare for and attempt to be prepared for.

Changes in the Woman’s Physical Condition

Being pregnant results in a variety of bodily changes which range from sudden weight gain, to  the feeling of continual exhaustion. Most of these changes may cause sexual intimacy challenges since  some women might not be prepared to adapt to the physical changes which come with pregnancy. The first few months may in some cases result in a loss of interest in sexual intimacy due to morning sickness and an over-all sense of malaise. Subsequent months bring about a range of changes such as gaining excess weight and abdominal swelling. This could quite possibly result in feelings of becoming less attractive and fearing that they may never again appear feminine.  These views might also be shared by the partner, consequently adversely affecting the couple’s sexual desire and physical appeal. Some fathers to be incorrectly think they might injure the unborn child through sexual activity and, as a consequence, refrain from sexual relations.

Money Troubles

Money troubles tend to end up being at the center of quite a few couple’s relationship problems throughout pregnancy. Right from the beginning, there are numerous concerns that have to be resolved like the costs of frequent physicians examinations, prescribed drugs and dietary supplements for the expectant mom. Additionally having a little one on the way, couples face long term worries when contemplating the costs of taking care of the infant. The monetary burden of long term payments associated with diapers, baby formula, baby clothes, strollers, playpens, post-natal and pediatric medical care and similar expenses can contribute to a strain on the marriage. Considering the fact that the expectant mom’s attention is focused on her having a baby, financial concerns are usually problems that the father needs to cope with on his own. Despite the fact that financial matters are ordinarily a mutual responsibility, throughout the pregnancy it is frequently the guy who will have to tackle tough finance concerns and priorities.  This may result in significant tension and lead to arguments which can leave dads discouraged and stressed out. It is very beneficial to discuss your financial circumstances and plan for the added expenditures you can expect to incur before you start preparing for a baby.

Depression

Signs and symptoms of pre-natal and post-natal depression can be amongst the commonest of all  maladies encountered by women for the duration of carrying a child. The reality is, it is believed that approximately twenty percent of expectant women will find themselves suffering from signs and symptoms of maternal depression. In addition to potentially putting both the mom and the baby at risk of depression, it might also have an impact on the couple’s relationship. Difficulties such as being very easily irritated, moodiness and a feeling of chronic weakness that develops as a result of “gestational depression” can easily upset the woman’s partner causing a  strained relationship. Occasionally the expectant mother may possibly start berating her spouse for her troubles and pain with remarks like “You have no idea what it’s like carrying this baby around” or “You’re never there for me when I need you”. Listening to these complaints from a partner who is acting resentful and angry while remaining calm and repressing the urge to reply with equally hurtful responses is quite tough to do. This contributes to a breakdown in the couple’s ability to connect.

Relationship troubles during a pregnancy added to constant anxiety and emotional stress may well have an impact on the well being of both the mother and the child. These troubles can lead to a boost in blood pressure, premature labor and  additional substantial healthcare issues. Reduce the pressure and anxiety by frequently talking over problems that come up. Communicate with each other; share your thoughts and worries. Don’t let fearfulness, anxiety, and anxiety have an effect on your relationship with your partner. Enjoy time together as a couple and enjoy the wonderful experience of the development and birth of your baby.

Countless books and magazine articles about having a baby are written from the expectant mothers’ viewpoint. Unfortunately, the number of information sources targeted to the needs of the expectant father are few and far between. The web site www.fathertobe.org has been developed to tackle the worries of the father-to-be. Please stop by for a visit!

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