How to support your wife during pregnancy?

There is no better way to demonstrate your love for your wife (and soon to be born child) than by being a supportive husband during your wife's pregnancy. Here are some helpful tips to remind your wife that you love her during these amazing 9 months.

• At the outset of the pregnancy, talk to your wife about how she envisions her pregnancy. Some women may have the view that it will be the most challenging 9 months of their lives while others may envision it being 9 months of bliss.

• Give your wife lots of hugs; research shows that the more she is hugged, the more she'll hug the baby after he comes. 

• Ask your wife what you can do to help. Now listen to what she says and take notes. Since she will feel differently every month during the pregnancy, it is good to check in each month with the same question. Her needs will change over time and so will your duties

• Offer to pick up a pizza on your way home from work, and surprise her with a pint of her favorite frozen yogurt, too. 

• Read some books on pregnancy. The more you know about what she's going thru, the better you can anticipate her needs.

• Buy a toy or outfit for the baby, have it gift-wrapped, and let her unwrap it. 

• Pay attention to her sleep patterns. Whenever possible, be sure to allow her to get additional sleep. She may be sleeping longer than normal but she needs as much sleep as possible.

• Pay extra attention to making sure she has enough to eat--pack some snacks for her before the two of you go out for an evening or for a hike. 

• Flowers. Often. Enough said

• Keep a journal, either written, tape-recorded, or videotaped of what you're thinking and feeling during the pregnancy. 

• Go to the Dr. with her. Even if you are busy at work -- make the time to attend at least some if not all her Dr appointments. While you may not love the idea of sitting in a waiting room for 45 minutes and then sitting thru the OBGYN appointment -- your wife will love that you did.

• If you already have children, take them to the park and let your partner have time alone to relax or run an errand she's had to put off. 

• Learn to cook 1-2 dishes that she likes and offer to cook every now and then....especially at the end of the working week when she's likely to be exhausted. You might be tired as well, but dig deep brother. Send her to watch some TV with a glass of water and a little snack while you follow a receipe that you printed out at the office earlier that day. Make sure it is EASY so you can do it....the last thing you want is to say you are gong to cook her dinner and then be asking her for advice and tips on how to cook every 2 minutes.

• Discuss your fears with your partner. Listen to hers too, but don't make fun of them, no matter how insignificant they may seem to you. 

• Draw her a bath every night and give her a foot rub. If you are smart, you'll find a way to do both at once.

• The newspaper on her "breakfast in bed" tray that you bought online last week. Don't forget the breakfast. "Both" of them need to eat well first thing in the AM.