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Gonna be a father? First time?!?
Your pregnancy may feel very real to you right now, but reactions to this life-changing
event often kick in later with dads-to-be. Like you, your spouse or partner is sure
to be subject to a roller-coaster ride of emotions, feeling proud and confident
one moment, full of doubts and fears the next.
Pregnancy is a time when prior problems in the relationship may be amplified, and
these additional conflicts and stresses need to be worked out. But it is also a
wonderful opportunity for your relationship to grow, as you both may be keenly motivated
to work on communication. After all, you're embarking on a most amazing venture
together.
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Getting the dad-to-be involved
Many men feel that they are not included in the pregnancy experiences - that, for
better or worse, it is a woman's world. But the more your spouse or partner understands
about what both of you are going through, the better prepared and more supportive
he can be.
In fact, some men get so caught up in the pregnancy that they even experience physical
symptoms, such as nausea or weight gain, right along with the mum-to-be.
One good way to get your spouse or partner involved is to go to antenatal visits
together. This is a time for both of you to get to know your doctor or midwife,
and to discuss your ideas and preferences for your baby's birth.
In addition, a father-to-be gets to ask his own questions and listen firsthand to
what the healthcare practitioner recommends. Any appointment in, which an ultrasound
if scheduled is also a great chance for the father to bond with his baby-to-be.
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Pregnancy changes your sex life
Every couple discovers that their sexual relationship changes in some way during
the course of pregnancy. While some couples find that sexual desire is enhanced
during this time, others find it lacking. There are many reasons why this might
occur, including.
- Concern for the baby.
- Cramping and Bleeding.
- Mum's attitude towards sex.
- Dad's attitude towards sex.
In general, it's safe to have sex throughout pregnancy until your waters break or
you are in active labor. However, if you or your partner has other sexual partners,
or if just one of you has herpes or genital warts, be sure to use condoms to prevent
transmitting infection. If you aren't sure if condoms are necessary, discuss your
situation with your healthcare practitioner.
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