The stork is going to be visiting you? Congratulations (for obvious reasons!) and all the best (coz daddy-to-be, you need to pull up your paternal jeans as well!).
While a pregnant woman is harbouring life and riding a roller-coaster, overdosed on hormones, the man is more often than not, just plain confused as to how to handle tantrums, cravings, mood swings, and sometimes, all kinds of emergencies.
For every man, his wife's pregnancy is also a chance for him to transition from boyhood, to actual, real manhood. The first thing to know is that from the very moment she announces her pregnancy, she'll be the centre of attention - not you. Get used to it.
And if you still want to continue reading, then you are ready (and qualified) to be Daddy!
So here are 7 crazy things every man ought to know about pregnancy and exactly what it entails.
Everyone knows that a pregnant woman may want to eat anything at any time! And that tastes and flavours get weird is an understatement.
But there is scientific research available that links cravings with nutritional deficiencies.
So while I was ridiculed for gobbling green chillies soaked in lemon juice and chaat masala, my gynaecologist reassured me that it was probably to do with my body's need for more sodium because of my increased blood volume and mild vitamin C deficiency.
This is also the reason why women prefer pickles or sour-tasting foods - but then, if your woman craves sugar, or ANYTHING ELSE that is edible, it is absolutely FINE!
She also knows dipping fried chicken into marmalade isn't normal - but she FEELS LIKE IT! Just don't pick on her for what she eats. Rather, be prepared to run to the store to go get her something, or cook for her.
Some of the food - as well as her hormones - will cause her to put on weight (not to mention the belly growing with the baby).
Save the commentary. It is natural and definitely healthier than the beer belly that most men seem to proudly flaunt.
Rather than ridiculing her size, it will be a nice idea to watch your own figure and girth in the mirror on a daily basis. Your wife has a valid reason for putting on the extra kilos, you better watch your weighing scales!
If you think this is bad news, also remember that the fingers on the diffuse switch will be yours. It is entirely up to you to make her feel better - no, make that GOOD - about herself.
Think about it - she is creating life INSIDE her - and also juggling life and it’s a roller coaster on a daily basis.
You are Amit - or whatever your name is. She could be Cruella De Ville, Black Dahlia, Laxmibai, Wonder Woman, Black Widow all rolled into one. Hormones can make her feel like she has multiple personalities. Achtung!
Pregnant sex is a wonderful thing. And you should definitely check if she is ready for it at that moment.
So, consider your wife’s changing sexual needs. Some women get hypersexual while pregnant. Others lose interest. This knowledge should help you both sail through till the baby is born.
Within six months after your baby is born, you'll resume some semblance of a sex life.
Sorry, this might sound a bit mean, but women can use you for just sex as well.
There are biologically plausible reasons why having sex at term may help to speed up the arrival of a baby.
Again, PLEASE let your doctor let you know if this is okay or not.
Morning sickness is quite possibly the worst part of pregnancy (well, besides that whole labour thing).
About 75 percent of all pregnant women go through headaches, excessive sleepiness and of course feelings of nausea and sometimes vomiting, even violent vomiting.
Despite its name, morning sickness doesn’t happen only in the morning.
Most women experience the symptoms of morning sickness all day long. When helping her through this rocky period, the key is to keep experimenting with different remedies.
Vitamin B6 supplements, seasickness bracelets (elastic bands with plastic bumps that apply pressure to points on the wrist to reduce the feelings of nausea), ginger ale, ginger or peppermint tea are some home remedies that help.
But do consult the ob-gynae for more.
Becoming a Dad is easy, being one needs training. Here's how you can truly be a better half to your pregnant missus:
Pregnancy, and taking care of a baby will change you, your wife, and your marriage. It will take a toll on your otherwise perfect relationship. A good sense of humor is something you’ll need to survive.
(Aarti K Singh is an independent writer with close to two decades' experience in various media. Having worked in radio, TV and print media, she is now indulging in her passion to rediscover the world, besides juggling a PhD and raising her son.)
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