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A Bible For Men on Pregnancy

By Anirudh Narayanan

Pregnancy is pretty much like that classic NiN song "We Are In This Together Now...". Here the 'We' refers to the couple. Its true that the woman is the one who gets knocked up but a loving partner would love to be part of the pregnancy just as much as the woman. But the problem is that the things men should know about pregnancy, they seldom do. They may love their partner to infinity and beyond but that can only do so much. Handling a woman is different from handling a pregnant woman. That my friend is a whole different ball game. We aren't here to scare you but pregnancy is confusing and more often than not it makes you pure anxious. You can either be confused, full of anxiety and make it a traumatic experience or you can make it joyous and celebrate it with your partner.

Things That Change When Pregnant

We knew a real gentleman like yourself would choose the latter. Here are the things men should know about pregnancy.

Responding Appropriately:

Responding Appropriately:

"I am preggers!"
"And you're absolutely sure it's mine!?"
Guys, you would like to keep this in mind. Never ask her that, even jokingly. There's a saying which goes like this, "Hell hath no fury as a woman scorned." and the writer wasn't kidding. So the first thing men would like to know about pregnancy is that instead of throwing a questionnaire at her, make her feel comfortable. Assure her that you'll be with her just as promised, through thick and thin.

Take time off to see the doc

Take time off to see the doc

You must have heard, "Its the little things that matter.". This is one of the many "little things". Just by doing this you are sending her vibes about your commitment. Work is important but nothing comes before family. This is one of the most important tips for guys during pregnancy. Take time off of your busy schedule and visit the doc with her.

Learn about pregnancy

Learn about pregnancy

There are books, the Internet, YouTube videos, all explaining what guys should know about pregnancy. It helps in being prepared for the coming things. That sounds scary but it really isn't. Its all about being supportive and realising that at least for the next few months she will be the one calling the shots. It will be all about her and her alone.

Be calm and help her relax

Be calm and help her relax

Pregnancy can be excruciating but it is very important to keep your head about things and not get overwhelmed. Though difficult, it is possible and these things should be known by men during pregnancy. Lend her a hand in doing the laundry or the kitchen. She needs rest and a whole lot of it for the overall development of the baby.

Stop complaining

Stop complaining

Do not complain or burden her with anxious moments. Hormonal changes are difficult and your partner is already bearing a lot. One of the most important tips for guys during pregnancy would be to stop complaining and be supportive and understanding. She will appreciate it and your bond grows stronger. You will be glad to make your pregnant wife happy.

Bodily changes and the cravings

Bodily changes and the cravings

Sounds like a sequel of a horror movie, huh? Jokes apart, she is going to undergo a lot of bodily changes. The cravings make it worse. Be ready to run to the nearby store for an ice cream at 1 in the morning. The pickles, the mangoes, the sweets, an incredibly never ending list of cravings which last for 5minutes. And guys, an important tip to remember during pregnancy is that she will gain weight. It is obvious but never tell her that!

Lie to her face

Lie to her face

Tell her how beautiful she looks despite the weight. It maybe a lie but it goes a long way in making her feel confident and beautiful. Reassure her that she is the center of the universe for you or be prepared to be clawed at every time you speak to the chick next door. "You look beautiful babe!", this is one lie she will gladly listen to each time. And women know when you lie to them guys, but she will let you pass on this one.

Slave for love

Slave for love

She is going to have fantasies and a whole lot of them. But love making will seldom make the cut. Its not like you will never make love but it will be mostly on her terms. She decides when you both do it, where and in what position. So slave it out guys. We know you are grateful for even that tiny little possibility. So tips for guys during pregnancy includes being her slave for love.

Mood swings

Mood swings

The hormones inside her are constantly evolving and she will feel restless and she is going to be have worse mood swings than the usual periods. So be prepared for sudden bouts of anger, irrational sadness and the likes of it. What guys should know about pregnancy is that these are common and will pass over time. Its all in the mind, so just stay calm and stop searching for explanations of her irrational behaviour.

Heightened sense of, well everything

Heightened sense of, well everything

Her senses are going to be very sensitive. This is what men should know about pregnancy hormones, they make the senses extra sharp. So be prepared to take showers whenever she says you smell like a cow or the old lady next door. Do not argue, you never win anyway. So just get a shower.

Surprise her

Surprise her

Guys keep thinking how to make their pregnant wife happy. Surprise her you idiot! Bring her flowers, gift her puppies, anything that she always wanted. Take her out for dinner. Plan a cool pregnancy trip together. Surprise her with anything that would make her feel wonderful. Good luck!

Story first published: Friday, December 5, 2014, 11:14 [IST]
Read more about: prenatal pregnancy