What a man should do during a woman’s pregnancy: advice to future fathers from family psychologists
It is no secret that the attitude of men towards pregnant women often changes, and not always for the better. But this does not mean at all that the family is on the verge of collapse. It’s just that the baby’s dad during his wife’s pregnancy is also very worried, and sometimes even stronger than the mother herself.
The role of a man in such a crucial period for a woman as the expectation of a child cannot be underestimated. Traditionally, it was believed that the role of a man was limited to making sure that the woman and the unborn baby did not need anything. That is, the man was primarily responsible for the material well-being of the family. But besides this, there are many important factors, the responsibility for which lies on the shoulders of men.
The advice of family psychologists on how to behave a man with a pregnant wife in order to help her comfortably survive this difficult period is presented in this article.
How to behave a man with a pregnant wife: help and support
We must not forget about such a phenomenon as the psychological state of a pregnant woman. Very often, even those ladies who, in their normal state, were distinguished by composure and restraint, become nervous during pregnancy, they have constant anxious forebodings, and sometimes nightmares begin to torment pregnant women. Naturally, the psycho-emotional state of a woman directly affects the child. And no matter how hard a woman tries to control her behavior, she still cannot cope with all the problems alone.
But a husband who knows how to behave with a pregnant wife will be able to help a woman in the most magnificent way. First of all, it should be said that the help and support of a loved one, who is also the father of a child, helps a woman during pregnancy to treat her fears and anxiety in a different way. But at the same time, the so-called “duty" courtesy is clearly not enough, when a husband, busy with his own interests, indifferently inquires from his wife who is expecting a child: “Well, how are you? Are you okay?"
In this case, the husband during the pregnancy of his wife does not even try to pretend that he is at least minimally worried about the state of his wife, her mood. He clearly outlined the boundary of his own life, in which his wife and future baby are given an offensively small place. Of course, such an attitude on the part of a man is offensive to a pregnant woman. After all, she is left alone with her problems and fears.
How should a man behave with a pregnant woman so as not to hurt her feelings? In fact, an attentive man will definitely try to give his wife as much attention as possible when she is in an interesting position. After all, it is at this time that the foundation for future family relationships is laid – a man, a woman and a child. In the future, inattention and neglect of a woman when she is expecting a child can turn out to be the most undesirable consequences for a man.
Behavior of a man during his wife’s pregnancy: family relationships
Many may object after reading all of the above. Indeed, most men simply have no time to pay attention to their own wife, because they devote the lion’s share of their time to work. And here it turns out to be not up to attention to the spouse, and even more so not to worry about her current psychological state. But by reasoning in this way, men themselves are preparing the ground for many further problems to arise. After all, a woman sensitively captures all the shades of a man’s mood. And she feels everything even more acutely when she is expecting a child.
The behavior of a man during his wife’s pregnancy should be adequate to the condition of the expectant mother. During pregnancy, a woman’s feelings are aggravated, and, more than ever, she needs not only care and attention to the material side of life, but also spiritual unity with her husband. After all, the birth of a child is actually proof of mutual love, of course, if the act of conception was not accidental.
Researchers have proven that in families where the attitude of a man to a woman during pregnancy is reverent, attentive, children are born more resilient and healthy. There is nothing surprising in this. The psychological comfort that the mother experienced while waiting for the baby directly affects the formation of the child’s body. And, accordingly, a son or daughter will be born healthy and strong.
Naturally, such a prospect should inspire future fathers to a reverent attitude towards their wife during pregnancy. Knowing how to behave and realizing that this is a very complex process, in which there are absolutely no insignificant, minor details, a man must understand that absolutely everything affects a woman and a future baby, that is, nutrition, lifestyle, living conditions, rest, work, mood and attitude of others. All of these factors add up to one picture, and as a result, the psycho-emotional state of the woman and her expected child, with whom she currently forms a single whole, is formed.
How a man understands a pregnant woman: attitude towards a future mother
Very often during pregnancy, a woman begins to worry that she is temporarily losing some of her attractiveness. This factor is especially depressing for young women, for whom the appearance is proof of the love and adoration that they arouse in a man. It is during pregnancy that these women do not feel particularly comfortable, because they are forced to abandon their usual clothes and lifestyle. It often happens that men pay very little attention to such problems. And they do not bother to once again say something pleasant to their own wife, to remind them that they still love her. Of course, seeing such an attitude towards herself, the expectant mother begins to worry doubly. She may decide that now she does not care at all about her own husband as a woman, that he can leave her at any moment.
The fantasy of a pregnant woman is able to reach the point that an upset lady is convinced that her husband does not leave her solely out of decency, since he feels sorry for the child. Naturally, such thoughts cannot have a beneficial effect on mood, they entail persistent depression and possible nervous breakdown.
At first glance, the woman’s problems look far-fetched. And she herself appears as a hysterical creature who is looking for a reason to find fault with her own husband. But in fact, there would be no nit-picking if the husband did not give a reason for this. How can a man understand the feelings of a pregnant woman? Of course, it is difficult for a man to change immediately. And if earlier he did not particularly think about his own behavior and attitude towards his wife, then during her pregnancy he will have to control absolutely all his words and actions. Any careless word can be a truly traumatic factor for a pregnant woman. These words include all statements, even playful ones, regarding the changed appearance and clumsiness. The future dad during his wife’s pregnancy should be understood – what seems to him a funny joke, for a woman can be a real insult. This is especially true for very young girls who do not yet have stable self-esteem. And that is why during pregnancy and the first months after the birth of a child, they painfully experience the loss of their own beauty.
What should a man do when his wife is pregnant? At a time when the spouse is expecting a child, it is advisable for a man to spend as much time as possible at home. But, unfortunately, most of the representatives of the strong half of humanity protest especially strongly against such advice. It seems unreasonable to them to deprive themselves of their usual pleasures for the whims and whims of a pregnant wife. And in this regard, a crack appears in the relationship between a man and a woman. At first, it is almost imperceptible, and then it grows and grows and grows and can lead to major conflicts.
How should a man treat a pregnant woman?
In addition, one should not forget that during the period of pregnancy of his own wife, a man also does not interfere psychologically with preparing for the coming changes in life. Indeed, after a small screaming creature appears in the house, not only the life of a woman, but also his own, will radically change. If a man is psychologically ready to become a father, then he will be less nervous about sleepless nights, wet diapers, crying baby at night. Of course, no one will deny that the life of young parents cannot be called easy. But, nevertheless, many problems can be minimized. And the wife’s pregnancy is a great time for a man to get used to the possible changes little by little.
Numerous studies of domestic and foreign experts prove that the child is optimally influenced by the relationship of parents during pregnancy. A baby in the womb responds to the gentle and calm voices of both mom and dad. Therefore, if the future father often talks to the baby, strokes the rounded belly of his wife, the child reacts to his words and gets used to the voice of his father. And the future father himself begins to be more sensitive to the pregnancy of his wife and to his baby, who has not yet been born.
Knowing how to treat a pregnant woman, a man will always try to avoid quarrels and showdown. Any conflicts negatively affect the nervous system of both the woman and the child, because in this period the mother and her unborn child form a single whole. That is why any negative emotions of a pregnant woman are contraindicated.
No one will argue that the modern rhythm of life dictates its own conditions. And that is why the pregnant woman herself and her husband cannot withdraw into their little world, thereby avoiding any contact with the outside world. Therefore, stress is inevitable; accordingly, negative emotions to one degree or another will have an impact on the young family. But this does not mean at all that one should succumb to stresses that cause great harm to a pregnant woman and her child. A man during his wife’s pregnancy should be especially wise in order to skillfully protect a woman from shocks that are completely unnecessary to her.
Usually people tend to share their problems with loved ones. This desire looks completely natural, because in the process of discussion you can take a different look at the situation and, as a result, find the right course of action. But even if the husband is accustomed to discussing with his wife all the problems that arise, then during her pregnancy it is better to abandon this habit and discuss your difficulties with work colleagues or friends. The wife during this period must be protected from unnecessary unrest. A pregnant woman perceives the troubles of her own husband especially sharply. And, even if in fact the troubles do not look particularly big, a woman can dramatize the situation, tormenting herself with various doubts and anxious expectation.
Understanding how to behave if his wife is pregnant, a man should be able to restrain his emotions and not bother the expectant mother in vain. A man will make sure that his wife, who is in an interesting position, gets the maximum of positive emotions. To do this, it is enough to skillfully entertain her. Of course, the concept of "entertaining" is not at all reduced to retelling new jokes gleaned from the Internet. In fact, the leisure of a pregnant woman is a very important issue that a man should take care of.
If earlier the life of a woman was rich and interesting, now, when she is expecting a child, she has to limit herself in many pleasures. Her life takes place in a limited world, consisting of a house, television programs and reading books. For some women, this is enough to feel quite happy. But others are very painfully experiencing a situation when they are forced to give up their favorite work, communication with interesting people. A loving and attentive husband will definitely feel the state of his wife. And try to help her. In other words, the husband of a pregnant wife should not behave as if he is communicating with a sick woman, but try to protect her from all adversity and be able to entertain.
What should a husband do if his wife is pregnant: how to behave to a future father
The simplest thing a man can do if his wife is acutely experiencing temporary isolation from society is to help her adapt to new conditions. First of all, you can make sure that a woman does not feel lonely, even if her husband spends all day at work. On weekends or in the evening, it is quite possible to go to visit or host friends, of course, if the woman’s health allows for such entertainment events. It often happens that during pregnancy, a young family refuses to have fun, thereby depriving themselves of many positive emotions. Of course, while waiting for a child, excessive noise and nervousness adversely affect the mood of a woman. But cozy conversations with interesting people can bring considerable benefits. Also, do not refuse to visit theaters, exhibitions. Of course, at a late stage of pregnancy, it is better for a woman not to be in crowded places so as not to make herself nervous. But in the early stages, there is no need to give up those pleasures that have a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
A pregnant woman is more susceptible not only to stress, but also to the effects of pathogenic microbes. Therefore, she should be as careful as possible so as not to catch the flu or catch a cold. In winter or autumn, the likelihood of a cold increases. How should a husband behave in order to protect his wife from illness during pregnancy? A man should not forget about this, because the health of his wife directly affects the health of the unborn child. So it is advisable to refuse to visit sick relatives and friends. And of course, in no case should you invite to your place those who are sneezing and coughing, but at the same time do not want to stay at home and decide to “do good” with their visit to all friends.
And one more piece of advice to men – during the period of the wife’s pregnancy, the future father must definitely help his wife with household chores. Or, at least, make sure that a specially hired housekeeper helps the woman with the necessary housework. No matter how the pregnancy proceeds, the expectant mother does not need to spend too much effort on maintaining cleanliness and comfort in the house, on washing and cooking.
Of course, not only a man should know how to behave during a woman’s pregnancy. Ideally, the expectant mother should be surrounded by special care and attention not only from her husband, but also from all her immediate family. But at the same time, it is not at all necessary that all conversations should revolve only around the expected child. In this case, the woman begins to feel like a kind of "incubator", which interests others only in connection with the imminent appearance of the child. She cannot feel much comfort, inevitably starting to think about her own role in the family and about how important she is to others.
Constantly hearing such statements, a woman of her opinions and desires do not matter to those around her. Of course, in the soul of a pregnant woman, resentment appears not only at those around her, but also at the unborn child, because of which she is forced to give up everything that is dear to her heart. Especially often such resentment occurs in young women who psychologically have not yet realized themselves as a future mother. Accordingly, others should keep in mind the possibility of such grievances and not aggravate the situation with their comments. What should the husband of a pregnant wife do in this case? If the spouse sees a not quite delicate and tactful appeal to the spouse from the side of the next of kin, then he may well ask to temporarily limit the relationship. This will only favorably affect the family atmosphere and the mood of the pregnant woman.
To the future dad of a baby about pregnancy: how to behave as a man
The current ecological situation is developing in such a way that most newborns have some kind of health problems. Problems can be both minor and quite serious. During pregnancy, doctors can not identify all possible pathologies, some will become known only after the baby is born. Of course, every expectant mother, to one degree or another, thinks about the health of her child. And repeatedly during pregnancy, a woman will have doubts and anxious thoughts about what her baby will be like. Sometimes a woman can be too suspicious; then she will constantly be in a bad mood, worry about the health of her baby. But it must be said that such conditions are far from harmless. They are the ones who can lead to
It is no coincidence that the beliefs of many peoples were such that a pregnant woman was forbidden to look at something sad and ugly, because there was a fear that a negative spectacle would definitely affect the child, make him a freak.
Such an opinion can be adopted by many modern people. Therefore, a man whose wife is pregnant should take care that information about possible pathologies of newborn children does not accidentally come across her eyes. Otherwise, a woman may well decide that the same fate awaits her child.
I must say that the conversations of a pregnant woman with relatives, neighbors and friends are not always harmless. Some people have an amazing ability to tell truly terrible stories about various diseases, deaths and other misfortunes of mankind. For a pregnant woman, such conversations are unambiguously contraindicated. How should the husband of a pregnant wife behave in this case? If the future dad knows that some people from his wife’s entourage will not be able to resist not to spoil her mood with some sad or frankly terrible message, he will try to ensure that this person does not have the opportunity to communicate with his wife.
Of course, if the husband is constantly absent, then out of loneliness and hopelessness, the wife will be forced to communicate with anyone, that is, with eternally whining aunts, envious neighbors and other people who consider it their duty to spoil her mood and scare her. But if a husband knows how he should behave with a pregnant wife and pays as much attention to her as possible, caring not only about her material well-being, but also about her spiritual well-being, then it would never occur to her to listen to the speeches of unworthy people.
Regarding the health of the unborn child, you can continue the conversation. Of course, absolutely all future parents want their baby to be born healthy. But it is not necessary to focus on this too often. The fact is that when everyone around a woman is vying with each other about how good it would be if the baby was born healthy, then she will involuntarily begin to think about a possible alternative, that is, that the baby may have some problems with health. At the same time, even if a woman does not particularly annoy others and her own husband with her doubts, in her soul she will suffer greatly and worry.
What should a husband do when his wife is pregnant?
A man during the pregnancy of his wife, as well as all close relatives, needs to be careful, delicate and tactful in all conversations with a woman who is expecting a child. Among other things, it is advisable for the husband to make sure that the wife consults good doctors during the period of expectation of the child. It is in this case that you can expect the birth of a healthy baby.
If future parents are still too young, then they may often have doubts: were they in a hurry, deciding on such an important step as motherhood and fatherhood? How should the husband of a pregnant woman behave in this case? I must say that such experiences are not only harmful, they are truly dangerous. Any doubts can negatively affect not only the relationship between a man and a woman, but also on the psyche of the unborn baby. The child must be born, and then grow up in the belief that he is desired and loved. And it does not matter if, at the same time, his father and mother themselves have just ceased to be children. The birth of their own baby will help them become adults, make sure of their own independence.
Therefore, in no case should a spouse tell his pregnant wife that if she were not expecting a child, then she could go on vacation to a fashionable resort, go abroad to work, buy a car, etc., etc. Even if such thoughts appear in the mind of a man, they should be kept to yourself. The future baby is not to blame for anything, and he has the right to develop in a normal environment.
It would be quite nice if a woman during pregnancy and a future dad communicate with those friends who already have children as much as possible. Communication with young children, watching their games, conversations will convince future parents that their decision was truly correct. After all, it is children who make a family strong, and life interesting. And in conclusion, it is worth summarizing – a husband not only needs to know how to behave with a pregnant wife, but also follow all the instructions of family psychologists.