Helping before the baby is born

Ways you can help your partner:

• Practice good eating. Your partner needs to eat well for the baby's health. Eat well along with her. You'll need energy, too. And you'll be establishing healthy eating patterns that will be a good example for your child.
• Avoid smoking. Second-hand smoke can cause health problems for babies and mothers. Quit if you can, or at least cut down. If you must smoke, do so outdoors and away from your partner
• Exercise together. Walking and swimming are good exercises for pregnant women. Encourage your partner by inviting her for a walk or helping her do stretching exercises. If you have questions about specific sorts of exercise, ask your health care provider.
• Be understanding and patient. Your partner's moods are powerfully affected by the considerable changes in her body and in her hormone levels. This is not directed at you personally. Comfort and understanding from you can help your partner manage these changes more successfully.
• Show her that you're excited. Your partner may be concerned about how welcome the baby is to you. Letting her see your excitement can be very reassuring.
• Go to clinic visits together. Your partner will appreciate your support, and you'll get a chance to ask your own questions.
• Make plans together. You and your partner are making many changes to plan ahead for your baby. Listen to her ideas and share yours with her.
• Attend childbirth classes. There is much you can actively do during labor to help your partner. You'll feel more prepared and confident if you attend classes and read books ahead of time.
• Take time off after the birth. If possible, arrange your work hours to allow you to spend extra time at home after your baby is born. The first week after your baby's birth is an especially good time for both you and your partner to be home with your baby. Those early days can be quite demanding, and both you and your partner will probably have little sleep and high expectations. Having each other's support can be a big help.

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First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 06/19/2003

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts