Just found out my wife is pregnant. Any advice about what to expect ?

Question

She just did a pregnany test 2 days ago. This is the first time I will be a father. My wife thinks that I am not happy because I didnt pick her yp and swing her around when we found out. I kind of stood there shocked. I am very happy, but I am also very nervous about if we can afford it and about being a Dad. Please give me some advice.

Thanks!

Answer 1

First of all, Congratulations!  Secondly, I think it is natural to be freaked out when you find out you are going to be a parent.  Though it may be difficult at times financially, you will make it through. You may have to tighten your budget or perhaps get some governement assistance depending on your financial situation, but it can be done.  

As far as your wife, she's probably disappointed that you didn't seem so excited.  Did you tell her why you were nervous?  Keep the lines of communication open, because being pregnant and hormonal, us women can create LOTS of reasons for the way you reacted, many of which upset us.  

In terms of what to expect, expect your wife to be tired for at least the first 12 weeks.  When I say tired, I don't mean a little tired.  I mean, she'll probably feel like she hasn't slept in 3 days even when she just woke up.  Help her out around the house as much as possible and if you want to stay on her good side, consider doing something really sweet.  :)  (brownie points can go a long way!)  If she gets cranky, try not to take it personally, it is the hormones, like a bad case of PMS that's lasting a long time!  Overall, do your best to be supportive and let her know that you are excited and want to be as involved as possible during this pregnancy.  

Just remember, all dads were new dads at one point and many of them probably felt the same fear you are feeling now.  You will be able to do it...though it may take a little practice.  

Just keep the communication open with your wife!  Best wishes!

Answer 2

Well you can google your worries and you can find out all the answers you need im 14 and im expecting on my 15th b-day im scared but my mum  sed not to worrie because it will put stress on the baby.

Just Expect Vomiting In The Morning ( Not Always happens tho) expect mood swings .

And Pregnant women can be very emotional so be care ful

Laters :)  

Answer 3

You should expect to have some pretty sleepless nights in the beginning. It will be very exhausting to have to get up in the middle of the night to change and/or feed the baby. Expect that your wife may not have as high a s*x drive as usual. (If she gets morning sickness especially) I was nervous at first too, but we were able to manage on one income so I could stay home with our son. You just need to be prepared for a little baby who takes up a lot of your time and attention. Being a parent is very rewarding. Just have confidence in your abilities. You will do great.

Answer 4

Congratulations, expect her to be tired for a while, maybe a little moody as her body adjusts to the first trimester. Be supportive especially if she has morning sickness. Second trimester is usually a breeze, her s*x drive my go down during pregnancy or pick up alot, depends ont he woman so try to be understanding about that. Third triemster she will start to get tired again towards the end, as her body is giving all it has to make another human being. Labor and Delivery is different for everyone, but as long as your supportive thats all that matters. Bringing baby home is a whirlwind of emotions. Being a parent is the hardest thing ever, but the most rewarding thing ever too. You will be fine, go to the library and check out some books geared towards dads about being a parent, youll be fine congrats again!

PS)My husband found this book amusing, lol.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0...

Answer 5

support her... be understanding, deal with her mood swings... just be there for her! and go to all the dr appointments with her also! read the books!!

Answer 6

Learn to smile and nod alot... Pregnant women aren't always known for being "rational" all the time..lol  (mom of five)

Answer 7

Congratss,

ur gonna be a fatherrrrr

Answer 8

The moment you see your newborn baby all the "angst" will disappear. That child will have your blood flowing in her/his veins ... in other words- this child will be an immediate family. You were capable of feeling love for your wife who isn't even family. Can you imagine the feeling of love you will feel for her unborn child? That love will make you do everything possible to make sure you can afford to have her/him.

Answer 9

congrats

i have just found out i am pregnant with our 1st child and my husband feels the same as you so very understandable i am 5 weeks

Answer 10

First and foremost, GET EXCITED!  She needs you right now to support her and show her and your unborn child lots of love!  Put your feelings aside for the time being and then if you still feel the same way after the "shock" has dissapated then have good and open communication with her.  But right now, at the time, you need to put that aside and be joyful with her.  

Answer 11

the scariest part is the pregnancy as you dont know what to expect and you hear other ppls opinions if anyone tells you horror stories ask them would they give there kids up. and as for your wife she may need a bit of reassuring that you are as happy as she is maybe she is insecure she is probably as unsure as you take it as it comes kids are great we have 4

Answer 12

Expect a baby in 9 months! Congratulations!  

Answer 13

In Canada, we get some $ from the government to help with costs & childcare, depending on your income, so they might have some of that where you're located.  Also, once you tell people that you're pregnant, you usually get alot of things given to you, or people want to know what you need and buy it for you.  You should be able to find alot of things used - I got my crib, bassinet, swing, wardrobe, highchaire, playpen.... all used!  The only thing I bought brand new was the crib mattress and an exersaucer.  So look for good deals, or things on sale, or you can compile a list of things you need and let other people know.  I got a brand new car seat & stroller from my mom-in-law, and with $ people gave me, got a 3 in 1 car seat (once they're over 22 lbs or 1 year, they go in that).

Expect for your wife to get all the attention, and then the baby...you're going to be a little left out. :(  Your wife will get very emotional, so all you have to do is tell yourself it's the hormones, she's not herself (I cried because I lost my slippers!  And because I saw a Huggies commercial!  I was able to laugh at myself).  I was really nauseous and made my husband eat in the other room too, and make his own food...hopefully she doesnt' get too sick, but if so, they say the sicker the mom is, the healthier baby is...

Of course you're nervous about it, but once you see your baby and realize you're completely responsible for it & helped create it, you'll love it like crazy and do everything in your power for it.  $$ is always an issue, but you don't really realize the costs - you just make it work.  We're dirt poor :), but our boys are fed, well dressed, have lots of toys, love, blankets, clean diapers (we don't buy name brand)...  All they need!  The initial costs are a little daunting, but if you spread it out as well over the next 6 months, it will be easier.

Congrats!  You'll never be prouder in your life!

Answer 14

dont worry you will be fine. there are lots of pregnancy sites on the net that can tell you what could be hapening with pregnancy at however many weeks. just google it you'll find heaps.

Answer 15

my husband seemed traumatised when I told him but now he can't wait to see our baby! I am 39 wks and he's more anxious than I am.

Just try not to worry. You can work around money with a little practice. Start saving up asap! Start a baby registry asap too so people can buy you stuff. Be ready to help your wife because when she hits second or third trimester she will need a lot more help with stuff. Start a nursery early like 6 months, I waited til I was already 8.5 months and I was too tired and big to be able to manuver and my husband  had to do almost all of it lol.  

Also try to goto all her prenatal appointments. I had my husband at almost all of mine (he had to miss a few early ones) and it meant so much to me plus he got to hear all the information and he can be like "hey doctor said not to do that" Or "has the baby dropped or have you had this and this discharge?" Gross sometimes but he's so curious now about the stage of pregnancy .

That's all I have for now, Congrats btw!