When it comes to a first time pregnancy, there are some things that husbands should be made aware of so that they can support their wives on this journey to parenthood. These pregnancy tips for dad help to make a woman’s journey of pregnancy just that little bit easier.

1)  Pregnancy is physically demanding from the get-go

In the first trimester, it may seem like there isn’t much going on at all. But our bodies are already starting to create life. This means that our hormones are shifting, our energy levels are different and we possibly don’t feel so great. Just because there is no evidence of a baby bump yet, try not to shoo away your wife’s issues. More than 50% of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness in the first trimester.

Pregnancy tip for dad: Try to help your wife out by preparing or buying whatever foods she might be craving.

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2)  We’re going to be emotional

While pregnant, many women become anxious, feel overwhelmed, cry easily and are a bit difficult to tolerate. However, know that this comes with the hormonal changes that are brought about by pregnancy. It doesn’t happen to everyone, but your wife may be euphoric one moment, and in tears the next over something that seems completely innocuous. It’s not going to be easy for you, but it’s even tougher for her. Be prepared. There will be days when you wonder what compelled you to want a child with this woman.

Top pregnancy tip for dad: Keep a list of specific good moments you have had together, or what you love about your wife. And know that this phase will pass.

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3)  We are being bombarded with unsolicited advice

One of the most difficult parts of being pregnant for the first time, is the unsolicited advice from just about everybody who has ever had a child, and even those who don’t have children. If this advice is coming from your side of the family or your friends, your job is to be the gatekeeper, not the messenger. When your sister who has children is insisting your wife take prenatal yoga classes, you need to step up and tell her to take a step back, not add to the argument by trying to encourage your wife to follow this advice.  Every pregnancy is different and every woman will handle it their own way. But one thing is common in all pregnancies – nobody likes unsolicited advice.

Pregnancy tip for dad: Don’t be the messenger because chances are high that you will get shot.

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4)  We will need a ‘push present’

Even if we’re planning to have a Caesarean and there will be no “pushing” involved, we will still need that push present. It sounds superficial but it’s not at all.

Yes, 5 love languages and all that. But we’ve carried your baby in our bodies for over half a year and that is no cake-walk. Something thoughtful like a piece of jewellery to mark the occasion is always appreciated because it says that you were thinking about your wife when you picked out this gift. A great idea is a ring to compliment your wife’s wedding band.

Tip for Dad: Just make sure that the present is for your wife, and not for the baby as a momento (like a silver spoon or rattle). This present needs to be about her.

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5)  This is just the beginning

Pregnancy is the start of a long journey of parenthood. Getting through the pregnancy, being involved and supportive of your wife, sets the tone for the times ahead. There will be moments during your wife’s pregnancy where you’ll have differences in opinions over the pregnancy or the future child, and they may lead to a lot of tension.

Pregnancy tip for dad: Use this time to understand each other well. Understand how you reach a solution where both of you can move on without holding any grudges. Understand how to communicate well with your wife when it comes to difficult topics. Have those difficult conversations. Because once the baby arrives, more than ever, you will need those tools and there won’t be time to build them.

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You can find more pregnancy tips for dads, with quizzes and anecdotes in my book “What to Expect When She’s Expecting – An Honest Guide to Supporting the New Mom in Your Life,” a book for husbands, soon to be grandparents, aunts and uncles on Amazon.