You may be disappointed if your partner doesn't seem as thrilled about this pregnancy as you are. One reason he may not feel jazzed yet is that your pregnancy isn't quite real to him. He can't feel the physical and emotional changes you're experiencing and he can't see any evidence of a baby. Until there are obvious signs of pregnancy — your baby starts moving or your belly pops out — to your partner, you're just a more tired, and perhaps, weepy, version of yourself. "To get him involved, you need to help him connect to your baby," suggests Colette Bouchez, author of "Your Perfectly Pampered Pregnancy." Here are her best suggestions:
Ø Ask your partner to join you for prenatal appointments. Tell him that many dads-to-be it and he probably won't be the only guy in the waiting room. Try to book appointments that work with his schedule. If he can't make it to all your appointments, encourage him to at least come to the first one. He can answer your healthcare provider's questions about potential genetic risks and get a good overview of what's ahead.
Ø Before your next appointment, encourage your partner to come up with one or two questions that he can ask your caregiver.
Ø Make your life as a couple a priority. Plan a date night, make him his favorite meal, meet him for lunch. He wants to know that he's still important to you, even though you spend hours talking to friends and family about the baby.
Ø Important tips of the week: Handling mood swings
Ø Remind yourself that changes in emotions are normal now.
Ø Take steps to alleviate stress — exercise, sleep, talking it out, and eating right can all help.
Ø Explain to your partner and friends what's going on. If they understand the cause, they're less likely to take it personally.
Ø Try to use humor to deflate tense situations.
Ø Talk to your doctor if you feel very anxious or depressed.
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