Expectant Dads Experience Pregnancy Emotions Too - East Idaho News

Expectant Dads Experience Pregnancy Emotions Too

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GETTY H 032212 Pregnant?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1362063766939Jupiterimages/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — The 40 weeks of pregnancy are clearly an exciting time for any pregnant woman, but where is dad in all the action?

“Since it took two people to create the pregnancy, I think it’s only fair to acknowledge some of the issues and feelings facing the other half of the pregnancy equation,” said Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News’ senior medical contributor and a practicing OB-GYN.

Emotionally, future dads are often just as stoked as future moms, Ashton said, and they feel the same pride and eager anticipation.  But they may have plenty of fears as well.

“They may stress over the baby’s health, mom’s health, finances, whether or not they will be a good father or the fact they are no longer the center of their wife’s attention,” Ashton said.

One way to ease daddy anxiety is to have him tag along for OB-GYN visits.  There, he’ll get the rundown on his partner’s changing body and the growing baby, as well as some good tips on preparing for labor and birth, Ashton said.

Expectant dads should also consider documenting this special time with a video journal or photo scrap book, Ashton added.  The more involved a dad is in the pregnancy, the more mom will appreciate it.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

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