Time to Show You Care for Your Expectant Spouse

With an expanding waistline and hormones going completely crazy, it is natural for the expectant mom to feel insecure. At a time like this it is up to you, as the partner, to step in and make her feel loved and adored. There are a number of ways to do this.

* Giving her a massage: Pregnancy is often attended by unpleasant sensations, stiff joints, and painful swellings. Giving her a gentle massage is one way you can make her feel better after a particularly hard day.

* Helping with the housework: At this stage in her life, your spouse will really appreciate the opportunity for some rest. Lightening her burden, by taking on some of her chores, will tell her how much you love her.

* Making her feel special: Your spouse's pregnancy may have completely unsettled the rhythm of her life. As the pregnancy advances, she may be forced to spend more time at home. You can make her feel special by buying her flowers or chocolates. Playing her favorite music or redecorating the bedroom are other ways in which you can lighten her spirits.

* Informing yourself on pregnancy and your new baby: Now is the time for you to show that you're more than just the reason she's pregnant; you're in it for the long haul. Buy or borrow books on pregnancy that you can read together, or read some dad-oriented books yourself, such as Pickles and Ice Cream: A Father's Guide to Pregnancy, or Every Guy's Guide as to What To Expect When She's Expecting, so you can speak intelligently on the subject.

* Complimenting her looks: It is quite natural for a woman to feel insecure about herself during her pregnancy. With her rapidly expanding figure, she may start having serious doubts about whether you, her husband, still love her just as much as before. Telling her that she looks great will reassure her and put her at ease. In fact this phase, when both of you are eagerly awaiting the birth of your child, can be a great time for bonding. Be aware that in her more vulnerable and less mobile condition, you owe her the constant reassurance that you're there for her. Jokes or statements to the contrary may bring tears or worse. Be doubly thankful at this time that you're not carrying a baby in your stomach.

* Taking her out: There are a number of ways in which you can break the routine of her life and her growing claustrophobia. Take her out to a movie or to a concert. Plan a shopping trip or treat her to a romantic dinner. One caveat: make sure you have a getaway plan if she gets uncomfortable and plan for easy bathroom breaks.

To really be a star husband, fathers-to-be can think of unique ways to show pregnancy care, such as purchasing her favorite flavor of ice cream or painting the nursery unprompted.

How to Keep Love Alive During Pregnancy

It's never easy to understand women when it comes to sex and they often experience changes in their sexual drives when they're pregnant: some pregnant wives claim to feel sexier than ever while others feel nauseated just thinking about the act. That said, you should know what to do with the desire when it arrives.

Sex opens up many pathways of communication between couples. And don't forget: women love to be reassured and seduced, especially when they are feeling bloated and uneasy about their bodies. It's the fact that you love her in spite of the facts of her appearance which is truly touching for a woman.

Here are a few strategies to make your pregnant wife fall in love with you again:

* Dinner with flowers: Nothing says you love your woman more than an average pizza and apple pie served by a waiter. If you can order out from your pregnant wife's favorite restaurant, that will be bliss itself. Consider this a major part of the foreplay. On the other hand, if eating out is a constant thing for you, actually making her dinner yourself may be the required angle here. Romance is done around the dinner table, so figure out what will be the big mood changer for your pregnant wife.

* Spice it up: In case you're wondering, here's what you do with the flowers. The idea is to lay out your bedroom with petals and flowers, put on some Marvin Gaye, and do a little dance-who knows? Your pregnant wife might appreciate the comical element.

* The main course: Presuming that you have already allayed her fears about sex, you may now proceed with the main course. Lay your pregnant wife on her back gently and caress her with the tip of your fingers. A massage is not a bad idea provided it doesn't put her to sleep.

* The right stuff: Use a love-making position that is comfortable, one that doesn't put pressure on her abdomen. Be gentle and loving.

* Plan B: If your pregnant wife is uncomfortable with regular intercourse (because of fears for the baby or other discomfort), you might hint at oral sex (for her, not you, dummy. You just have to hope an even trade might be part of the bargain.)

Things to avoid

* Don't get hasty. Work up to things slowly. Don't be inconsistent with your responses to her body. This will be a sure turn off for your wife, pregnant or not.

* Don't try too hard. If she's been suffering from cramps and aches, it's best to just give her a massage and tuck her into bed. Believe us when we say you will get no points for being whiny with a pregnant wife about your rotten sex life.

* Don't force her to do anything she doesn't want to do. It's always your pregnant wife's prerogative to say "no."

* Avoid the missionary position when you make love since this can put too much pressure on your pregnant wife's stomach.

Valentine's Day celebrates romance. It is only natural that you celebrate the occasion by giving your spouse a Romantic Valentine's Day gift.

Parenting Advice for Fathers Only

Anyone becoming a father for the first time is likely to be relatively clueless about what bringing up a baby involves and are faced with the task of learning a vast amount of information on everything from sleeping to vaccinations in a short amount of time

Although there is a plethora of books on the market to offer parenting advice, most have typically been aimed at mothers, leaving dads out in the cold.

That is now beginning to change however, with websites such as this one stepping in to help hapless fathers-to-be and baby books appearing that offer more male-centered advice.

John Port has just published the 'Caveman's Guide to Baby's First Year' along with his friend John Ralston and family physician Brian M Ralston, after the success of 'The Caveman's Guide to Pregnancy' in 2006.

He told the NY Daily News: "When it comes to pregnancy and to parenthood, men can be like deer in the headlights … we end up scratching our heads and not having a clue what to do. So many parenting guides are written from the woman's perspective that fathers are made to feel like Neanderthals."

As Ralston is a chef the new book offers plenty of nutritional recipes, as well as medical advice and general practical tips, all presented in a humorous and man-friendly format.

Dads wanting to get the low-down on raising kids without stealing their pregnant wife's literature could also consider 'The New Father: A Dad's Guide to the First Year' by Armin Brott or 'The Baby Bonding Book for Dads' by Jennifer Margulis and James di Properzio.

Experts also suggest that dads-to-be talk to other men who have been in their position, as pre-natal classes and advice are generally aimed at women.

Travel During Spouse's Pregnancy - Tips For Men

If you intend to travel with your spouse during her pregnancy, the second trimester is a good time to plan the trip. As her pregnancy advances, and later once your child is born, it will be more difficult to do so.

Here are some tips on traveling with your pregnant spouse:

• Discuss your travel plans with your spouse's doctor.

• Check to see if your travel insurance policy includes pregnancy.

• Find out whether your chosen destination requires compliance with any immunization procedures, and if so, whether these are safe during pregnancy.

• Carry medications for pregnancy related problems such as heartburn, constipation, or skin complaints in your medical kit. Include this in your carry-on luggage while flying.

• Always carry drinking water with you. Ensure that your spouse drinks adequate amount of water to prevent dehydration.

• If your holiday involves any strenuous or sporting activity, check with your doctor about whether these are safe during pregnancy.

These are some tips specific to flying with your pregnant spouse:

• Check with her doctor if there are any flying risks specific to your spouse's pregnancy.

• Find out if the airline has any special requirements for pregnant travelers, for instance, a doctor's note.

• Try to book a seat with some extra leg space, especially if it is a long flight.

• Ask your partner to wear the seat belt under her abdomen, across the lap.

• Remind her to stretch and move her legs frequently while seated during a long flight.