Your changing partner

Your partner will be going through a physical transformation as she carries the baby to full term. From weight gain and varicose veins to heartburn, Dad Info looks at the health changes in pregnancy...

During pregnancy your partner's body will change drastically over a short time.

As well as the obvious, visible changes to her body as her stomach and breasts grow, there are hidden, hormonal changes as her body protects and nourishes the baby.

Essentially your partner's body has to support another human being and this will take its toll on her health. But there are certain things you can do to make it more comfortable for her and give your child the best start in life.

• Her health in pregnancy: the basics

How you can help

• The most important thing a woman can do is to stop smoking. If you give up too, not only will you protect your partner and eventually your baby from passive smoking, you'll also help her staying power.
• From the early days she needs to eat a healthy diet, avoid alcohol and do some light exercise - all of these are so much easier if you are a willing ally.
• If you have a cat, you need to be the one to change the cat tray; cat poo can contain toxoplasmosis, which can harm a developing baby.
• The dads pregnancy timeline

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

• By the time she's missed a period she may be feeling the early signs of pregnancy - tender or swollen breasts, tiredness, a need to pee more often and mood swings.
• Morning sickness (which, actually, can strike at any time of the day) may soon follow.
• If you're at her side, going to antenatal classes, bringing her dry biscuits and giving her the chance for a siesta or lie in, not only do you help her, but you are also involved in your child’s life right from the start. 
• Women can also suffer headaches, a stuffed nose and even nose bleeds when pregnant.
• From here to paternity

Big Momma

OK, it’s inevitable that she will gain weight but it varies – some women put on around  ½ to 1kg a month in the first three months, some don’t show at all at this stage.

• As the bump begins to show, around 12 weeks, nausea usually lessens and she may experience a rush of energy.
• Her skin may show some changes: a dark line can come out from the navel to pubic bone and she may get the pregnancy glow or come out in an embarrassing rash of teenage spots.
• Stretch marks (silver lines on the skin) and spider veins (often star shaped, slightly raised and blue) are common. Everyone has magic cures for these, which are unlikely to work but a soothing massage with cream or oil will always be welcome.
• The first three months of pregnancy

Lumps, bumps and aches

• As the pregnancy progresses, your partner may find it difficult to find a comfortable position to sleep and may suffer heartburn as the baby fills up space inside her.
• Help her by arranging pillows so she can sleep in a comfortable position and encourage her to eat little and often, sitting upright during and after meals.
• Offer back rubs for the inevitable backache and as her size increases give her the confidence to wear looser clothing – maybe yours! 
• At around the sixth month a first time Mum will feel her baby "quicken" or move and you too can have the joy of having your hand or ear kicked a fortnight or so later.
• Babies can have hiccoughs and you may feel and notice the resulting bumps.
• Her breasts may leak colostrum (the thick, rich early milk).
• She may have trouble sleeping and the frequent need to pee won't help.
• The second three months of pregnancy

Nearly there!

Towards the end of the pregnancy you may see the signs of labour approaching.

• Women can suddenly get enthusiastic about preparing a nursery, washing and cleaning – the so-called nesting instinct.
• Your partner may suddenly find she can breathe more easily and not need to pee as much as the baby drops down, ready to emerge.
• She may have an upset stomach or diarrhoea, a bloody show (bleeding from the vagina) or lose the mucus plug (a thick white discharge from the vagina indicating a change in the cervix).
• Her weight may drop; she may have an increase in blood pressure and in contractions. At this point, your calm support is essential. If you haven't discussed a birth plan – whether she wants pain relief, who she wants at the birth – you can suggest it now. 
• You'll know it's almost over when she can tell you that contractions are closer together, stronger, are felt all over her body, last longer and walking makes them more obvious.
• At this point her waters may break – a slow leak or gush – or that may happen later. But this is the moment when you pick up the bag you've made ready and go on your way to meet your baby, face to face.
• The final three months of pregnancy

Author

Suzie Hayman is a broadcaster and author of twenty-six books. She was the counsellor seen guiding five families through their family dilemmas on the major BBC1 series, Stepfamilies. She has been a counsellor for over 15 years, has been the agony aunt for Woman’s Own magazine, BBC Health Online and the Family supplement of the Saturday Guardian and has worked for the Family Planning Association, Brook Advisory Centres and Parentline Plus, for whom she is a spokesperson and trustee.

Your experience

How has your partner been changing during the pregnancy? Do you have any advice for other dads you can share? Use the comments system below to share your experience.