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Once the congratulatory handshakes and pats on the back subside, you’ll probably find that you are no longer in the limelight. Just like an ageing actor past his prime, you’ll find yourself relegated to the sidelines. Don’t take this personally. When it comes to men and pregnancy, there is only so much that you can do. The expectant mother becomes the focus of attention. She is the star of the show. After all, she’s the one carrying the baby. She’s the one who will be getting all out of shape for the next nine months or so. She’s the one who has to put up with all the nausea, discomfort and crazy cravings in the middle of the night… you get the picture. So it’s only natural that as the father, you feel that you are being ignored.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_column_text]<strong>Expectant father’s survival guide</strong>

Now that you’ve figured out that your wife is the one in the driver’s seat and you’re the co-driver, prepare yourself like one. There’s no way to anticipate every possible scenario, but you need not be completely in the dark! Planning ahead and being prepared are the best ways to handle what’s coming. Getting involved early and at every level of the pregnancy not only makes things easier for her, it also keeps you from feeling left out.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_column_text]

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5282" src="http://tollyjoy.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/get_educated.png" alt="get_educated" width="217" height="214" />

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_column_text]<strong>Get educated!</strong>

‘Can I still have sex with my wife? Will it hurt the baby? If I’m not careful, will my baby be born with a dent on the top of its head?’ These are just some basic questions which many first time fathers ask. If you are too shy to ask or want to avoid feeling ignorant, do your homework. This means reading all the material you can, from pregnancy and parenting books to websites like this one. The more that you know about pregnancy now, the easier the coming months will be.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]<strong>Preparing the nest</strong>

‘Nesting’ begins when your wife gets the powerful urge to clean and prepare the house for the arrival of the baby. Show her that you are also excited by the impending parenthood and offer to help. In come the crib, stroller, car seat, baby toys, tiny feeding utensils and nursing gadgets that you never knew existed.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5283" src="http://tollyjoy.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/preparing_the_nest.png" alt="preparing_the_nest" width="906" height="176" />

You and her will have great fun choosing adorable garments from pyjamas to mittens and bootees. You may not be able to match your wife’s level of enthusiasm but your participation counts. So if she changes her mind about what colour the nursery should be, just smile and repaint for the third or fourth time![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title="Page 2" tab_id="1459693864910-3260f23d-f5d0"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]<strong>Offer support</strong>

Remember that your wife’s body is going through a pretty intense period of time. Expect that things she used to do are no longer easy for her to do, and even if she’s willing, she won’t be able to do as much. This is the precise time for you to start doing extra things around the house. Cooking is a great idea, provided that she can keep the food down and has not developed an aversion to the food she used to adore.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_column_text]

The bed you share may seem less cosy as she becomes more uncomfortable and sleeps fitfully, making frequent trips to the bathroom in the night. You can help by accommodating her graciously - for example, by making room for her gigantic body pillow. You may even lose your bedmate for a while, because some pregnant women prefer to sleep in a reclining chair.

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<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5487" src="http://tollyjoy.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/offer_support.png" alt="offer_support" width="364" height="208" />

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By the end of the third trimester, your wife may be suffering from swollen ankles, fatigue, constipation and haemorrhoids. She may be uncomfortable with how she looks and with her limited mobility. Everything will become tedious – walking, standing and sitting. Be patient and pick up the slack by helping out around the house more than ever.

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<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5491" src="http://tollyjoy.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/talk_to_your_baby.png" alt="talk_to_your_baby" width="256" height="190" />

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="8/12"][vc_column_text]<strong>Talk to Your Baby</strong>

Studies show that babies in the womb can hear outside noises (and voices) as early as the fourteenth week. Your baby will already be familiar with its mother's voice because she is carrying the baby. There is no reason why you shouldn't spend at least five minutes a day speaking to Baby in the womb or even singing! This will help forge a closer bond with your tot months before he or she enters the real world. You'll also note that by this time Junior kicks quite a bit - this is truly a wonderful experience that you should take the time to enjoy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="rightside" width="4/12"][vc_column_text]

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5492" src="http://tollyjoy.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/whats_in_a_name.png" alt="whats_in_a_name" width="269" height="126" />

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="8/12"][vc_column_text]<strong>What's in a Name?</strong>

Get interested in baby names. This is a part of the pregnancy that puts mothers and fathers on equal footing. If you know the sex of the baby, this makes name choosing a little bit easier. Check out our baby name recommender for some ideas.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title="Page 3" tab_id="1459694136636-c65af762-5d2b"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="rightside" width="5/12"][vc_column_text]

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5488" src="http://tollyjoy.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/practice.png" alt="practice" width="178" height="183" />

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="7/12"][vc_column_text]<strong>Practice</strong>

Get some experience with a baby. Just hold the baby for a while, talk to him/her and check out how the little one will stare at you and fully check you out. If the baby is fussy, try calming him/her by rocking or walking.

Think of doing things together with your child as he grows up.

Finally, visualise yourself holding your brand new baby, looking down at him/her in your arms and say, "<strong>I'm your father.</strong>"[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="rightside" width="5/12"][vc_column_text]

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5495" src="http://tollyjoy.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/balance_accounts.png" alt="balance_accounts" width="186" height="167" />

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="7/12"][vc_column_text]<strong>Balance your accounts</strong>

Remember, a baby isn't a toy to play with for a while. Raising a child is a long-term commitment. It's crucial to have a detailed understanding of your family's current fiscal situation, and start budgeting for the mid- and long-term expenses that will come in. If you're unsure, see a financial consultant who will show you how to save for your child's education, insurance, spending money and other commitments. After all, you'll want to provide only what's best for Baby Dearest - even more so if you're already planning for Baby Number 2![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title="Page 4" tab_id="1459694139422-4a1e0c00-6297"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/12"][vc_column_text]

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5486" src="http://tollyjoy.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/mood_swings.png" alt="mood_swings" width="104" height="82" />

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="4/12"][vc_column_text]<strong>Mood swings</strong>

Imagine PMS but a thousand times worse! Irrational arguments - she's never wrong. Deal with the fact that as the male, you will never be right.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/12"][vc_column_text]

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5489" src="http://tollyjoy.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/random_crying.png" alt="random_crying" width="100" height="94" />

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="4/12"][vc_column_text]<strong>Random crying</strong>

You haven't done anything but she suddenly bursts into tears. Just remember you can't do anything to help, and asking her what's wrong may only make her cry more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title="Page 5" tab_id="1459694140215-1b778dfc-81f1"][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tabs][/vc_column][/vc_row][:zh][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

在最初的兴奋消退过后，您可能会发现自己不再是关注的焦点。就像是一个已经过了巅峰期的老演员，您会发现自己降级成了配角。不用太过在意。在准爸爸和怀孕的妻子之间，准妈妈自然会成为人们关注的焦点，这个时期的主角。毕竟，她的肚子里还有一个宝宝；她才是那个在接下来的九个月里体形会完全改变的人；她才是那个必须承受所有恶心、不适及在半夜突然升起想吃某样食物的欲望的人……您明白的。所以，作为准爸爸，您被忽略是非常自然的事情。

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="7/12"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_column_text]<strong>准爸爸生存指南</strong>

既然您已经想通了现在您的妻子才是“一家之主”，而您只是一个小兵，那么就请做好准备，对妻子有求必应。您或许无法预测妊娠期间可能出现的各种情况，但您总能避免对事事一无所知！提前计划并做好准备是应对任何即将发生的状况的最佳方法。此外，尽早参与妊娠期的方方面面，不仅会让准妈妈更从容应对怀孕事宜，也会让您更加了解您能做什么。[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_column_text]

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5282" src="http://tollyjoy.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/get_educated.png" alt="get_educated" width="217" height="214" />

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width="5/12"][vc_column_text]<strong>学习必要的知识</strong>

“我还可以与妻子有性行为吗？这会伤害到宝宝吗？如果我不小心，我的宝宝出生时头顶上是否会有凹痕？” 这些都是许多新手爸爸会询问的基本问题。如果您因为害羞而不敢询问，或是不想让别人觉得您无知，那么您也可以自己去学习。这也就是说，您可以尽量阅读有关妊娠和育儿的书籍以及浏览像我们这样的网站。您现在对妊娠了解的越多，未来几个月就越容易应对。[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<strong>准备婴儿房</strong>

在您的妻子急切地要清洁及布置房间以迎接宝宝到来时，“准备婴儿房”的工作就开始了。让她知道，您也对即将为人父母而感到兴奋，并乐意提供帮助。然后，开始采购婴儿床、婴儿推车、汽车座椅、婴儿玩具、婴儿餐具和各种您以前闻所未闻的育儿小工具。

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5283" src="http://tollyjoy.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/preparing_the_nest.png" alt="preparing_the_nest" width="906" height="176" />

您和您的妻子会在选择这些可爱的婴儿服饰（从睡衣到手套和软底鞋）的过程中体会到极大的乐趣。您或许在热情程度上不及您的妻子，但重要的是您的参与。所以如果她又想改变婴儿房的色调，您只需笑笑，然后照做就好，哪怕这已经是第三或第四次重新油漆！[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][:]