Managing Pregnancy
When pregnancy is confirmed
You may experience both positive and negative emotions, such as:
Positive Emotions
• pride in your ability to bear a child
• a sense of expectancy and excitement
• joy and happiness about becoming parents
Negative Emotions
• fear of losing your independence
• apprehension about changes in your relationship
• doubts about your ability to be a good parent
Tip: Share your thoughts and feelings with your spouse. Working through your emotions will also bring you closer as a couple.
When pregnancy progresses
You may feel more protective of the developing baby. You will also be more dependent on one another as you anticipate the responsibilities of parenthood.
Tip: Talk to your friends, siblings and relatives who are parents themselves and observe how others have handled the situation.
During labour and birth
During the last few weeks of pregnancy, it is natural to feel apprehensive about labour and childbirth, especially if this is your first child. It is common for first-time mothers to fear the labour process and worry that their baby may be abnormal. But once the baby is born, mothers and fathers often feel a sense of relief.
Tip: The birth of a child is a dramatic and emotional event for parents. When fathers (or close companions) are present in the delivery room, women tend to:
• have shorter labours
• experience less pain
• use less medication
• feel more positive about themselves, their families and childbirth process