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 labor and birth

During the last few weeks of pregnancy, it is natural to feel apprehensive about labor and childbirth, especially if this is your first child. It is common for first-time mothers to fear the labor 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 labors
• experience less pain
• use less medication
• feel more positive about themselves, their families and childbirth process