A Man's Pregnancy
Some modern men are becoming far more involved with a woman's pregnancy than in the past. He cannot be the one who carries the baby to term, but he can be incredibly important in its growth.
During a pregnancy, a woman's partner may go through many of the same changes and feelings as she does, after all, a woman's life is not the only one affected by a baby. A man may feel excited and scared about the new addition to his life. It is normal for him to feel unsure about the future and wonder whether or not he will be able to deal with such an enormous change. This can be also be the happiest time of a man's life.
In the past it has been common for a man to feel removed from the woman who is carrying his baby. He is unable to know firsthand what she is experiencing and he cannot fully comprehend the bond that mother and child share. On the other hand, he may see the mother of his child with a whole new respect and adoration.
A man can also be a key support figure for the mother. If he is involved with the pregnancy as much as possible, he will be able to better understand what she is going through. He may be able to alleviate some of her stress as he helps her through the nine months and stands by her for the duration. A woman may feel better knowing that she is not alone in her situation.
The medical practice has done their part as well to help a man participate in his pregnancy. Not only are men welcome to participate in the doctor visits, they are encouraged to get involved as early and as much as possible. Men can now sit in the doctor's office and see the first glimpse of their child through ultrasound at the same time as the mother. Men can also participate in Lamaze classes to prepare for labor and help coach the woman. Although this was not always the case, a man is now allowed to be in the delivery room while his child is being born.
A man being involved in the pregnancy and birth of his child, not only benefits himself and the mother, but the child as well. In general, a man who participates in this experience is more likely to have a closer bond with his child than the man who does not. This helps to jump start the paternal role from the beginning.
Paraphrased from Crooks and Baur, pgs. 349-350
Crooks, Robert and Baur, Karla. 2002. Our Sexuality, Wadsworth Group, Pacific Grove, CA