When it comes to starting a family after marriage, it takes equal efforts from both husband and wife. Similarly, when planning a baby, the would-be parents stand equally responsible. Pregnancy isn't just about the woman carrying the child, would be fathers too have their share of role to play.
Right from conception to the delivery and nurturing the baby for a better life ahead, the father has a substantial part to essay. And under no condition should the father-to-be take things lightly.
Embracing Fatherhood
The moment you plan to have a baby, there are some important things that you as a father must consider. The very important being embracing fatherhood. You must analyze whether or not you are ready to accept this new role. If you feel you are all set for fatherhood, begin with understanding your role and responsibility.
As soon as your wife attains pregnancy, she will undergo many physical as well as emotional changes. And you being a responsible husband, will have to cope with these sudden changes. While doing so, you must understand that she isn't doing anything deliberately. These changes are bound to occur and there's nothing you or she can do. However, you will have to act as a strong pillar of support. Share household responsibilities and be considerate about her changing emotions. Be ready to cope with the changes that will come in your life once the baby is born. At some point, you might even feel neglected as your wife would be more concerned about the baby. But if you have a strong sense of understanding, you will be able to tackle these things without much of difficulty.
Important Tips to Consider
1. Switch to a healthy lifestyle: Before planning a pregnancy, you must bring some changes in your lifestyle and switch to a healthy one. This will even help you deal with infertility problems. You should develop good food habits.
2. Consume Calcium and Vitamin D: Regular intake of Calcium and Vitamin D is a must. This improves the fertility chances in men. Natural sources of Calcium such as fat-free milk and curd can be consumed. Vitamin D can be obtained from milk and fish.
3. Avoid alcohol: Reduce your intake of alcohol. An infrequent consumption is generally considered much safer.
4. Quit smoking: Smoking lowers the sperm count; hence it is advisable to stop smoking before attempting a pregnancy. It will optimize your chances of conceiving. Also, do not forget that passive smoking can cause higher risk levels for your spouse and baby.
5. Stay away from stress: Chilling out can increase your potency. So 'go for a holiday' advice actually works here. Practice regular meditation or any exercise that can bring down your stress levels.
6. Workplace Safety: Direct contact to harmful rays and certain elements can harm your sperms resulting in low sperm count and other defects in your baby. In case your workplace safety is not apt, try to get a momentary relocation.
7. Avoid violent sports: This may hurt or injure your genital area, which in turn will hinder your capability to produce sperms or ejaculate.
8. Medical examination and screenings: There are several tests that are conducted before pregnancy in order to diagnose the health of not only the mother but also the father who is willing to start a family with his wife.
9. Genetic screenings: A pre-conception visit to your medical doctor can include detection of possible hereditary birth defects. Information about the medical history pertaining to both the husband and his wife’s family should be considered.
Fatherhood is not that difficult as long as you’re ready for it. If you have problems or issues, talk to people who can help out. You will always get all the help you need.