What To Expect When She's Expecting!

Ok guys, this is it. Your partner is pregnant and you’re in for the ride of your life. Just remember when the going gets tough that this will not last forever, only 40 weeks – give or take

- Loren Stow

As you know already, pregnancy is a life-changing journey, and not just for your partner, who will be at the frontline every day as her body and moods change at a rate that you cannot even begin to imagine. You are going to be there with her – in the trenches – supporting, listening and planning, as well as finding decent public toilets, making sure she’s packed her crackers, resisting the urge to roll your eyes – ever – and rubbing her aching and often swollen feet at night until she passes out and snores like a lumberjack.

FATIGUE

Your partner is going to be very tired in the first and third trimesters. What she would usually just breeze through will become a labour of unimaginable proportions. So, if you’re expecting her to host her famous dinner parties, or even attend a dinner party or two – just remember that you may lose her between starters and mains, only to find her curled up asleep somewhere comfortable. So be careful when making plans and understand that she just may not make it past 7pm.

MORNING SICKNESS

Not all women go through it, but your partner will likely be one of a vast majority who will experience the literally gut-wrenching nausea that takes hold for the first few months. There are often clear triggers – like brushing teeth and certain smells – and sometimes it is just an all pervasive, never-ending torture that has no concept of morning, midday or midnight. Water crackers have been known to help, as well as ginger beer or ginger cookies. Keep them close, as they may be the only thing she can hold down at first.

CRAVINGS