a. Men undergo far less social preparation than women do for parenthood.

With a close, supportive family relationship, the father can receive help in his adjustment if needed. Essentially, there is nothing to prepare him for pregnancy per se. There are no doctor’s appointments, baby showers, or the physiologic changes of true pregnancy, although some men have expressed having some of the physical discomforts.

b. Introduction comes with the actual confirmation of the diagnosis of pregnancy, focusing more on impending fatherhood rather than the immediate state of pregnancy. Accepting the fact of pregnancy can raise excitement versus denial, that is, is it really his? This may cause guilt feelings over the discomforts his partner may be experiencing and may develop a new image of himself and his altered responsibilities.

c. The father is busily reworking the family budget to afford a child.

d. He may need encouragement to participate in the preparation for parenting. Encourage him to accompany his partner on prenatal visits. These visits can allow him to listen to the fetal heart tones (FHT). The growth and development of the fetus should be explained to him. He should also be included in office visits. Encouraging him to participate in classes on natural childbirth, parenting, and childcare are all important. Allow the father to participate in the labor and delivery process if he expresses a desire to participate.