Pregnancy is obviously a time of focus on the mother which can result in fathers feeling a bit left out and not part of the experience. Although you can't be pregnant, you can try to be as actively involved in the process as possible. Going to some of your partner's antenatal appointments can help you understand the changes her body is going through and attending antenatal classes together gives you both time to focus on the pregnancy together. Antenatal classes also give you a chance to meet other fathers-to-be, and friendships made in these classes often carry on once your baby is born.

Your Rights and Benefits at Work

The Work and Childcare section of our website covers Paternity Leave and Benefits. To find out more about these, click here.
The Working Families website provides a comprehensive range of advice and information about paternity leave as well as advice on flexible working and childcare. It also provides an advice service to dads about all aspects of being a working father.
More information can be found on the Directgov website.

Your Health

As your partner makes changes in her lifestyle to improve her health during her pregnancy, you can join her by cutting out alcohol and smoking and by avoiding foods that she's not eating. Taking exercise together, like a walk in the park or a swim, will show your partner that you support her and give you time to concentrate on each other. It will also prepare you both for the rigours of a new baby in your life.

Last updated: 29th October 2007 at 12:10:07