Men Change Too
Pregnant women experience major hormonal changes during pregnancy, but new research shows that men also go through hormonal changes when their partner is pregnant. Fathers-to-be have shown lower levels of testosterone and estradiol hormones, which can affect you both emotionally and physically!
Commonly reported changes in men during a pregnancy include being more emotional, the need to clean up (or to "nest"), craving weird foods, and even feeling nauseous.
Regardless of what you think about the pregnancy, the emotional and physical changes you may feel during a pregnancy are very real. Looking at ultrasounds and feeling your baby kick and move are ways to connect to your child, even though you cannot see or feel it inside of you.
Talking and being open about your concerns, fears, and even physical feelings can help relieve anxiety or stress. You may even find that your male friends or family members have had similar experiences before the arrival of their own children.
Understanding these common changes will help both mothers and fathers understand themselves and their partners better. This can ease the emotional transition during pregnancy and deepen the relationship between you and your partner.