Essential Guide for Dads-to-Be | What to Know from Week 36 Until Delivery

The big day is almost here—soon you’ll be meeting your baby! Along with the excitement, both you and your partner might be feeling a little anxious. Understanding the signs of labor and what to expect in the coming weeks will help you feel more prepared and confident.

In this edition of "Essential Guide for Dads-to-Be," we’ll cover key things to watch for and how you can support your partner as labor approaches. Being informed will help both of you stay calm and focused as you enter the final stretch of pregnancy.

Key Prenatal Checkup: Fetal Heart Monitoring

As you approach the final weeks of pregnancy, you and your partner will be keeping a close eye on your baby’s health. One of the most important weekly checkups now is fetal heart monitoring.

This test measures how your baby’s heart rate responds to contractions, which helps doctors ensure that your baby is handling the stress of labor and the pressure of passing through the birth canal.

Remind your partner to schedule the test during a time when the baby is usually active. She should have a light snack beforehand and empty her bladder before the test. During the test, it’s best for her to lie on her left side for more accurate results.

Common Pregnancy Discomforts

Baby’s Engagement (Lightening)
Around week 38, most babies will “engage,” meaning their heads will descend into the pelvis in preparation for birth. Your partner might notice a feeling of pressure in her lower abdomen, increased pelvic discomfort, and more frequent urination or constipation.

This is where your support really matters. Even if you’re not physically there, check in often and ask how she’s feeling. A quick message or phone call can provide her with reassurance and comfort, which is especially important in these final weeks.

More Frequent Braxton Hicks Contractions
Once the baby is engaged, your partner might experience more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions. These feel like tightening in the belly, almost as if there’s a tight band around her abdomen.

You can help by keeping track of the frequency and duration of the contractions. If they become more regular—occurring every 5-6 minutes and lasting 30-40 seconds with increasing intensity—it’s likely that labor has begun. Time to grab the hospital bag and head out!

Important Things to Consider

Signs of Labor
From week 37 onward, your baby is considered full-term, and labor could start at any moment. It’s essential to recognize the signs of labor so you can respond quickly when needed.

Some women experience their water breaking before labor begins. If your partner’s water breaks (a gush or trickle of amniotic fluid), she should lie down, and you should take her to the hospital immediately.

It’s also important to distinguish between false labor and true labor contractions. If the contractions are irregular and don’t last more than 30 seconds, it’s likely false labor. But if the contractions become stronger, last longer (30 seconds or more), and become more regular, true labor has begun.

Another common sign of labor is bloody show, which is a small amount of blood-tinged mucus or brownish discharge. This is normal and doesn’t require rushing to the hospital unless it’s accompanied by heavy bleeding or regular contractions.

Learning About Newborn Care
As you prepare to meet your baby, there’s probably a mix of excitement and nerves.

Soon, you’ll witness many of your baby’s “firsts”: the first feeding, the first diaper change, the first time sleeping through the night, and the first vaccines. Every new experience will be exciting and perhaps a little overwhelming.

Now is the perfect time to read up on newborn care. The more you know about common newborn challenges and routines, the more confident you’ll feel when the time comes. This will help you handle your baby’s needs calmly and effectively, reducing stress for both you and your partner.

Bringing a baby into the world is a joyous occasion, and it’s important to approach it with optimism rather than anxiety. Along with learning about labor and newborn care, reach out to other dads for advice and share this journey with friends and family who have gone through it. Their support can help you stay focused and positive as you prepare to welcome your baby.