Essential Guide for Dads-to-Be | What to Know During Weeks 24-27

As your baby continues to grow, your partner’s belly is getting heavier, and this can bring on new discomforts. In this edition of the "Essential Guide for Dads-to-Be", we’ll cover some key points you should be aware of and how you can support your partner through these changes.

Often, love is shown through the little things. Even if your partner doesn’t always say it, your quiet support during pregnancy will likely be remembered for a lifetime.

Key Prenatal Checkup: Glucose Tolerance Test

Between weeks 24 and 28, your partner will need to take a glucose tolerance test to screen for gestational diabetes. This test involves drinking a glucose solution and then having her blood drawn at different intervals to check how well her body manages blood sugar.

This test can be a bit uncomfortable and time-consuming—your partner will need to fast and spend a good part of the morning at the clinic. Plus, some women feel nauseated after drinking the glucose solution, so having you there for support can make a big difference. Encourage her, and help keep her spirits up throughout the process.

Understanding Umbilical Cord Issues

After an ultrasound, your partner might be told that the baby’s umbilical cord is wrapped around its neck. This can sound alarming, but in fact, it’s quite common. About 1 in 5 babies experience this during pregnancy.

The umbilical cord is stretchy and slippery, which usually means it doesn’t restrict the baby’s oxygen supply. Plus, babies move around frequently, and often a simple shift in position can untangle the cord. So, there’s no need to worry.

Common Pregnancy Discomforts

Constipation and Hemorrhoids

Constipation is a common issue during pregnancy, and it can sometimes lead to or worsen hemorrhoids. These symptoms are often caused by hormonal changes and the growing uterus putting pressure on the intestines.

Encourage your partner to drink plenty of water, eat fiber-rich foods, and establish regular bowel habits. Light exercise, like walking, can also help with digestion. If she’s particularly uncomfortable, you can help by picking up lactulose from the pharmacy—a safe and effective remedy for pregnancy-related constipation.

Snoring

Due to nasal congestion and fatigue, your partner might start snoring at night. While this is more of a problem for you than for her, it’s important to handle it with patience. Try using soft music to relax or wearing earplugs to help you sleep better.

Helping her adjust her sleeping position, such as using extra pillows to prop her up, can also improve airflow and reduce snoring. If her snoring becomes severe and affects her breathing, gently wake her to ensure she’s getting enough oxygen.

Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms, as your partner’s body adjusts to the growing weight of the baby and shifts in posture. The loosening of ligaments in preparation for birth can also make her back feel less stable, leading to discomfort.

You can help by offering a back massage before bed to relieve muscle tension. Remind her to avoid heavy lifting and to practice light exercises to strengthen her back muscles.

Swelling

Swelling, especially in the hands, ankles, and feet, is common as pregnancy progresses. It might make her rings, shoes, or watches feel tight.

While swelling is generally harmless, it can be uncomfortable. Encourage her to elevate her legs when sitting, avoid standing for too long, and sleep on her left side. You can also treat her to a warm foot bath and massage her legs to help improve circulation.

Important Things to Consider

Tracking Baby’s Movements

Counting your baby’s movements is one of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure everything is going well. Doctors typically recommend starting this practice around week 28, but you and your partner can start getting familiar with the baby’s movement patterns now.

Pay attention to when your baby is most active—some babies are more energetic in the morning, while others prefer the evening. If your baby moves less than 3 times per hour or less than 30 times in 12 hours, or if you notice a significant decrease in movement compared to usual, it’s important to seek medical advice immediately.

Picking a Name

If you haven’t already started thinking about names, now is a good time to brainstorm! Even though the baby’s arrival is still a few months away, choosing the perfect name takes time. Consider selecting both a boy’s and a girl’s name to be fully prepared.