Essential Guide for Dads-to-Be | Must-Know Information for Weeks 4-7 of Pregnancy

Congratulations! Your partner is pregnant, and this not only means that you’ll soon welcome a new life into your home, but also that you are stepping into a new role — a dad-to-be! While it’s an exciting time, it can also feel a bit overwhelming. How can you best support your partner? How can you ensure your baby grows healthily? At KISSBOBO, we’re here to guide you through this special journey with our “Essential Guide for Dads-to-Be” series.

Today, let’s talk about the key information you need to know during weeks 4-7 of pregnancy. Ready to dive in?

Prenatal Checkup: First Pregnancy Ultrasound

Between 6 and 8 weeks, your partner will need to go to the hospital for her first pregnancy checkup. If possible, try to accompany her. This early ultrasound is crucial as it helps confirm the embryo’s position and ensures it is developing in the uterus. The doctor will also assess the size of the embryo to ensure it matches the gestational age. Additionally, the appearance of a fetal pole and heartbeat are great signs of healthy development.

Tip: If the report shows “intrauterine pregnancy, live fetus” or “intrauterine pregnancy, heartbeat detected,” it means the baby is growing well. Don’t forget to give your partner a big hug to celebrate!

Common Discomforts During Early Pregnancy & How to Help

Due to hormonal changes, many moms-to-be experience various discomforts during early pregnancy. As her closest partner, your support can make all the difference.

• Fatigue: Your partner’s body is hard at work developing the placenta, which consumes a lot of energy, leaving her feeling exhausted. You can help by taking over some of the household chores and ensuring she gets plenty of rest. Simple gestures, like spending some relaxing time together, can do wonders to recharge her energy.

• Morning Sickness: Around week 4, nausea might begin, peaking around week 9. You can assist by keeping some light snacks like soda crackers or sour treats nearby to help ease her nausea.

• Frequent Urination: As the uterus grows and puts pressure on the bladder, your partner may feel the need to use the restroom more often. To help, consider placing a nightlight in the hallway so she can navigate safely at night.

Key Things to Keep in Mind

• Remind her to take folic acid: A daily intake of 0.4mg folic acid is crucial for preventing neural tube defects in the baby. You can also help by encouraging her to eat foods rich in folic acid, like leafy greens, legumes, and nuts.

• Maintain a healthy environment: Your role as a dad-to-be is to provide a healthy space for your family. If you smoke, now is the time to quit, as secondhand smoke can be just as harmful as direct smoking, potentially affecting the baby’s development. Additionally, make sure she avoids ionizing radiation, such as X-rays. As for daily electronics like phones or computers, there's no need to worry about non-ionizing radiation — it’s not harmful to the baby.

Easing Your Partner’s Mental Stress

The physical changes during early pregnancy can be overwhelming for moms-to-be, and some may feel anxious about the baby’s health. Talk to her often, plan fun activities together, and try to alleviate her worries. You can even reach out to experienced dads to gain insights that will help you both prepare for the exciting journey ahead.