Essential Guide for Dads-to-Be | What You Need to Know During Weeks 8-11

During this stage of pregnancy, your partner may experience increasing discomfort. Hormonal changes can not only affect her physically but also amplify her emotions, making her mood swings feel like a rollercoaster. When she’s feeling unwell, your care and presence can be a tremendous source of comfort.

In this edition of "Essential Guide for Dads-to-Be", we’ll explore how you can help ease your partner’s discomfort and cover important health tips for this period. Let’s get started!

Key Prenatal Checkup: NT Scan

Between weeks 11 and 13, your partner will need to undergo the Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan. This is an important screening that helps assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and potential birth defects through an ultrasound.

You can help by scheduling the appointment around week 12. This is an optimal time for accurate results, and it may also coincide with other checkups, saving an extra trip to the hospital.

Common Pregnancy Discomforts

Morning Sickness

Around week 9, your partner may enter the peak of morning sickness. While nausea and vomiting may have been sporadic before, she might now feel queasy all the time, where even water or food triggers discomfort.

Being there for her—sitting quietly by her side or gently rubbing her back—can bring her comfort. Encourage her to eat small, frequent meals, chew slowly, stay hydrated, and perhaps take short walks after meals to help relieve the nausea.

Constipation

Some women start experiencing constipation during this period. Hormonal changes can slow down digestion, making it difficult for her to have regular bowel movements.

Encourage her to include more fiber-rich foods in her diet and drink plenty of water. If time permits, take a relaxing walk together every day—this not only helps with digestion but is a great way for you both to stay healthy.

Key Health Considerations

Oral Care

Due to hormonal changes, pregnant women are more prone to oral health issues, such as bleeding gums, ulcers, and gingivitis.

If your partner is experiencing morning sickness, remind her to brush her teeth regularly and rinse her mouth after vomiting to maintain oral hygiene. Switching to a soft-bristle toothbrush or soaking the brush in warm water can help reduce gum irritation.

Spotting and Vaginal Bleeding

It’s quite common for women to experience light vaginal spotting during early pregnancy, which can be worrying. Often, it’s just due to increased blood flow to the uterus, making the lining more delicate. It usually lasts only a couple of days.

If you and your partner notice this, try to stay calm and reassure her. In most cases, it’s nothing serious. However, if the bleeding becomes heavier than a normal period or is accompanied by sharp abdominal pain, seek medical attention immediately to rule out the possibility of complications such as a miscarriage.

Final Thoughts

If your partner’s appetite is low, or she feels nauseated by the smell of food cooking, it might be time for you to step into the kitchen. Preparing light, simple meals that she enjoys can make a huge difference. The early months of pregnancy can be overwhelming as her body adjusts to new changes, but your care and support will help her feel more comfortable.