Pregnancy week 23 is an exciting week for fathers as they can bond with their unborn babies. Here is how fathers can make a difference during pregnancy.Mixed feeling and emotions is what you are going through fathers, as you count the days? Now, that your wife is in the 23rd week of pregnancy, you can start connecting to your unborn child inside. It is an amazing feeling to see your baby moving and turning inside. Enjoy your family time together daddies!
While your partner is surely closer to your child, you too can enjoy your share of happiness with her. If you are a first time dad, it shall specially appear spectacular to feel him or her kicking inside. You shall feel more and more excited with time.
How Fathers Can Be Part of Pregnancy Journey?
This is an exciting week for the father as he could attempt hearing his baby's heartbeat by putting his ear to your abdomen. But make sure that you two are all by yourselves in a quiet room. You could even try using a stethoscope for better results. Some experienced doctor, nurse or midwife may help you by positioning the baby in a way that his or her
heartbeat can be heard.
In any case, you must begin communicating with the little one if you have not already as he or she has begun to respond to touch and sounds. It is quite possible that he or she can also recognize his or her father's voice. There is a case where the mother can actually feel the baby's excitement as it is expressed through quick movements when his or her father enters the room.
You might also have noticed the baby jump or
kick in response to a loud or frightening noise. And did you know that your baby has also begun to hiccup? Do not worry, as he or she has plenty of amniotic fluid to drink. But you might feel him or her jerk off and on.
Feel Baby’s Move Inside
You can feel your baby more infrequently and get the faint sensations in the beginning. He or she shall get stronger with time and you shall be able to enjoy the frequent kicks with time.
Your baby has a lot of space inside to move around. He or she is now floating like an astronaut inside. The somersaults he or she performs inside shall make him or her all the more strong. You shall enjoy watching the belly of your partner moving gracefully. You may feel like your little one playing football inside.
It is natural to feel anxious if you do not feel your baby moving for long. It might also happen that your baby stops moving the moment you place your hands on your partner’s belly. May be he or she is paying hide and seek with you or maybe he or she feels secured when you place your hands on your partner’s belly.
Talking to your Little One
You may try talking or singing to him sometimes. This shall be a wonderful way to de-stress yourself from your busy life. According to research findings, fathers, who spend quality time with their unborn child are better equipped to soothe or calm a crying baby. Your baby shall feel relaxed listening to your voice. Your baby may have started responding to noises from the 22nd week. There have been several evidences when babies have responded to a similar voice they hear while in the
womb.
Listening to your Little One
You can put one of your ears on your partner’s tummy and listen to what he or she is doing inside. You will also be able to hear the heartbeat as your partner progresses in
pregnancy. You may find him or her jumping when you call out aloud. He or she shall settle down again after sometime.
Try to Understand Feelings for Your Partner
It is normal to feel protective about your partner and the child developing inside. This is said to be a natural response to her growing belly. You may feel concerned when she performs certain activities and may want her to put her feet up and relax. This shall be more evident if she is engaged in something very demanding. You may want to help her in her cleaning sprees. However, do not let the guilt settle in, the fact that you are by her side shall be very supporting.
Shower Extra Love and Care
Your partner shall love the extra care and support you offer these days. Again, it shall be normal for her to react when she sees your attention shifting to the baby from her upon the birth. You got to deal with these strategically. While you might find it hard to strike a balance in the beginning, you shall soon master the art. You can always spend a minute to tell her how much you love her.
If you have any questions or concerns about the pregnancy, you too can share them with her doctor. Family counselling at times shall help you deal with all these new things better. So, good luck daddies, gear up for the change!
How can fathers bond with the unborn baby? In what ways can fathers offer care and support to their partners? How can mothers distress themselves in pregnancy? Discuss here. 
