The Infantry: A Guide to Pregnancy for Men

Any man who was ever been charged with filling the 3 a.m. Pregnancy Craving Combo #2 of two quarts of ice cream and a jar of dill pickles can attest that pregnancy is a Daniel Boone-sized, surprise-filled expedition for both parties involved. Therefore, Men, I urge you not to flip past this article. It will let you stay attuned to your lady and help you understand what changes the two of you may be going through.

Why now? Why, oh, why are we talking about babies now?!

Well, why not get a leg up and know what to expect? Whether you are expecting or not, chances are you will know someone who is. At the very least, knowing what they are going through will inspire you when deciding on what to bring to the baby shower.

After fighting to raise an extremely low birthrate, Korea has, for the first time, pulled out of the bottom rankings in 2012, boasting a total fertility rate (TFR) of 1.3. So, you do not have to tell Koreans twice; they are finding their groove. To maintain the population, the fertility rate needs to be 2.2 per woman, which is why many believe the South Korean government’s push to incentivize having children was a major factor in bringing the country back from its all-time low TFR of 1.08 in 2005.

To add to what you have or will surely get from the handfuls of pamphlets at your pediatrician’s office, baby books, parenting magazines and personal accounts from neighbors and friends, here is some unexpected information for those who are expecting.

Mental Changes

Blame the hormones! It is not just the apparent waist size that will change but the expectant mother’s mental state as well. Despite what husbands and boyfriends might suspect, their pregnant significant other has not gone crazy.

1. The Nesting Instinct

Many pregnant women experience a “nesting” instinct, a powerful compulsion to clean and prepare the home for the coming baby. They will purge, scour and organize like Mary Poppins after an energy drink. The cleaning frenzy intensifies as the due date draws nearer. This can be a good thing, giving the soon-to-be mom more time to focus on recovering and nurturing the newborn. However, as per-Korean tradition, this is what mothers and mother-in-laws are for: Miyukgook!

2. “Momnesia”

Pregnant woman may experience morning sickness (which does not always occur in the morning), fatigue and mental grogginess. Even well-rested women may experience difficulty concentrating, a lack of focus and forgetfulness. Surging hormone levels and new priorities make everyday tasks seem a little less important than the impending life event.

3. Mad-Eye Mood Swings

Forgive the Harry Potter reference. Mood swings may not feel like a laughing matter, but they can be. Take them in stride. Supportive partners will understand the hormone-induced emotional upheaval that can cause their wives or girlfriends to go from laughing one minute to crying the next or feeling a jumble of feelings all at once. It is often best to make light of the moment and accept that it, too, will pass.

Premenstrual symptoms are a lot like those women will feel during pregnancy. So if a woman experiences breast swelling or tenderness and mood swings, she is likely to have bigger versions of these during pregnancy. Mood swings are incredibly common and occur more frequently during the first trimester and towards the end of the third trimester.

Physical Changes

4. Bra Size

It is known that breast sizes increase during pregnancy. They have a growth spurt in the first trimester but do not necessarily stop growing there; breasts can continue to grow throughout the pregnancy.

It is not just cup size that increases, but the girth around the rib cage as well. Lung capacity increases, allowing the mother to take in extra oxygen, so she may have to buy several bras throughout maternity or an adjustable one to provide more space.

5. Skin

Pregnant women experience increased blood volume and blood flow, which increases oil gland secretion. Some women may benefit from the extra oil, dawning the “pregnancy glow,” while others experience acne (very common).

Darkening or hyperpigmentation can occur in the face (cholasma), a midline from their belly button to their pubis (linea negra), and in the nipples, areola, genital and anal region. Because the body does not produce the increased pigment uniformly, some women may see splotchiness.

6. Hair and Nails

 

Hair texture, growth (on the face, belly or nipples) and even color can change during pregnancy. Typically, hormones cause hair to grow faster and fall out less. Nails too may grow faster or become stronger, though some women complain that their nails split or break more easily. In both cases, these changes are not permanent and will stop after pregnancy or breastfeeding.

7. Shoe Size

Fluid retention can cause the feet to swell up to two shoe sizes, giving women a good reason to treat themselves to some well-deserved foot therapy. Feet may even remain a shoe size larger after childbirth.

8. Joint Injury

During pregnancy, the body produces relaxin, a hormone that prepares the pubic area and cervix for the birth by loosening the ligaments. However, as relaxin increases throughout the body, it causes the woman to be less stable and more prone to strains and pulls.

It is said that bearing children is a labor of love; well, love aside, it is a labor all the same. So, be especially considerate of growing mommies, as they will be experiencing enormous physical, mental and emotional changes in the months to follow.