Being a dad starts the moment you find out your partner is having your baby. Fatherhood is going to change your life. But since you’re not the one carrying the baby, you have to do a lot for her. And if you’re not sure exactly what, here are some hints for you.

Schedule her prenatal check-ups. Call your doctor and ask for a regular appointment schedule. This is to make sure your wife and your baby’s health will be in close watch all throughout the pregnancy.

Educate yourself on pregnancy. Your wife is experiencing it first-hand, but she doesn’t have to go through it alone. By reading up, watching about, and talking to your wife about pregnancy, you can be of more help to her in this nine-month situation. You can even sign up for childbirth education classes.

Be involved in the planning. Initiate talk about issues regarding adjustments you will make for the baby such as where the baby will sleep, safety measures for the baby, finances for baby expenses, and so on.

Make sure she sticks to her diet. Police her lifestyle to make sure she’s following everything the doctor prescribed her. Help out in the grocery, or you can do it on your own. Go with her as she does her routine exercises to make sure her heart rate doesn’t go beyond what’s ideal.

Your partner might still want to have sex even while pregnant. Having sex during pregnancy is ok unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Continue to practice safe sex to protect each other from infections.

Don’t lose your patience with her despite her mood swings. Pregnancy brings out the best and worst in women, including the worst moods. These are all normal during pregnancy, so just be extra patient this year.