At some point, the mom-to-be will draw up their birth plan. That's a detailed description of how they want to do labor and delivery -- where to go, who'll attend the delivery, how they intend to labor, whom they want in the room, and what your role will be. Taking a birthing class together can help you figure out the best practical ways to support their throughout labor. Afterward, don't be surprised if they need you to "spend half an hour drying tears over the weight gain and explaining that, 'no, you don't look like a cow,'" Woods says. Another thing that could catch you off guard is the internal pelvic exam, which may be done in front of you. It's a standard obstetric procedure, but to the guy standing there while their wife has one -- even a guy who happens to be a medical doctor -- "no matter what, it just seems weird," Woods says.

From buying buggies and cutting the cord to dealing with your wife's breastfeeding in public - the life of a first-time father will throw up new experiences every day. Things will be different in the bedroom, too. The bed you share may seem less cozy as they become more uncomfortable and sleeps fitfully, making frequent trips to the bathroom in the night. You can help by accommodating them graciously -- for example, by making room for their gigantic body pillow. You may even lose your bedmate for a while, because some pregnant women prefer to sleep in a reclining chair. Sex during pregnancy is a whole other matter on which plenty has been written. One of the key focuses of The Birth Partner is providing emotional and physical support during childbirth. The book offers guidance on various comfort measures, such as massage, relaxation techniques, and effective positions for labor. Simkin also discusses the importance of communication between partners, coaching expectant fathers on how to offer verbal encouragement and reassurance during labor.

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From now until you snip the cord, a lot may happen that no one will have prepared you for ahead of time. There's no way to anticipate every possible scenario, but you need not be completely in the dark. It's also good to have an idea of ways you can be helpful to the mom-to-be. During the 20th week of pregnancy, an ultrasound exam is normally done. This is when many parents get a first glimpse of the baby and take home a sonogram snapshot for the baby's album. Sometimes ultrasound is used earlier in pregnancy to screen for birth defects or if a doctor suspects a problem. Ultrasound at 20 weeks can also reveal the baby's sex. You may choose to find out what it is or wait to be surprised. The Grand Finale

When the moment arrives, all might go according to the plan. Circumstances could also trash the plan utterly. Woods says that in his experience, having attended the birth of several hundred babies, it's usually the latter. This book acts as a friendly guide to teach any first time dad the basics. It takes you through the the stages of pregnancy from when you first discover the pregnancy, to the scans, birth and taking the baby home. You need 'Oh crap! it’s Potty Training.' She is amazing. And fun. Her method totally works. She makes you commit."(Tried and tested by Mumsnetter PiratePetespajamas) Our verdict First time parent by Lucy Atkins, it's very practical and straightforward, but has a friendly tone. We got it while I was pregnant and [my son] is 5 months now, we still keep it to hand." (Endorsed by Mumsnet user Fivebyfive2) Our verdictThis cleverly written book, modeled after an owner’s manual, provides clear and concise instructions on how to care for a newborn, making it a valuable resource for new fathers. The New Father: A Dad’s Guide to The First Year by Armin A. Brott Expectant Dad's Survival Guide is excellent. Properly researched and not patronising sexist crap. Lots of advice on how to support your partner in labour."(Vetted by Mumsnet user ammature) Our verdict Expert author?: What is the expertise of the author and can you trust their advice? Look for books written from reliable sources of information, particularly if they are focused on a particular approach to parenting, i.e. psychological. The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Philippa Perry. Not a parenting book exactly but I found it nothing short of life changing. It actually massively improved my own relationships. I can't recommend it enough."(Recommended by Mumsnet user Ihaveoflate)

In the worst throes of labor, they might tell you to get the bleep out of there. "Don't walk out," says Boulanger. "Be there from beginning to end." Getting involved early and "at every level," Boulanger says, not only makes things easier for the mother, but it also keeps you from feeling left out. Preparing the Nest The Birth Partner, written by renowned childbirth educator and doula Penny Simkin, is a comprehensive guide for expectant fathers, doulas, and other labor companions. The book covers various stages of labor, equipping dads-to-be with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support their partner during childbirth. By understanding the birth process and learning how to provide emotional and physical support, expectant fathers can play an active role in ensuring a positive birth experience for both mother and baby. The Birth Partner 5th Edition: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Partners, Doulas, and Other Labor Companions by Penny SimkinThis science-based book offers practical tips and advice on nurturing a child’s cognitive and emotional development, providing expectant fathers with valuable insights on raising a happy, intelligent child. Conclusion THE MUMSNET BOOK IS THE BEST FOR GOD'S SAKE YOU HEATHENS"(Recommended by Mumsnet user LittleMouseWithCLogsOn) Our verdict There's no way you can predict it, but on average, for a woman having their first baby, labor lasts 12-24 hours from their first contractions to delivery. Your partner may be in the early phase of labor for many hours before the hospital will admit them. If at all possible, spend this time together and help to keep them feeling at ease. When it's time, proceed calmly to the hospital. There are plenty of parenting books out there specifically for new dads but Rob Kemp's 'survival guide' is continuously recommended on the Mumsnet forums for being genuinely useful and the least patronising. See also: The New Dad's Survival Guide which we rank as one of the best parenting books for up to 18 months.

Mum-of-three Jenny Wonnacott is a Content Editor for Mumsnet, specialising in writing, editing and optimising pregnancy care and child play content. An accessible, practical guide for the father-to-be, about pregnancy, the birth and what to expect during the first 6 weeks from a man who has been through it all, multiple times. For every man who has heard those two magic words: 'I'm pregnant' ... and immediately thought of two of his own!This insightful book provides expectant fathers with strategies for cultivating patience, improving relationships, and creating positive memories with their growing family. Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know by Meg Meeker This groundbreaking book introduces innovative techniques for soothing fussy babies and helping them sleep better, making it a must-read for new dads. The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel And Tina Payne Bryson The thing about men and pregnancy is that there's only so much you can do -- the expectant mother really does all the work. They also get all the attention. We all know they deserves it -- and then some -- but it's a common source of tension for couples during pregnancy, says Leonard Boulanger, a clinical social worker and fatherhood specialist for the Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of Vermont and New Hampshire. "In the whole process, the father feels that he is being ignored," Boulanger tells WebMD. Expectant fathers often feel underprepared for the arrival of their new baby. By reading pregnancy books specifically designed for dads, they can gain valuable knowledge on pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. These books help build confidence, provide practical tips, and foster a deeper connection with both their partner and their unborn child. Best Books For Expectant Fathers What are your preferences?: It's always a good idea to know what sort of parenting tips you don't want - i.e., if you are against sleep training, don't go for an author known to advocate controlled crying.