Fathers have their own unique role in pregnancy. Even though you are not physically carrying this child (likely a source of enormous relief as you watch your partner struggle with morning sickness and other pregnancy fun), you are sharing the emotional weight of pregnancy, experiencing the same fears, joys, and occasional bewilderment as your significant other. In many cases, you also have the added responsibility of being her primary source of support. In fact, this may be the first time in your lives when she is in charge of the manual labor and you're the emotional caregiver. Try to enjoy this new vantage point — think of it as training for life as a dad.

This Wild Ride Called Pregnancy

Although your partner might not look very pregnant yet, chances are she's acting like it. Mood swings (or, emotional lability, in medical terminology), are the result of the many hormonal changes pregnancy brings and may be one of the first things you notice. So if you're laughing together one minute and being yelled at the next, don't take it personally. It's all part of the package.

Morning sickness, particularly when it is severe, can be a disturbing part of pregnancy for men. Supporting your partner during this difficult time — making sure she gets adequate rest, taking care of household duties, and catering to her food requests, no matter how odd they may seem — is the best way you can help both her and your child.

Fear of the Future

It's natural to feel rattled about providing for an utterly dependent and so tiny person. Practical matters, like being able to support a bigger family, may be dominating your thoughts right now. If you haven't already, talk with your spouse or partner about your concerns; chances are she shares many of the same anxieties you do, and working together as a family is the best way to face them head-on.