Expecting a child is a beautiful journey filled with anticipation and emotion—yet it can also bring stress and uncertainty. For fathers, playing an active role in supporting your partner through her pregnancy not only benefits her health and well-being but also strengthens your family bond. In Singapore, where work commitments are often high, and family ties are deeply valued, being present and involved can make all the difference.
During the Pregnancy
Being Present and Making Time
One of the most meaningful ways you can support your wife is simply by being present. This means carving out quality time amidst busy schedules, whether at work or home. Paternity leave, now more widely recognized in Singapore, offers a valuable opportunity to share the caregiving responsibilities early on, from attending prenatal appointments to participating in household chores. For more information leave entitlements, check out our article on Parental Leave.
Pregnancy, with its endless appointments and physical discomforts, can sometimes overshadow your relationship. Make a conscious effort to prioritize each other. Spending quality moments together, such as asking about her day, sharing meals, or going on occasional date nights, helps rekindle the emotional connection that might be strained by the physical demands of pregnancy. According to HealthHub Singapore, nurturing your relationship creates a stable environment for both mother and baby, reducing stress and fostering emotional security. Small actions, like helping set up the nursery, choosing baby essentials, or participating in childbirth education, can have a lasting impact. Even routine activities like monitoring her health parameters during doctor visits offer support and reassurance.
Image: Hey Dads! Here Are 8 Ways To Get Involved - HealthHub Singapore
Attend Doctor Visits and Antenatal Classes Together
Accompanying your wife to her doctor's appointments strongly signals your support and interest. It also provides an opportunity to learn about the pregnancy's progress, ask questions, and address concerns. Most obstetric clinics in Singapore often welcome fathers to participate in checkups and encourage them to be actively involved, which can deepen your understanding of her physical and emotional journey.
Attending antenatal classes together is equally valuable. These classes not only shed light on labor and newborn care but also help both of you prepare emotionally. Seeing your baby on ultrasound scans also fosters bonding; you'll both share in the excitement and anticipation, making the experience more tangible and real. According to Family Assist Singapore, such shared experiences prepare couples for the challenges ahead and strengthen their partnership.
Image: Hey Dads! Here Are 8 Ways To Get Involved - HealthHub Singapore
Encourage Rest and Self-Care
Pregnancy can be exhausting, especially in the later stages. Encourage your wife to rest as much as she can, and lend a hand with household chores or caring for other children. If needed, coordinate with family or hire help to ease her workload. Even offering calming back or foot rubs can ease her discomfort and show your support.
Anticipating Changes
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Changes Mothers Face |
What Fathers can Do |
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Heightened feelings of uncertainty and worry about health, the upcoming birth, or even future family life |
Recognize that these feelings are normal. Encourage her to express her fears and concerns openly, and reassure her that she is not alone. Small acts of kindness, like preparing her favorite herbal tea or taking a walk together, can help ease her mind and reduce stress levels. |
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Feelings of exhaustion |
Words of encouragement can help boost her confidence and help her feel appreciated |
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Pregnancy may sometimes leave her feeling insecure or emotional. |
Offer her comfort when she’s tearful or irritable. Hold her hand, hug her tightly, and be patient. Your calm presence can help her better manage her emotions and feel a sense of safety amidst the chaos of changes. |
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Mood Swings: often caused by hormonal fluctuations |
Be patient and understanding. Avoid taking her reactions personally, and instead, offer gentle reassurance. |
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Food cravings |
Indulging in her cravings - this can be a source of joy and bonding during this journey. Just be mindful to maintain a balanced diet. |
Financial Planning
Pregnancy often comes with new expenses, such as medical checkups, maternity clothing and nursery items. As a Father, you can help reduce stress by taking an active role in financial preparation.
A great starting point for understanding potential medical expenses is your doctor’s office. Many healthcare providers offer brochures or breakdowns of estimated prenatal and delivery fees, which can help you plan ahead. Other tips include:
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Start budgeting early: Review current expenses and anticipate upcoming costs together. This helps avoid last-minute financial strain.
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Build a safety cushion: Setting aside even a small amount each month can help cover unexpected expenses, like extra medical appointments or baby essentials.
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Review insurance coverage: Check that your health insurance covers prenatal and delivery costs, and explore additional coverage if needed.
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Plan for post-birth adjustments: Discuss how finances may shift after the baby arrives, such as parental leave, childcare, or changes in work schedules.
Welcoming the Arrival of Your Child
The big day has arrived! No matter how many books you’ve read or classes you’ve attended, every labour is unique. Your presence and support can make a world of difference to your partner’s experience.
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Stay close and offer reassurance: Your calm voice, touch, and encouragement can help her feel safe and supported. Even simple gestures, holding her hand, wiping her face, or stroking her hair, can bring comfort.
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Talk about pain relief options: If needed, discuss these with your partner and the obstetrician, making sure her preferences are understood and respected.
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Ensure she stays hydrated: Labour is hard work, and regular sips of water can help keep her comfortable and hydrated.
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Mark your first fatherly role: Many fathers choose to cut the umbilical cord, symbolizing the beginning of their journey into fatherhood. Others capture the moment with photos or videos, first images that will be treasured for years.
Take Care of Yourself
The arrival of your baby is an incredible milestone, and it’s important to recognize all that you’ve contributed over the past nine months — supporting your partner, preparing for the birth, and navigating the many changes along the way. Even so, fatherhood can bring unexpected emotional challenges.
Research shows that about one in four fathers may experience postnatal depression. Signs to watch for include persistent feelings of overwhelm lasting more than a week, sadness, irritability, anger, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, or feeling disconnected from your partner and child. It’s important to remember that you are not alone. These symptoms can last up to a year after birth, but support is available. Talk openly with your partner, trusted family members, or other fathers going through similar experiences. Seeking help early is a sign of strength, not weakness, and can make a huge difference for both you and your family.
At CradleNest, we offer a supportive community and reliable resources to guide you every step of the way. Download the CradleNest app for more guides, personalised planning tools, and a network of parents just like you. Follow us on Instagram (@cradlenestsg) for updates, tips, and a peek into our growing community.
This article was informed by resources from the following:
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HealthHub Singapore – Hey Dads! Here Are 8 Ways To Get Involved
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Families for Life Singapore – Pregnancy Daddy Know-How
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Cryoviva Singapore – How Can Dads Support Their Expectant Mothers During Pregnancy?