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Maternity is a matter of fact; Paternity is a matter of opinion. – Proverb.
I am an old-fashioned demi-god. I believe in traditional virtues and vices. I also believe that women get pregnant, couples do not.
So, please, if you are a man announcing the exciting news of your impending fatherhood to others, stop saying that ridiculous and offensive phrase, “We are pregnant.” No. Your wife (or girlfriend[1]) is pregnant. She is going to do all the hard work for the next nine months.
And, to the women reading this book, why would you ever submit to such pandering paternalistic propaganda and use a phrase like “we are pregnant”? Please, take some credit for growing a life inside of you. It is an extraordinary act that should not be dismissed by sharing credit with a sperm donor.
As to pregnancy itself, I have very limited advice, but it is important.
First, seek out the latest information in nutritional knowledge and eat the most healthy foods possible. Women should eat whatever is recommended for healthy fetal brain and body development.
It is of great concern to me that the nutritional value of foods available to many mothers is so poor. A century of industrial agriculture has led to a massive increase in available calories, but to a resultant decrease in the nutritional value of each calorie. I recommend eating organic fruits and vegetables and pastured or wild meats.
Second, complete any pending projects before the birth. Unless you have had a child before, you really have no idea how much time it takes to raise a child. If you have plans to take some classes, learn a new skill, write a book, etc., get it done now.
For those of you without children who think you have no free time now, you are completely, unequivocally, and irretrievably wrong. Stop watching TV, stop going out to bars, stop shopping all the time and get your task done.
Third, spend some time with your friends now, you won’t be seeing much of them after the baby is born. Unless your friends have children, they will not understand your sudden unavailability after the birth. They may distance themselves from you. Not out of malice, but simply because you cannot be spontaneous any more. Prepare yourself for changing relationships.