Dads-to-be role in pregnancy and labour

Dads-to-be can feel like a bit of a spare part when their partner is pregnant. Understandably the focus is on the mum-to-be and the developing baby but a dad's role shouldn't be underestimated.

There are plenty of studies that show how important it is for fathers to be actively involved in pregnancy and birth. The days of pacing a hospital corridor waiting to be told by a nurse in a starched bonnet whether your wife had given birth to a boy or a girl are long gone! Not only do most dads witness the birth of their children their involvement in pregnancy often starts as soon as the couple realise they're going to have a baby.

"Dads-to-be play an incredibly important part in pregnancy and labour," says Elizabeth Duff from NCT. "They may not have the same physical effects of pregnancy but the life changes, the highs and lows, are all happening to their relationship and life too."

It's often new territory for expectant fathers so we asked the experts to give their top tips.

1. Show support

Give emotional and practical support to your partner. Pregnancy may make her sick and tired, quite literally. Doing more chores around the house like changing the beds and carrying heavy shopping will make a difference.

Make sure she knows you have her corner and are there for her both in pregnancy and during labour.

Neil Sinclair is an ex commando and now a stay-at-home dad of three. He's written a series of 'Commando Dad' parenting books. Neil says, "A dad-to-be role is not a passive role, it's back up support for your partner aka the commanding officer."

On an emotional level let her know how much you love her and reassure her that you are there for her.

"Listen to your partner until she has finished speaking about her fears and worries, then go on to do some research about her concerns and then talk to her about what you've found," says Mark Harris, an independent midwife and author of Men, Love and Birth.

2. Be informed

Find out what you can about pregnancy and birth, how the baby is developing and what to expect during labour and birth.

The more information you have the more you'll know what to expect.

"Expectant dads can support their partners by reading up - books or online - about what pregnancy entails, to learn how they can provide practical, hands-on help and emotional empathy and support," says Rob Kemp, author of 'The Expectant Dad's Survival Guide'.

3. Attend antenatal classes and appointments

Make sure you are there for the baby scans and any meetings with doctors.

"Attend as many appointments as you can. Speak to your employers, HR or your line manager and explain you want to go to as many as possible," says Neil.