The father's guide

The Father's Role in Month 6 of Pregnancy

Your role as a father in month 6 of pregnancy is to show up for the long appointments and ease the aches that grow with the baby. The key step this month is going with your wife to the glucose test: it is a long visit, and your company makes a real difference. If you are asking how to support your pregnant wife in month 6, start with being there, patience, and taking on more at home.

What happens this month

According to the NHS, at week 24 the baby is around 30cm long from head to heel, about the size of a corn on the cob, and is now considered viable with specialist care. The NHS explains that your wife may feel pains around her ribs, back and stomach, because pregnancy hormones loosen ligaments and muscles and the growing baby presses on her body. She may feel hungrier too, although the NHS says there is no need to eat more until the third trimester.

How to support your wife in month 6

• Go with her to the glucose test: it is a long visit and your company makes a real difference. Bring snacks for afterwards.
• Take over jobs that need bending or carrying heavy things, as back and rib pain build at this stage.
• Help her rest in the evening with an extra pillow behind her back, and ask what helps rather than guessing.
• Start talking about a birth plan, what she would like during and after the birth, which the NHS suggests around this week.
• Put the next check-ups in your own phone so remembering them is not left to her alone.

When to call the doctor

According to the NHS, seek medical advice for any bleeding. Call the doctor straight away if your wife notices bleeding, however light.

Sources: NHS

The mother's guide: month 6

This guide is general information, not medical advice. It does not replace a doctor, and it knows nothing about your particular pregnancy. If something feels wrong, contact your doctor instead of waiting for the next scheduled visit.