It’s so exciting for a woman to be pregnant! We get to take the test, share the news first, feel the little kicks, and watch our bodies transform. But what about your partner? How is pregnancy an exciting time for them, and how can you get your spouse involved in your pregnancy?

Here are five ways to get your spouse involved in your pregnancy:

1. Take him along to the doctor.

Now, I realize a lot of us are stay at home moms and our husbands do amazing things for us every day by supporting our families. However, it is important to encourage your spouse to go to some doctor appointments. With my first pregnancy, my husband was in the Navy, so he wasn’t always available for doctor visits. He was there for the majority of my fertility appointments and the really important prenatal visits. This time around, I have tried to encourage him to come by scheduling appointments when I know he is off work.

2. Include him in the planning.

Women are born planners. I love to have all of my ducks in a row. However, let your spouse get in on the fun. Encourage him to help you pick out baby gear, pick a nursery theme, and guide you on baby purchases. Of course, make him a big part of choosing the baby’s name. Include him on writing your birth plan. Take him with you to Babies R Us. Yes, it can be done. Get him as involved as you can. Even if he is hesitant, you will be glad you did.

3. Get educated together.

Go to childbirth classes or any other classes your hospital or birthing center offer. Have him read a book with you about becoming parents. Let him research parenting styles with you so that you are on the same page. Watch funny movies about parenting together. Have him talk to his family to find out what kind of a baby he was, as you do the same.

4. Talk about your feelings.

This one is touchy for some men, but I bet your husband would love to talk to you about your upcoming arrival. Let him feel the baby move or kick. Talk about what life will be like after the baby arrives. Make sure to be open and honest and enjoy the time together before baby makes his or her appearance into the world.

5. Let him be the daddy.

It’s so easy to do everything by ourselves as women. We tend to rely on our spouses to be there to assemble the crib, figure out how the swing works, etc. Let your spouse become a daddy. Give him equal say in matters that concern your children. Be a team. I bought my husband a book called “The New Dad’s Survival Guide” when our daughter was born. I knew that becoming a parent was a new adventure for him, just as much as it was for me.

However you do it, include your spouse. You will be glad you did when you see how much it means to him.

Karyn Meyerhoff lives and writes in Northeast Indiana. She loves her husband and thinks he is a great daddy!