Day 178 of 280, second trimester
You are 25 weeks and 3 days
Going to prenatal classes together is a good way for your partner to stay closely involved.
102 days until your due date
Not every dad-to-be is keen on prenatal classes. He may feel they don't apply to him or fear being asked to do embarrassing exercises.
If your partner is reluctant, talk about what the classes are for and why you want his support. Explain that you want him to know about labor so he isn't anxious in the delivery room. Talking to male friends who went to classes may help too.
Some sessions may be for couples and others separate, with women practicing breathing while men share their concerns. If time off work is a problem, ask for a list of weekly topics and pick the sessions most relevant to him. If he's well informed, he'll feel more involved and more confident helping you through labor and birth.
Time to think about
Family leave
Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), most companies must give employees, men and women, up to 12 weeks of unpaid family leave after a baby is born. Companies with fewer than 50 employees don't have to offer it, and you must have worked there for at least a year. Ask human resources about your company's leave policy, and have your partner do the same.
Focus on
Relationships: Anticipating changes in your relationship
It may seem obvious, but once your baby arrives, your relationship won't just be about the two of you. There's a tiny new person who wakes at night and has her own needs, so you'll inevitably pay less attention to each other. There may also be less physical intimacy, not least because you'll both be very tired.
It's best to talk about and acknowledge these things before the birth, so you both accept them as a normal part of going from a couple to a family.
Explainer
Closer together
What you learn at prenatal classes may bring you closer. Stay connected at home too, relaxing together and feeling your baby move.
Appointments and key dates around now
- Whooping cough vaccineUsually around 20 weeks, best before 32 weeks
Read the full 25 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.