You are 35 weeks and 3 days

This is a life-changing time for your partner too, so find positive ways to involve him before the birth.

32 days until your due date

Understandably, there's a lot of focus on women in the run-up to childbirth, but it's important not to neglect dads-to-be. Your partner may be getting anxious about the birth itself, worrying that he won't cope in the delivery room or about how seeing you in pain will affect him. Some men feel guilty that they can't share the pain or do more during labor. And beyond the birth, he may be anxious about being responsible for a newborn in just a few weeks!

If he seems anxious, talk to him and involve him as much as possible, from helping with pregnancy discomforts to preparing for the birth. If you've written a birth plan, go over it now and discuss what might happen and how he could help on the day. Practicing labor positions and breathing techniques together will make him more confident about helping you. If possible, he could come to your final prenatal appointments and raise any concerns with the doctor.

Ask a Doctor

I'm having my twins next week. Will I be able to love them both equally?

It's a common worry, but rather than favoring one child, a parent is more likely to give more love and attention to whichever baby needs it most at the time.

The strain of two babies at home may make delayed bonding more likely, but so can a traumatic birth, an exhausted mother or father, or one baby taking longer to establish feeding or being more unsettled. That doesn't mean bonding won't happen over time.

In every family there are ebbs and flows of love between parents and children. A parent with two children born at different times may love each differently, but that doesn't mean loving one is at the expense of the other. If you still have concerns once your babies are born, talk to your doctor.

Focus on

Dads: Getting ready

Have you done all your dad-to-be jobs? These include:

Buying a car seat and learning how to install it safely. You can't take your newborn home from the hospital without one.
Assembling the crib, if you'll be using one in the early weeks.
Making sure there's storage space for the baby's clothes, bedding, diapers, and other bits and pieces.

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.

I'm having my twins next week. Will I be able to love them both equally?

Dads: Getting ready

Appointments and key dates around now