If you just found out your partner is pregnant, congratulations! You are about to start on an exciting journey. While you are not the one carrying the baby, there are a lot of things you can do to support your partner. Here are five things to try:

1. Listen. A woman's hormones change a lot during her pregnancy and she may feel like she is going crazy. She will really need someone to listen to her and to tell her that what she is experiencing is OK. Avoid saying things like "I understand" because you really can't. Just listen, hold her, and reassure her that you love her and will not abandon her. If you start noticing that your partner is really struggling, though, gently suggest that she see her doctor or find a counselor.

2. Get involved. You may not care what color the baby's nursery is or how many onesies the baby will need, but these things are important to your partner. Help her research which crib is the safest, how many outfits the baby will need, which stroller will work the best, and anything else you can think of. Remember that the things that are important to your partner should be as important to you as she is. She will feel loved and supported as you talk to her about the baby and what it will need.

3. Take a class together. It is important to take a childbirth class before the baby is born. They are offered at hospitals and through private teachers. Discuss with your partner what kind of birth she would like to have and find a class that will support that decision. Remember that you can have a say in these decisions too. If your partner wants to have a home birth but you are uncomfortable with it, it is fine to bring it up and discuss it with her. The baby is yours too! 

4. Learn some massage. Pregnancy is hard on a woman's body. Watch some online videos (or take a class) and learn some massage techniques. Focus on the back, neck, and feet. Offer to give your partner massages as often as she would like them. Make sure she doesn't lay on her stomach after the fourth month, though. 

5. Make a list of baby names. This is another way you can show your partner that you care about the baby. Show her how excited you are. Even if you decide to wait until the baby is born to decide on a final name, surprise her with a list of some of your favorites early on in the pregnancy. 

There are so many ways you can get involved during your partner's pregnancy. Try these five things to get you started. Good luck! For assistance, talk to a professional like All Women's Clinic.