Modern Fatherhood: Start Bonding During Pregnancy

Being a father today: your role begins in pregnancy

Being a parent in the 21st century no longer simply means "helping" or being "there when it's time." Today, the paternal role begins from the first positive test. Pregnancy is not just a matter of two on a biological level, but also emotionally, relationally and practically. Actively accompanying from the beginning can make a profound difference in the well-being of the couple, the future baby... and of yourself as a parent.

Pregnancy is yours too: a key stage to bond

Many men feel that pregnancy is a stage in which they are "spectators". But studies tell us otherwise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the active participation of the father during pregnancy is associated with better emotional outcomes, both for the mother and the baby.

The emotional connection between father and baby can begin long before birth: talking to the womb, attending ultrasounds, accompanying childbirth classes, and understanding the physical and emotional changes the mother experiences creates a safe supportive environment. This early bond favors a better transition to parenthood and promotes greater involvement after birth.

Parental involvement from the beginning generates long-term benefits.

Support without invading: active and respectful presence

It is not about "replacing" the mother or "playing the mother", but about finding your genuine way of being. Being attentive, listening, asking how your partner is feeling, learning together, sharing uncertainty, preparing important decisions such as the type of birth or breastfeeding... All of this is paternal from pregnancy.

Emotional support is especially important: according to the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP), women with a stable supportive environment are less likely to develop prenatal or postpartum anxiety and depression. And you are a fundamental part of that environment.

"Men who are involved from pregnancy develop a stronger bond with their children and report greater satisfaction in their experience as fathers."

What can you do during pregnancy?

You don't need to be an expert or have all the answers. It is about being available, with attention and curiosity. Here are some concrete actions that have a great impact:

• Accompany medical consultations and tests.
• Assist in informed decision-making (type of delivery, location, birth plan).
• Be aware of the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy.
• To create spaces to talk about the future, fears, illusions.
• Participate in the assembly of the baby's space.
• Read together about parenting, newborn care, breastfeeding, infant sleep, etc.
• Prepare yourself emotionally for birth and postpartum: the transformation is yours too.

Your bond with the baby begins before birth

Talking to him, singing to him, caressing his belly... They are simple but significant gestures. From the 23-25th week of gestation, the baby can hear sounds from the outside, including your voice. The U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) highlights that fetuses respond to auditory stimuli and that the repetition of a familiar voice can have calming effects at birth.

In addition, these gestures also help you become aware of your role, visualize your son or daughter, and build your own parental identity from the beginning.

The emotional connection of the father with the baby begins long before birth.

You also need care: conscious parenting from self-care

Becoming a parent stirs up many emotions: excitement, fear, doubts, pressure... And it is also valid to talk about them. Often, fathers feel invisible during pregnancy, as if they don't have "permission" to feel or need support.

Looking for spaces to share, talk to other men, do therapy if you need to, or even write about your process can help you integrate this new stage with greater awareness and well-being.