How to Step Up For Your Wife Before the Baby Arrives

I’m just going to say it: those last few weeks before the baby arrives are a whole thing. If you’ve been there, you know. If you haven’t, buckle up, bro. This is when your wife is an emotional, hormonal powerhouse, and you’re in the splash zone. But don’t worry. You’re not just a bystander; you’re the co-pilot and this plane's about to fly through some turbulence.

Here’s what I’ve learned from navigating two pregnancies with my wife, Sarah—once with our daughter Olivia (3), and more recently with our son Luca (a few weeks). Those last days before delivery can be intense, but they’re also an opportunity to step up, be supportive, and maybe even earn a few husband points you can cash in later (say, when the baby’s crying at 3 a.m.).

1. The Art of Anticipating Needs

During Sarah’s pregnancies, I discovered that part of being supportive is mastering the fine art of anticipation. Think she might want a snack? Don’t ask, “Do you want anything?” Just grab her favorite ice cream or that weird snack combo she suddenly loves (pickles and peanut butter, anyone?). Is she adjusting her position on the couch for the 87th time in an hour? Offer a pillow, a back rub, or a footrest before she has to ask.

Studies show that emotional support during pregnancy reduces stress for moms and can even lead to better birth outcomes. Translation: your effort matters. Even the little things.

2. The ‘Honey-Do’ List Isn’t Optional

I’m not saying you have to suddenly become Chip Gaines and build her a new nursery with your bare hands, but if there’s ever been a time to tackle the to-do list, it’s now. Assemble the crib, hang the blackout curtains, clean the car seat (yes, clean it), and maybe even tidy up the house.

Trust me: nesting isn’t just for her. She’ll feel more at peace knowing things are handled. And if you’re like me and aren’t exactly handy, YouTube is your best friend. Also, Sarah still laughs about the time I put Olivia’s crib together backward, so hey, even your mistakes can become stories.

3. Be Her Emotional Punching Bag (Within Reason)

Look, pregnancy hormones are wild. One minute Sarah was laughing at a dog video, the next she was crying because the dog looked lonely. You can’t predict it, so don’t even try. Just roll with it.

When she’s frustrated, let her vent. When she’s anxious, listen without trying to “fix” anything (pro tip: she doesn’t want solutions; she wants to feel heard). And when she’s crying because the pantry is out of her favorite crackers, just… go buy the crackers.

4. Be Present (Physically and Mentally)

This one’s big. In the weeks leading up to delivery, Sarah didn’t just need me to be around; she needed me to actually be there. Phones down, ears open, fully tuned in. It’s easy to zone out after a long day, but she’s carrying a whole human, so I figured the least I could do was pay attention when she needed me.

And hey, this is your last stretch of time as a duo before you’re officially outnumbered (if you’re on kid #2 or more, you’re already outnumbered, but you get my point). So soak it up.

Oh, and pack the hospital bag. Double-check it. Then check it again. Don’t be the guy who forgets the phone charger.

5. The Power of Small Gestures

One night during her third trimester with Luca, Sarah mentioned that she missed her favorite café’s lattes. The next morning, I showed up with a decaf latte (pregnancy rules, man) and a muffin. She looked at me like I’d just hung the moon.

It wasn’t a grand gesture, but it showed I was paying attention. Sometimes, the small things—her favorite decaf, folding laundry without being asked, or running a warm bath—make the biggest impact.

6. Know When to Shut Up (and When to Speak Up)

Pregnancy is one of those times when silence is truly golden. If she says, “Do I look huge?” don’t answer that. Just don’t. Compliment her instead. Tell her she’s beautiful, strong, and growing a miracle inside her (because she is).

On the flip side, speak up when it counts. If something feels off or she’s in pain, encourage her to call the doctor. Better safe than sorry.

Final Thought

Being there for your wife in those final weeks isn’t about grand, sweeping gestures or knowing all the answers. It’s about showing up, being present, and proving that you’re in this together.

If fatherhood has taught me anything so far, it’s that you’ll never have everything under control. But being a great husband and dad isn’t about control—it’s about being willing, attentive, and just a little bit better today than you were yesterday.