Just about every guy I know who has become a father like I have, has spoken to me about the feelings of elation that they had when they found out they were expecting.
This is definitely a feeling that just about any guy cannot describe in words and it is really something you have to go through personally to fully understand the effect that it can have on you.
The problem is that a lot of these feelings of joy and happiness start to fade after a while, as you are not only filled with a lot of doubts and worry about your own ability to be a parent, but you'll soon see that there is a focus shifted onto your wife as she is pregnant.
She becomes the focal point, and a lot of times as the father you're going to feel left out during these long nine months, but this is only natural and you can change these feelings by the approach that you take.
Whenever you go to the doctor or midwife, all the questions are generally going to be directed at your wife, and whenever there is a baby shower, she is the one who is invited and not you.
When you are out and about, and people notice your wife is pregnant, she again becomes the focal point, and you are generally left standing around feeling a little unnoticed.
This also happens when you are around friends and family, especially as your wife gets into the latter stages of pregnancy, and just about everybody is bending over backwards to try and help her.
Many guys eventually becoming jealous of this attention, as just about every person likes to have some form of attention, even if it is in a subtle manner.
However, the role of a father in the pregnancy is extremely important, and there are a number of things you can do to make it easy on your wife.
First and foremost is you have to put your feelings of jealousy aside, and do everything you can to help her, as you have to realize she's going through a great burden carrying your child.
If there are dishes to be done or laundry that can be washed, then it is your job to finish these things.
Your role is going to be as a caretaker and nurturer, and to help ease some of the burden on her, and reduce her stress levels.
Keeping your wife relaxed and stress-free during her pregnancy, is easily the most important thing any new father can do for her, and your unborn child.