Some Tips for Living With a Pregnant Woman

   So, I am with child. I'm pregnant, but I am still capable of doing most of the work I did before I got pregnant and I insist on doing what I can. I'm just perpetually exhausted, generally in various forms of discomfort and believe it or not, despite being a woman and therefore designed for making babies, it is very trying and hard on the body. Especially when it comes to the end. Childbirth is the closest to dying a woman can get (without extreme circumstances like tragic car wrecks, etc).
   So, perhaps people should consider this. A man whose woman is expecting should make a point of helping out, maybe picking up some things she doesn't have the energy or ability to do anymore. Attempt at being nice to her more often. Maybe rub her feet or massage her back - pregnancy  causes many things to happen to her body, and she will generally ache. Her feet and ankles generally swell. Her sudden weight gain causes them to hurt much more and more often.
   A pregnant woman doesn't require someone to do all of her work so she can just sit or lay around (except in circumstances which require bed rest). Staying active by walking and doing her usual daily tasks is good for her and the baby. The more physically stressful things, like arranging furniture in the baby's room or such like, she shouldn't be doing, especially by herself.
   Also, remember that her hormones are perpetually driving her crazy. She will be easy to make cry and easy to make angry. There's not much that can be done to stop this. One thing that helps lessen the various outbursts would be to do your best to keep yourself in check. When she does something that angers you, or isn't as nice or polite as you like, try to over look it (unless it's truly important. Pick your battles very carefully). The things you know irritate her, avoid doing, at least around her.
   Also, try to give her a little bit more attention than you used to (helping out around the house as previously mentioned is a great opportunity for this). Remember, more often than not her self esteem has dropped (seriously, gaining that much weight, not being able to fit any of your favorite clothes and noticing your odd walk and what not really kills your self confidence.) Try to make her feel better about herself (and sometimes, the usual compliment of "you're beautiful" seems unconvincing to her, no matter how you say it. Try new ways to make her feel good about herself).
   As I said, although making babies is truly rewarding and always amazing, it is very hard on a woman's body and mind. It's a lot of big changes happening very quickly (although sometimes it can seem like forever!). Show some understanding, some appreciation, and willingness to help. We can't do it by ourselves, no matter how much we say we can.

   This is just a bit of information for those out there expecting their first, or even second or third. Sometimes, people need reminded.