Chances are you’re finding pregnancy all consuming and can think of little else. However, this is an exciting and important time for your partner and your baby's siblings so don't forget to include them in all the wonderful experiences you are enjoying. The more involved they are, the more support you’ll get.

Overall

This is a great time to get the whole family on a healthy eating plan and enjoying regular exercise. Plan meals together and enjoy activities like swimming and scenic strolls.

Getting Your Partner Involved

Get your partner involved in the prenatal activities:

• Book ultrasound scans when you are both available.
• Tour the hospital together.
• Prepare for the new baby by attending prenatal classes.
• Have your partner do a dry-run in the car to check the best route to the hospital and time how long it will take.

Remember to pack a hospital bag for both of you, including a fresh T-shirt which is essential after a long night in a hot delivery room, a toothbrush and a stash of drinks and snacks to keep going.

Prepare a list together, complete with email addresses and telephone numbers, of who to contact with the good news when your baby is born.

Getting Siblings Involved

If you already have another child, or children, you may be concerned about their reaction to a new baby. Stay positive and include them in as many of the pre-baby preparations as possible. Below are a few ideas to help smooth the way.

• Tell siblings, however young, that you are having another baby when you tell the rest of your friends and family so they don’t overhear conversations and worry.
• Always refer to the new baby as 'our baby’ or even 'your baby’.
• There are many good age-appropriate books about new babies, which you can read to your children.
• Take siblings to the hospital with you on one of your ultrasound appointments so they can picture where you are when you go to have your baby.
• Once your baby starts kicking encourage siblings to feel for kicks. Let them talk to and cuddle your bump.
• Make a scrap book for the new baby with your first child or children. Include a photo of you pregnant, an ultrasound picture, interesting details of your pregnancy like special cravings, newborn photo and birth size and weight. You can go on to include details and photos of big baby moments – first food, first step, bathing etc. Leave the last page blank to hold a photo of you, the new baby and brothers and sisters.
• Ask friends with very young babies to visit so siblings can see what tiny babies are like and won’t mistakenly imagine that an instant playmate is on the way.
• When you get old baby clothes out of storage for the new arrival, take some time to look at them with siblings and share your memories.
• Increase the amount of time you and your partner spend with the children well before the birth.
• Make any big changes like moving beds, starting nursery school or potty training at least two months before your new baby is due.