Who is Tougher During Pregnancy?

Is Pregnancy Tougher for the Man or Woman?

July 9, 2008

Pregnancy affects everyone differently. Some expectant mothers are happier and livelier than ever before while others become emotionally distraught and fretful. But what about the other half?

Even if he's excited for the impending birth, the financial burdens of welcoming new life into the family can make a man anxious. Other fathers–to–be start to feel more heat from their pregnant wife demanding late night ice cream, painted nurseries and car seat installation.

Who do you think has it rougher during pregnancy: man or woman?

Source

21 Comments

snowbunny11 4 years 45 weeks

"the financial burdens of welcoming new life into the family can make a man anxious. Other fathers–to–be start to feel more heat from their pregnant wife demanding late night ice cream, painted nurseries and car seat installation."Um, what century are we living in where women don't have financial concerns, paint nurseries and install car seats? I feel like I've been transported back to 1950....

snowbunny11 4 years 45 weeks

"the financial burdens of welcoming new life into the family can make a man anxious. Other fathers–to–be start to feel more heat from their pregnant wife demanding late night ice cream, painted nurseries and car seat installation." Um, what century are we living in where women don't have financial concerns, paint nurseries and install car seats? I feel like I've been transported back to 1950....

phatE 4 years 45 weeks

Luv2Baby you're referring to the physical side of things, alot of people here are referring to the emotional.. I think alot of people underestimate the pressure, stress and fear alot of father go through. ALOT of women don't have to deal with the same pressures as men..(some do, and if it's a single mom they have to deal with both)Women are also more supported emotionally in comparison to men who really aren't and really don't feel like they can be. Also, (I said this in my last comment)but the mom has that connection and bond instantly, which allows her to see the purpose of why she is dealing with the physical and emotional crap, whereas the dad doesn't have that, and studies even show the dad really doesn't feel that until the baby is actually born... I think most people would say that in most scenarios there are benefits to carrying a baby, and that it's not all crap. Basically, I am saying there are physical and emotional things unique to both, I am not saying the men's is worse than the women's by ANY means, but I am saying don't overlook it or discount it because he's not having to actually carry the baby or give birth..

phatE 4 years 45 weeks

Luv2Baby you're referring to the physical side of things, alot of people here are referring to the emotional.. I think alot of people underestimate the pressure, stress and fear alot of father go through. ALOT of women don't have to deal with the same pressures as men.. (some do, and if it's a single mom they have to deal with both) Women are also more supported emotionally in comparison to men who really aren't and really don't feel like they can be. Also, (I said this in my last comment)but the mom has that connection and bond instantly, which allows her to see the purpose of why she is dealing with the physical and emotional crap, whereas the dad doesn't have that, and studies even show the dad really doesn't feel that until the baby is actually born... I think most people would say that in most scenarios there are benefits to carrying a baby, and that it's not all crap. Basically, I am saying there are physical and emotional things unique to both, I am not saying the men's is worse than the women's by ANY means, but I am saying don't overlook it or discount it because he's not having to actually carry the baby or give birth..

luv2blazy 4 years 45 weeks

Seriously, who said the guy?!? Hate to be graphic here, but...big baby, tiny little hole. The worst thing my husband had to do was go to Applebees 2 times a week to get me the oriental chicken salad and french fries I was craving. I had swelling, heartburn, weight gain...etc.

lucyS 4 years 45 weeks

It's definitely the woman. I haven't seen too many of the husbands suffer months of daily nausea and vomiting, not to mention gestational diabetes, severe heartburn, I could go on and on with this list.

Kristinh1012 4 years 45 weeks

When I said a man could go drink it off, I was Joking. Only said it because when I was pregnant every once in a while I would think......Wow, this is kind of stressful sometimes I would be nice to relax with a glass of wine. Of course I would never do that!

Greggie 4 years 45 weeks

Neither. I fully believe it's 50/50 and we have totally different challenges to face during pregnancy. I'd venture a guess that some women I know made pregnancy far harder on their husbands than themselves, but overall, I'm sticking with 50/50.And like phatE's comments, none of that applies to single mothers with no support, as that's totally different and obviously much harder.

Greggie 4 years 45 weeks

Neither. I fully believe it's 50/50 and we have totally different challenges to face during pregnancy. I'd venture a guess that some women I know made pregnancy far harder on their husbands than themselves, but overall, I'm sticking with 50/50. And like phatE's comments, none of that applies to single mothers with no support, as that's totally different and obviously much harder.

phatE 4 years 45 weeks

This is just my opinion so take it with a grain of salt.. I think alot of women completely disregard that it may be hard on a man, and focus on themselves the entire time. I do think it's hard on the woman, and yes they have to have the baby, etc. etc. BUT, the woman is experiencing the changes and connecting where as the man isn't getting that same opportunity, people even say men don't connect like the women do until they actually see the baby, and so I think if that's the case, and they have the stress of caring for their wife, being financially stable, work, becoming a father,etc that's a lot of stress and while it may not be physical I think it's got to be really hard mentally. Whoever said they could just go drink it off, do you really think that.. I think women put alot of pressure on their husbands, which is fine, but I think they should really try and see it through other eyes besides their own.. 2 people made that baby, 2 people deal the range of emotions and burdens that go with it. (as well as the joy and excitement) not just the mother.. Oh, and FYI: this is NOT directed towards single mothers, I think that's an entirely different situation.

phatE 4 years 45 weeks

This is just my opinion so take it with a grain of salt..I think alot of women completely disregard that it may be hard on a man, and focus on themselves the entire time. I do think it's hard on the woman, and yes they have to have the baby, etc. etc. BUT, the woman is experiencing the changes and connecting where as the man isn't getting that same opportunity, people even say men don't connect like the women do until they actually see the baby, and so I think if that's the case, and they have the stress of caring for their wife, being financially stable, work, becoming a father,etc that's a lot of stress and while it may not be physical I think it's got to be really hard mentally. Whoever said they could just go drink it off, do you really think that.. I think women put alot of pressure on their husbands, which is fine, but I think they should really try and see it through other eyes besides their own.. 2 people made that baby, 2 people deal the range of emotions and burdens that go with it. (as well as the joy and excitement) not just the mother..Oh, and FYI: this is NOT directed towards single mothers, I think that's an entirely different situation.

nancita 4 years 45 weeks

Yeah, sorry dudes. I know it's hard to deal with a grumpy mate, but there are just an endless array of physical discomforts that could potentially befall a pregnant woman, I think she has license to whine.

bluepuppybites 4 years 45 weeks

I do think it's harder on the woman, especially if she's single and going it alone. But if you are lucky enough to have a man around, it's tough for him too. I know I was no easy pill to sallow, but for everyone it's usually all worth it in the end.

macgirl 4 years 45 weeks

Yeah I wanted to say it was a 50/50 thing but if I really think about it... as much as I was hard to handle due to hormones, fatigue, sickness, just all around being pregnant- as annoying as I may have been to him he didn't have all that stuff going on. My husband is a saint and supported me so much through the whole thing. There was a sexy hormone 2nd trimester bonus in it for him though ;-)

colormesticky 4 years 45 weeks

While I give men points for putting up with crazy pregnancy hormones, they don't have any physical problems to deal with. And the financial burden is shared.

Dana18 4 years 45 weeks

Woman have the tougher time. Men might have a lot of issues about being a good father. But woman have the physical and mentally deal with being a new parent.

TwistandShout 4 years 45 weeks

Definitely the woman. Not every pregnancy is a happy, supportive, healthy couple deciding to expand their family. In many situations, the man walks out completely and doesn't give his babe a second thought. A woman can't do that. Even if she does choose to abort the baby, she often deals with guilt and general pain as a result.

pinkprincess1101 4 years 45 weeks

i think a woman

pinkprincess1101 4 years 45 weeks

i think a woman

gab6784 4 years 45 weeks

While I'll admit that the man has it hard sometimes, the woman is the one who is sick, achy, bloated, etc AND has to deliver on top of all the worries and anxiety that comes with being pregnant.

Kristinh1012 4 years 45 weeks

Definitely the woman. We have to go through a million changes and the stress of KNOWING we have to give birth and then after sitting on that thought for 9 months actually do it. Plus if the man is stressed he can go sip a nice cocktail to put him at ease for a bit or get away for a few, we just have to deal. When you are pregnant there is no getting a break.

Link Love

21 Comments

You Might Also Like