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A lot of women, especially in the first trimester, find being pregnant leaves them exhausted, weepy, and even lonely. A pregnant woman's body undergoes massive physical changes, she may be nervous about labor and delivery, and she may be feeling excited but overwhelmed by the idea of becoming a mother.

While you will be going through your own emotional adjustments, this is a time that your spouse really needs extra support and attention from family and friends, especially from you.

How do you show her that support?

Pay attention:...

A lot of women, especially in the first trimester, find being pregnant leaves them exhausted, weepy, and even lonely. A pregnant woman's body undergoes massive physical changes, she may be nervous about labor and delivery, and she may be feeling excited but overwhelmed by the idea of becoming a mother.

While you will be going through your own emotional adjustments, this is a time that your spouse really needs extra support and attention from family and friends, especially from you.

How do you show her that support?

Pay attention: Be attuned to how she's feeling and what she needs. Ask her how you can be helpful and supportive, and then try your best to follow through, suggests Judy Margulis, Ph.D., a psychotherapist in private practice in Berkeley, Calif., who has counseled married couples and pregnant women for more than 30 years.

Tell white lies: James Barron, author of "She's Having a Baby: And I'm Having a Breakdown," insists no woman really wants to know if she is less attractive or if her behind is sagging. Whatever you may really feel, reassure her as often and sincerely as you can that she is beautiful.

Be involved: Go to prenatal visits whenever your work schedule will allow, run out for foods to satisfy cravings, and accompany her shopping to find "a href="http://family.go.com/parentpedia/pregnancy/preparing-for-baby/what-to-buy-must-haves/">nursery furniture with her. The more involved you are, the more supported she'll feel.

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