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Here's one more reason to love doting dads! A just-released study suggests that paternal involvement during pregnancy reduces infant mortality -- lowering a baby's risk of low birth weight and a mom's risk of dangerous complications like anemia, high blood pressure and preeclampsia, which can cause preterm birth.
Researchers at the University of South Florida followed more than 1.39 million babies born in Florida over seven years and checked whether Dad's name was included on each birth certificate (which past studies suggest is linked to paternal involvement). Newborns with dad present in their paperwork were four times more likely to survive. The benefits of an involved dad were even higher for African American moms and babies, says the study.
One of the biggest benefits of dads being involved in pregnancy is in helping reduce the expecting mom's emotional stress. After all, aren't all the mood swings, night waking and hauling around extra weight easier when the dad-to-be is there to vent to -- and to carry the groceries?
How did your guy make pregnancy less stressful for you? Chime in below!
