How a Father Can Influence an Unborn Baby

Obviously, Dad has much less influence on his unborn child than Mom does. Even talking to the baby before birth, while enjoyable for dad, might not have a lasting effect, as a fetus has a much greater response to Mom's voice than Dad's, according to a Canadian study published in the January 2009 issue of Infant Behavior and Development. Nonetheless, his emotional health and behaviors, including bad habits, could have some influence on the developing fetus.

  1. Reducing Stress

    • Maternal stress can have profound effects on fetal development, according to the March of Dimes website. Stress-related issues in the fetus can range from an increased risk of uterine infection and premature delivery to problems with brain development. Children exposed to high levels of prenatal stress may have difficulty paying attention in school or might have excessive anxiety, the March of Dimes site explains. Partners can be of the sources of stress during pregnancy; to help the unborn baby's development, Dad should help Mom stay calm, avoid arguments, pick up the slack around the house if possible and help keep Mom's mood on an even keel.

    Help Mom Stay Healthy

    • Eating healthy food, avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking and getting regular exercise all help a pregnant woman stay healthy. The healthier Mom is, the healthier the baby will be. Dad can help by going with Mom to prenatal appointments and learning what she needs to stay healthy, including encouraging her to take any necessary supplements. Helping prepare foods high in nutritional value and not bringing home junk food can also help both partners eat well. Taking a walk together after dinner helps her get the exercise she needs to keep weight gain under control.

    Dad's Mental Health

    • Dad's mental health during pregnancy could have some effect on his child's behaviors during the toddler years, a Norwegian study published in the February 2013 issue of Pediatrics found. The study looked at fathers' psychological distress during pregnancy and their child's behavior at 36 months. Researchers noted that children of fathers with high levels of psychological stress during pregnancy were at increased risk for emotional, behavioral and social problems at age 3. While it's most important for dad to help keep mom's stress levels down, he should also take care to deal with his own sources of stress.

    Quitting Unhealthy Behaviors

    • Certain parental behaviors can have lasting effects on a fetus. Smoking around a pregnant woman can increase the risk of stillbirth by 23 percent and increase the risk of birth defects by 13 percent, according to a British review of studies reported in the April 2011 issue of Pediatrics. If Dad can't quit, he should avoid smoking around the mom-to-be. Transmission of sexually transmitted diseases from Dad to Mom can also lead to premature delivery, stillbirth, low birth weight, neurological damage, blindness, deafness or chronic liver disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website warns. Any dad who think he might have an STD should have it promptly treated and 'fess up so Mom can get tested also.

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