Pregnant pause

“CANBERRA, Australia (Reuters) -- First-time dads-to-be are prone to put on weight and reach for the bottle during their partner's pregnancy, according to an Australian study.

A three-year Australian study by the Adelaide-based Flinders Medical Centre has documented a form of male pre-natal depression.

The study found on average men put on 1.6 kg (3.5 lb) and one in seven started to drink a dangerous amount of alcohol before the baby's birth to counteract stress and less sex.

"This was surprising because it was expected that the fathers would be more likely to feel anxious after the baby was born than before," FMC researcher Carolyn Corkindale told Reuters.

"Men get stressed and depressed because they are not prepared for the changes to their lifestyle, they have poor role models and are neglected during pregnancy."

The study of 312 men in Sydney and Adelaide, aged 18 to 40, found 5.2 percent of men were depressed and anxious before the birth, declining to 3.7 percent when their baby was a year old.

This mirrored the depression scores for women with 14.8 percent depressed after 23 weeks of pregnancy dropping to 8.9 percent when the baby was 12 months old.

Half of the men -- 52 percent -- reported their sexual activity was lower than they expected by the time their baby was one year old after a dramatic decline during pregnancy.

That was cited as one of the main triggers for pre-natal stress.”

“They were surprised? Were any of the researchers dads?”

“My newborn turns 6 weeks this week. That means my wife and I get a green light very soon. That's a GREAT Christmas gift!

I know, I know, that's too much info.”

“As my preteen would say ... TMI Dad! To Much Info.”

“My wife is expecting in May - 'nuf said. Now where are those M&M's...”

“I saw something on TV last night about mothers who breast feed well after 2 years. One mom is still doing it and her daughter is 5.”

“Freaks. Wonder what the La Leche League says about those folks.”

“I gained 20 lbs while we waited for Abby to arrive. I lost 22lbs within the next 8 months...

Dayhiker, THAT is a great Christmas gift. 6 wks is an eternity!”

“Congrats Coop, I have one due in July.

As for that study, shewt, ain't nothin holdin me back now!...”

“Congrats to you as well naked ape. We can meet on the trail with our baby backpacks. Of course I don't think Little Coop will be ready for a 10 mile day anytime soon.

Baby steps.”

“Hey Naked Ape-I aggree-the stuff while pregnant is some of the best-”

“Ditto to what Violin said!

Regarding weight: I gained 5-10 lbs. with each of my wifes pregnancies. That was a lot of weight for 4 kids! I eventually took it all off...and more.”

“I her'dat Joshman!! Did you just say that?! Indeeeeeed brutha ....

Big Coop, now that'd be right cute.”

“Some things to watch for...”

“YIKES!!!”