We’re glad you’re asking here, but also make sure you talk with your doctor about what to expect and get some books on the topic, too. There’s a lot to learn about!

During the last three months of pregnancy, a fetus typically turns itself around, so it’s in an upside down position. Babies usually come out head first, so the fetus turns to get in the “birthing” position. The fetus also usually drops (moves lower in the body) when it gets closer to delivery time.

During the third trimester, your body also starts preparing for the birth. Your muscles and ligaments will loosen up. You might feel off balance and like you’re not in charge of your own body. You may also begin feeling contractions in your uterus. These are called “Braxton-Hicks” contractions and prepare the uterus for the work of pushing the baby out. They also help to slowly open your cervix.

When you go into labor, these contractions will intensify and they’ll start to hurt. Your water might break; this is when the amniotic fluid that has helped keep your baby alive and growing the past nine months is done doing its job. Once your water breaks, delivery has to follow soon after, or else there is a risk of infection to both mother and baby.

Giving birth is a natural process. Your body will do the work, without much help, in most cases. Riding through the contractions is often the toughest part. Most hospitals offer birthing classes that you can take with the baby’s father or another supportive person in your life. These classes explain the whole process and give you ways to cope with the pain. Be sure to talk to your health care provider about pain control options during delivery. Think about whether you want an epidural, which is an injection that basically numbs your pelvic area. Your doctor can talk to you about the pros and cons of this, as well as other types of pain management.

Being in the delivery room to experience childbirth can be an intense process, whether it’s the baby’s father or another person or people who are important to you. Some young dads who have participated in the delivery say they experience intense connections and a sense of responsibility when they see and hold their newborn child for the first time. If they have a positive relationship, the mother may want to involve the father in the birth. If this is the case, it’s important for all involved to make space and provide support to young fathers who want to be positively involved.