This invaluable book explores the emotional, financial, and even physical changes the father-to-be may experience during his partner’s pregnancy. Written in an easy-to-absorb format and filled with sound advice and practical tips for men on such topics as how to make sense of your conflicting emotions, how pregnancy affects your sex life, and how to start a college fund, this volume reassures, commiserates, informs, and entertains. It also incorporates the wisdom of top experts in the field, from obstetricians and birth-class instructors to psychologists and sociologists.

This new edition features the latest research on many topics from preconception issues, overcoming infertility, and information addressing assisted reproductive technologies to prenatal communication and education. An update of the childbirth section reflects the fact that about 80 percent of all deliveries are done with epidurals and provides new information on c-sections. The finances and insurance sections have been completely overhauled. There is new information on work and family matters, tons of tips for young dads, advice for stepfathers (first child for dad, second or more for mom), a concise section about military fathers, and a revised resources chapter and bibliography.

Illustrated throughout with New Yorker cartoons that will make even the most anxious father chuckle, this book is the essential reference for all expectant couples.

Armin Brott has written on fatherhood for hundreds of newspapers and magazines including The New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, The Washington Post, American Baby, and Parenting. He also writes a nationally syndicated newspaper column (“Ask Mr. Dad”) and hosts a weekly, nationally distributed radio show on parenting. He and his family live in Oakland, California.

Jennifer Ash is the author of Abbeville’s Tropical Style. She lives with her family in New York City.