Your partner's pregnancy will affect both of you, but possibly in different ways. The emotional impact of potential fatherhood will bring a major transition to your life (as it will hers) and if this is a subsequent pregnancy you will need to adjust to having another child.
For many fathers, the pregnancy will simply feel 'right', taking their relationship to a new level of commitment. However, for others, it may be viewed as a turning point where decisions need to be made. When the pregnancy comes as a surprise, time will be needed for you both to come to terms with it and perhaps to work out what you will do next (as individuals and/or as a couple).
In most cases, the woman will know about the pregnancy first, allowing her time to consider her immediate reaction and perhaps adjust to the news. However, you will usually not have the 'luxury' of time to adjust. Your initial reaction may be taken at face value, with your partner closely scrutinising your response, to see if you are happy, 'alright' or disappointed by the pregnancy. It may be that you feel conscious of wanting to do 'the right thing' for her, in how you respond or react to the news, as this can be something she remembers for a long time. However, while your initial response may be a focal point, it is also important to allow yourself some time and space to explore your own feelings and then to talk more about it after this point.
Other men find their situation is completely the reverse. They are excited about the pregnancy but the woman is not. Discussing and listening to how you are both feeling may help you to understand each other's reactions to the pregnancy and to work towards setting up some relationship strategies for the coming months (and eventually into parenting). Supporting her in how she is feeling will also help her to cope with being pregnant and coming to terms with it.
Keeping an open, honest line of
communication