Discovering that your partner is pregnant will invariably bring a feeling of surprise for most men, even if the baby has been talked about and planned. Many potential fathers will need some time to digest the news, however, as it is normally the woman that breaks the news to her partner, you will not usually have the luxury of experiencing your reactions on your own (as she may), before identifying how you really feel about it!
Your initial surprise may lead to feelings of immense joy, excitement and pride, especially if the baby was planned, or you have been trying to conceive for a while. You may feel relieved if you were concerned about your fertility, or if your partner has been having fertility treatments. Most fathers will feel extremely proud and excited that they have made a new baby with their partner, with many seeing the pregnancy as concrete proof of their masculinity!
Other feelings may include being proud you are able to extend your family 'line' (if this is their first baby) or perhaps being thrilled to find out that your child is a girl (after producing a boy), or vice versa. You may feel that providing your own parents with the gift of grandchildren is exciting, or you may start to fantasise about your role as a parent. Some men will go out and buy a football or a toy, in preparation for their parenting!
The news of your partner's pregnancy is one of the biggest life-changing events that you may ever experience. It can be fantastic news, with many men simply feeling in awe of their partner's ability to carry their child for nine months and then be able deliver her or him into their lives.