How advice compares for women and men.

ON FEELINGS

Women: "A mixture of positive and negative feelings about the pregnancy is normal and nothing to feel guilty about." The Pregnancy and Birth Book

Men: "Do you want this baby? Maybe you do, maybe you don't, but in the end most men go along with it anyway. Call it an overwhelming sense of responsibility if you like, although dismal inertia may be nearer the mark. Coming to terms with impending fatherhood has much in common with the process of bereavement."
Fatherhood: The Truth

ON MORNING SICKNESS

Women: "Avoid the sight, smell and taste of foods that make you queasy. Avoid food smells entirely if they trigger nausea ... Don't be a martyr and prepare sausage and eggs for your spouse if the aroma sends you rushing to the bathroom."
What to Expect When You're Expecting

Men: "I yearn for a nice rare steak washed down with a couple of bottles of red, but I'm forcing myself to make do with sucking on a carrot and sipping flower juice. It does work for the sickness though, because I'm totally sick of the whole thing."
From Lad to Dad

ON LOSS OF LIBIDO

Women: "There does tend to be some loss of libido during the first and third trimesters. This could be a result of increased hormonal activity at the beginning of pregnancy, causing nausea and tiredness, and of your large shape at the end." The Pregnancy and Birth Book Men: "There are the occasions when men stray during their partner's pregnancy. These tend not to be full-blown affairs that last for any length of time but opportunistic mistakes that can and do lead to complete disaster. Onlookers might argue that it is the worst time someone could choose to be unfaithful, and onlookers would be right." The Bloke's Guide To Pregnancy

ON MOOD SWINGS

Women: "Irritability, irrationality, weepiness and moodiness are normal in pregnant women, especially at the very early stages and if you normally suffer from PMS."
The Essential Guide To Having A Baby

Men: "Welcome to the dark side of your partner. Just as a truth drug can determine if someone is guilty of doing something wrong, hormones flowing freely in your partner's body will cause the exposure of all your weakness and limitations, not to mention any misdemeanours committed six years ago, before you even knew your partner."
The Bloke's Guide To Pregnancy

ON BIGGER BOSOMS

Women: "Get used to the chesty look . . . although it may not always be in fashion, it's one of the hallmarks of pregnancy."

Men: "Thanks to man's new best friend, colostrum, your partner's breasts will defy gravity and often belief. You will bear witness to your partner transcending the alphabet in cup sizes, all within a matter of weeks Unfortunately it is my experience, and the experience of many of the fathers interviewed, that the old maxim of 'look, but don't touch' will be employed almost at the same moment that your partner's ample breasts become, well, ampler." The Bloke's Guide To Pregnancy

ON THE BIRTH

Women: "You may be nauseated or vomiting, and feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope. You may feel totally pissed off with everyone around you. ( Abusive language is common and acceptable)." The Rough Guide to Pregnancy and Birth

Men: "A lifetime of watching Clint Eastwood films has prepared you for this moment. Narrow your eyes. Let your jaw become granite. Chew on a match if you have one handy. Say what needs to be said and show not a scintilla of weakness. It's your strength she needs. Go on punk, make my day." Fatherhood: The Truth