As you may personally already know, expectant fathers can feel sidelined at times during pregnancy, birth and even for the first couple weeks at home with their newborn. To start with, many women are just more comfortable around babies than men are. Little girls tend to grow up playing "house" with their dolls and start babysitting as soon as they're old enough. By the time they reach adulthood many women have already had some type of baby experience. Men, on the other had, typically haven't had any. In fact, before fatherhood many men have never even held a baby or changed a diaper. This inexperience can make many expectant fathers feel overwhelmed and intimidated by pregnancy, birth and the newborn period. But whether you are ready to jump into each new venture enthusiastically or prefer to take baby steps, there are plenty ways for you to get involved, feel connected, and come to really love your new role from pregnancy and beyond.

We turned the tables on the Emmy-nominated host from Entertainment Tonight to find out just how she makes this crazy thing called motherhood look so easy. Interview by Abagail Tuller.

We grew up with Danica McKellar and her TV alter ego, Winnie Cooper, on The Wonder Years. Since then she’s shown her stuff on film and TV and demystified math with her bestselling books Math Doesn’t Suck and Kiss My Math. Her third book, Hot X: Algebra Exposed, will be on shelves in August. And now the 35-year-old Southern California native happily anticipates the birth of her first child.

Like prenatal yoga, Pilates can help you connect with your body during pregnancy—and reduce your aches and pains. A system of strengthening and stretching exercises created nearly 100 years ago, Pilates is a complete workout that concentrates on your “powerhouse”—the stomach, hips, lower back, and buttocks—where your body needs to be strongest to support a growing baby and maintain good posture. Pilates also improves flexibility and tones the pelvic floor, helping you stay fit and get ready to give birth. Check out these great Pilates stretches for pregnancy, demonstrated by actress Bree Turner.