I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we’re a very huggy family. But if you throw pregnancy into the mix, prepare for a disruption to the status quo.

My wife is starting to show quite prominently at the moment, which is something poor Jack is finding difficult to get his head and – quite literally – his little arms around.

A typical example of how a bump changes things is in the mornings.

Pre-bump, Jack’s morning began with getting into our bed for a “tummy cuddle” with mum while I go and have a shower. This was often followed by Jack leaping, jumping, running and flopping around on the bed and whoever has the misfortune of being in it at the time.

But with a baby in mummy’s belly, Jack has had to adapt his morning routine. It’s no longer the “lie on top of mum” tummy cuddle I’m used to seeing, but something far more awkward.

Jack has pretty much given up on any jumping too – much to my relief. Most likely, he’s tired of being warned to be careful of mummy’s belly.

Hugging in general is more difficult for my wife and Jack in other scenarios too. As most second-child mums will testify, lifting, catching and sitting a nearly-four-year-old on your knee becomes much less appealing, safe and practical during mid-to-late pregnancy.

In our family, the upshot has been rather nice – for me at least. The dearth of mummy cuddles means daddy has to fill in as understudy.

I was never short of hugs with Jack, mind you, but it’s nice when you’re the first port of call rather than the bonier, stubblier second choice without the pillow-like boobs.

This morning was a perfect example of this. Jack gave me a super-long hug after we’d both got dressed for work/nursery – exactly the sort of thing I need before I step out the door for the daily grind.

Fortunately for me, we’ve a good few months of pregnancy still to go. Long may the dad hugs prevail!