How To Support Your Partner During Pregnancy?

Have you recently discovered that your partner is expecting your baby? If so, congratulations. Indeed, pregnancy is a time of joy and excitement for both parents. At the same time, it’s confusing for first-time fathers and mothers since they are unaware of the delivery and birth challenges. Thanks to social media, new parents are gaining more awareness than ever before. It’s hard, especially for the mom, since she goes through several physical and emotional changes. Therefore, your partner needs your support and care for a stress-free and healthy pregnancy.

If you are worried about how to support your partner during pregnancy, this post is for you. Whether you will be a first-time dad or already have kids, your support will strengthen the bond between you. 

You are just a few steps far from enjoying parenthood. So, keep reading till the end and enjoy your journey.

What does A Pregnant Woman Want From Her Partner?

A pregnant woman needs the love and support of her partner during pregnancy and after birth. According to research, pregnant women who don’t receive emotional support from their partners have a high level of anxiety that affects fetal growth. 

The mental health of a mom directly affects the health of a baby. Stress is threatening for the mother and child’s physical and mental health. Most women go through depression during pregnancy. However, they can overcome depression with the involvement of their partners. 

When a pregnant woman realizes that her partner is also facing all challenges for the coming baby, she becomes more energetic.

Tips To Support Your Partner During Pregnancy

If you want to support your partner during pregnancy and are unsure what to do, read the mentioned tips.

Learn About Pregnancy

First, you need to educate yourself about the changes happening in your partner’s body. She may be facing physical and emotional changes. You can get help from the internet, pregnancy books, partner pregnancy guides, childbirth classes or other new parents. You can also join pregnancy forums to know others’ experiences. The American Institute of Obstetricians and Gynecology has recommended this “ Partner’s Pregnancy Guide.” You can read it to learn more about pregnancy. 

De-Stress Your Partner

Your expecting partner just needs your help on each step of the pregnancy journey. She may be stressed. So, you should de-stress her by doing all those things that she loves. Take her to a movie or a candlelight dinner. Prepare special food for her. 

Celebrate each passing month of pregnancy and show interest in the upcoming baby. Get involved in prenatal tests and select the best health care provider and the birthplace. Prioritize her decisions and give value to her feelings to keep her happy throughout the day. 

Emotionally Support Your Partner

Your partner may experience moodiness, anxiety, and depression during the first trimester. Therefore, ensure your best emotional support by giving her extra love. Hold her hands and give hugs to reassure your support. If prenatal depression increases, talk to your healthcare provider about the treatment options. 

The second trimester is less tiring than the first and third one. Your partner will be happy because you are getting closer to meeting the baby. So, celebrate the happiness together and participate in upcoming events.

In the last trimester, your partner may have fears related to birth and postpartum. Make sure to fulfil her all needs. Keep her as happy as you can. 

Provide Physical Support In House Chores

During the first trimester, your partner will look exhausted, dizzy, nauseous due to hormonal changes. She may gag or vomit at certain foods and cravings for others. Therefore, you should pamper her as much as possible. In the case of too much morning sickness, consult your gynaecologist. 

Help your partner in house cleaning, laundry and cooking. Take responsibility for groceries yourself to avoid her making more tired. Cook her the food she is craving. Ensure that your partner is getting enough sleep. 

In the third trimester, your partner may be uncomfortable with the baby's weight. She may experience backaches, sciatica, round ligament pain, non-labour inducing contractions, foot swelling and heartburn. You should learn pregnancy massage techniques to ease her stress and pregnancy aches.  

Take Care Of Intimacy Needs

In the hormonal roller coaster, your partner may have an increased or decreased sexual desire. She may also be self-conscious about her physical appearance. Talk to her about her desires. Certain sex positions may be uncomfortable for her. So, select comfortable positions and go gently. Consider your partner’s preferences and take care of her intimacy needs.

Help Her In Lifestyle Changes

During pregnancy, your partner needs lifestyle changes such as taking a good nap, eating healthy abstaining from smoking, alcohol and caffeine. Encourage her to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Go on walks and cook healthier meals together. It will strengthen your bonding and make your partner happy. 

Postpartum Care

Baby birth is not an end; it’s a start of a new journey. Stay active and support your partner after birth. Help her feed, change and bathe the baby. Newborn babies don’t follow a sleep routine. It may be tiring for both of you. Therefore, divide the babysitting timing and ensure that both of you are taking enough rest. If you feel your partner is feeling down, take care of the baby and let her take a nap to revive her energy. 

If you have other kids, handle them in the early months of baby birth. Postpartum depression is most common in females, and you should be aware of it. Contact your psychologist if your partner has the symptoms of depression. You should do your best to make her feel special. 

Final Thoughts

Females need care during pregnancy, but you also need to take care of yourself. It will help you to support your partner effectively. You may be nervous about your role in pregnancy and childbirth. If you are strong, you’ll better care for your family. Share your feelings with your partner and listen to her fears. Talk to her if she needs you to be with her during labour. Provide your full emotional support during delivery. If you follow the tips mentioned in the post, you’ll have a great pregnancy journey.