If you’re reading this, chances are you’re in a relationship with someone pregnant. Maybe this is your first child, or perhaps it’s your fifth. Either way, it’s an exciting time! But it can also be a stressful time, both for your partner and for you. After all, there’s a lot to think about and a lot to do. So how can you be supportive during your partner’s pregnancy? Here are some tips.
Agree On A Way You Want To Announce The Pregnancy
Before sharing the news of your partner’s pregnancy with the world, please sit down and agree on how to do it. This way, you can be on the same page about how (and when) you want to share the news.
Communicate, communicate, communicate.
The first and most important thing you can do is keep the communication lines open. This means being honest with each other about how you’re feeling, both good and bad. It also means being patient and listening to each other without judgment. If you’re not sure how your partner is feeling, ask them! And then listen to the answer.
Offer To Help Out Where You Can
Pregnancy can be physically and emotionally exhausting, so offer to help out around the house or with childcare if you can. If your partner works during pregnancy, offer to pick up the slack at home. Even just taking on some of the household chores can be a big help.
Be Understanding and Patient
Pregnancy can be a difficult time for many women (and their partners). Hormones are raging, morning sickness may be present, and a lot of change is happening both physically and emotionally. So try to be understanding and patient with your partner during this time. If they need some space, let them have it. And if they need to talk, listen.
Go To Appointments With Them
For many women, pregnancy is a very personal experience. But for others, having their partner by their side during doctor’s appointments can be a significant source of comfort and support (not to mention practical help). So if your partner wants you to come along to appointments, go with them!
Educate Yourself About Pregnancy And Childbirth
If you want to be fully supported during your partner’s pregnancy but don’t know much about pregnancy or childbirth yourself, consider doing some reading or taking a class on the subject matter. There’s no need to become an expert overnight, but having at least a basic understanding of what your partner is going through can be helpful (for both of you).
Be Positive!
Finally, try to focus on the positive aspects of pregnancy and impending parenthood (of which there are many). This isn’t always easy when things are tough, but it can make all the difference for you and your partner.
Compliment Them On Their Appearance
Pregnancy can be a beautiful time for a woman, even if she doesn’t feel like it. So tell her how gorgeous she looks, and mean it! A simple compliment can go a long way toward making your partner feel good about herself (and about being pregnant)
Tell Her You’re Excited About The Baby
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to tell your partner that you’re excited about the baby! This will help them feel supported and loved and remind them that you’re in this together.
Be There For Them On The Day Of Delivery
For many women, the day of delivery is both the most exciting and the scariest day of their lives. So be there for your partner, both emotionally and physically. Hold her hand, tell her she’s doing great, and let her know you’re right there with her every step of the way.
If you want to make her feel special, you can buy her a push present to remember this special day in your life. Jewelry is always a good option. Something like a beautiful ring or necklace will make her feel appreciated and loved. It will also serve as a reminder of this particular time in her life (and in your lives) every time she looks at it. Wholesale Sparkle offers a variety of options at affordable prices, so you’re sure to find something she loves.
Try To Satisfy Her Cravings
This one may be difficult if you’re not a pickles and ice cream fan, but try to satisfy your partner’s cravings (within reason, of course). If she’s craving something that you can’t stand, maybe you can find a way to make it more palatable for yourself. Or better yet, go out and buy it for her! She’ll appreciate the gesture, even if the food isn’t exactly to your taste.
Be Understanding If She’s Feeling Moody
Pregnancy hormone fluctuations can cause some women to feel moody or irrational. So if your partner is feeling weepy or short-tempered, try to be understanding. It’s not personal, and it will likely pass soon enough. In the meantime, be there for her, and try to ride out the storm.
Do Some Household Chores
If your partner is feeling fatigued or just plain old overwhelmed, offer to do some household chores for her. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping can take a lot of energy (and mental bandwidth) during pregnancy. So if you can help with these tasks, it will free up some much-needed time and energy for your partner.
Help Get Ready For The Baby’s Arrival
If you want to be genuinely supportive during your partner’s pregnancy, start thinking about (and getting ready for) the baby’s arrival. This may include tasks like setting up the nursery, washing and folding baby clothes and installing the car seat. Whatever you can do to help prepare for the big day will be appreciated. Pregnant women enter a nesting phase where they want everything to be perfect for their baby. If you can help with this, it will make her transition to motherhood much more accessible.
Show Affection Toward Her
Last but not least, show your partner lots of affection. This can be anything from holding hands and cuddling to giving her a massage or telling her how much you love her. Whatever form it takes, showing your partner some physical affection will help her feel loved and supported.
Help Her To Follow A Healthy Lifestyle
One of the best things you can do for your partner (and for the baby) is to help her follow a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. Pregnancy can be tiring, so if you can help your partner stick to a healthy routine, it will make a world of difference.
Take Parenting Classes Together
Consider taking a parenting class together if you’re serious about being supportive during your partner’s pregnancy. This way, you can learn about what to expect during the pregnancy and delivery and how to care for a newborn. In addition, it’s a great way to bond with your partner and get on the same page about everything.
Give Her Massages
Another great way to show your support is to give your partner massages. Pregnancy can be tough on a woman’s body, so a relaxing massage can be just what she needs. Plus, it’s great to show her how much you care.
In conclusion, being supportive during your partner’s pregnancy is essential. You can do many things to show your support, from helping out around the house to taking parenting classes together. Just remember to be understanding, patient, and affectionate, and you’ll be sure to make this a particular time for both of you.
