When your partner is pregnant, it can be hard to know all the ins and outs of what to do be there for them. Here’s a helpful guide on how to support them during pregnancy.
by Atomic Mommy Editors
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Pregnancy is a life-changing experience, and having support from your partner cannot be underestimated. Indeed, it takes an emotional and physical toll on the pregnant woman and her partner. In the US, it is estimated that 56.9% of partners were actively involved from pregnancy through to delivery. For others, however, the pregnancy period can be a maze of confusion without a single piece of knowledge on how to provide support. Fortunately, this article highlights three ways to be a supportive partner by helping them have a stress-free pregnancy.
1. Learn everything about pregnancy
Without knowledge, there isn’t much you can do to support your pregnant partner. This is why educating yourself about pregnancy and changes in your partner’s body is crucial. Apart from the physical changes, there are noticeable differences in their mood and approach to emotional situations. Usually, morning sickness and fatigue play major roles in this, so keep this in mind. Understanding things on this level will make knowing when and how to step in as a supportive partner easier.
You will find reading about prenatal care, childbirth, and the postpartum period are extremely helpful to prepare you for the times ahead. Everything you learn will be useful to create an awareness of your partner’s changing needs and how to meet each phase without getting on her last nerve. Sometimes, that necessary empathetic support can be as simple as staying close and not uttering a single word.
2. Prepare for the arrival of the baby.
A baby’s arrival can be overwhelming, but the emotions are heightened more-so for first-timers. Most couples get ready by purchasing strollers, baby car seats, cribs, and in many cases, setting up the nursery. The preparation stage can also be an excellent time to use a baby name generator to explore names for your yet-to-be-born child.
While these are important, discussing a birth plan with your pregnant partner would be even better. This must be done with the healthcare provider to ensure your partner’s and child’s safety during the birthing process.
Further than these things, you can provide additional support by attending childbirth classes together. The objective here is to learn the breathing and relaxation techniques that may be used during delivery. If you and your pregnant partner decide on a home birth, preparing for a medically reliable alternative is important if things do not go well.
3. Encourage a healthy lifestyle.
Pregnancy is when your partner experience the most cravings for unhealthy foods. If the OB/GYN hasn’t advised against it, your pregnant partner can indulge in cravings like ice cream, cream-filled donuts, chocolates, and so on. However, guiding and supporting your partner to live and eat healthily is also important.
Did you know you can influence her to eat better simply by doing the same? Perhaps, you should check what’s on your plate, and if it’s not healthy, you may want to consider learning what syndromes could be caused by unhealthy eating, such as Couvade Syndrome or Autism. Though, the best way to stay healthy during pregnancy is eating the right foods.
Help your partner live a healthier lifestyle by shopping for more whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and micronutrients, which are often missed in everyday diets. Another way to encourage a healthy lifestyle is to encourage your pregnant partner to be active. Exercises like swimming, prenatal yoga, and walks are highly recommended if she is comfortable doing them. The watchwords here are comfort and caution because not every pregnant person can exercise the same way.
In Conclusion
Supporting your partner during pregnancy is really simple and if you follow any of these tips, your partner will be extremely grateful for all the help you bring to the pregnancy journey. Don’t forget that throughout your journey of becoming the best support person, you will also need to practice your listening skills, otherwise, how could you possibly know what your partner wants while pregnant. Good luck!
