Supporting your pregnant partner: What you need to know
Helpful ways you can emotionally support your pregnant partner
Pregnancy can take its toll on energy levels as well as emotions and as a partner, it’s appreciated when you can do what you can to help and here are a few tips you could try.
1. Be proactive
It’s a great idea to predict the jobs around the house that your partner might usually do but may be struggling with later in her pregnancy. Rather than have her feel reluctant about asking, look around, think ahead and get some of these jobs out the way.
2. Do your homework
If this is your first pregnancy, take the time to do your homework and be clued up on how pregnancy can affect emotional wellbeing so you can support your partner as much as possible. Talking to other couples you know with children can be helpful and read up on pregnancy from a reliable source either online or in books.
3. Support changes
There’s no doubt that becoming pregnant can force some changes for women such as giving up smoking, cutting out alcohol or changing their diet. Show support by making these changes too as it will be that bit easier on your partner if you’re doing these things together.
4. Remind her she’s beautiful
The many changes a pregnant woman goes through can lower her confidence from time to time. Take the opportunity to remind her how much you love her, how beautiful she is and what an amazing job her body is doing to nurture and grow your baby - these simple words can go a long way.
5. Stay by her side
It might not always going to possible to get to every appointment your pregnant partner has, but try to attend as many as you can so you are both going through the journey to parenthood together, whether it’s an antenatal appointment, scan or suggesting some essential baby preparation shopping.