Partner support during pregnancy can keep women strong and motivated to overcome any pain or challenges. Parenthood means both father & mother involvement that starts when your partner gets pregnant.
So, be prepared to support her mentally and physically by always being there for her. Try to ease her life as much as possible.
How To Support Your Partner During Different Stages in Pregnancy
Support from the partner is the best thing to keep a woman strong during pregnancy. The journey does not become frustrating; instead, the parents can enjoy every stage of pregnancy.
Also, this can strengthen the relationship and impact it for life. Women feel more valued and loved when their partner supports them. The pregnancy journey is not easy, as she is bringing a new life to the world, which is risky. So, be there to help her.
We discussed how you can be with your partner at every stage of the pregnancy.
1. Early Pregnancy
The first few weeks can be tough for your partner. She might feel extremely tired and have morning sickness. Early pregnancy can be an anxious time for your partner. She will take time to adjust to the concept of becoming a parent, and so will you. In this stage, your support is the only thing that can keep them strong. Be there for her to listen and reassure her that you are with her on the journey.
Start maintaining a healthy lifestyle, both of you. Do not only push your partner to eat healthy and sleep properly. You can work out together by consulting your doctor. Go for a fresh morning walk.
2. The second trimester
This is when women and their partners feel they are actually becoming parents. You will notice the baby bump. Thus, women feel uncomfortable lifting heavy weights or feel more tired while doing basic tasks. You can help her lift weights or hire a caregiver to do the tasks.
Also, the change in the body causes backache, headaches, hip pain, swelling, or constipation. You can give her a simple, gentle massage. Give her warm water–bags for the swelling. She can feel relieved. But ask her everytime if she is comfortable or not.
Also, keep all the emergency contact numbers for your doctor or midwife. This way, you can contact them immediately in any emergency situation.
3. Later in the pregnancy
As the due date approaches, physical discomfort can increase for your partner in the later stages. She might have a harder time getting around. Even they can not sleep comfortably.
You can sit with her, bring her comfort food, or anything that can calm her down. Sing her songs. Make her bed more comfortable. Never show irritating or rude behavior because she is going through a lot inside. Your harsh words can break her heart. Try to be very calm and positive with her. Any stress can prove dangerous.
4. The birth
Being there for the birth is most important. You can support your partner by being her during labor and delivery. Make sure her birth plan is followed precisely.
She may need you to hand squeeze or encouraging words. The normal delivery procedure can be very long and you have to make sure you stay with her the entire time. Your presence is the great comfort that can bring to her.
5. After the baby arrives
The postpartum period, which is often overlooked, is one of the hardest times women can experience. Giving birth to a child means a lot of changes in the body and hormone levels, and it takes time to recover.
If your wife or girlfriend is experiencing postpartum depression or OCD, in the meantime, you can take care of the newborn. Or bring caregivers. By doing so, she can rest and recover.
You can consult doctors about the symptoms and their severity. Then, help her with the support that she needs.
6. Be More Supportive
You can be a bit more supportive by helping her with daily chores or planning for the transition you both are going to have in your life. Here are some more tips you can follow to comfort your partner.
7. Take On More Than Your Share
You will notice that during pregnancy, women demand more physical and emotional support. So, you can take some responsibilities from your partner’s shoulders. It can be household tasks or paying bills. This can help her ease her daily stress.
8. Understand the Physical Changes
You need to understand her physical changes, which is something only the mothers can experience. Though it is not possible for you to feel the changes, you can act supportive. Show empathy and show more love. Be attentive to every little discomfort she may feel.
If this is the first child, you can go to the doctor to know about the physical changes. You can also search online. By understanding the physical changes, you can be better prepared for everything she may need.
9. Educate Yourself About the Pregnancy Process
You can first educate yourself about the ins and outs of the pregnancy process. There are lots of pregnancy-related articles and YouTube videos available. You can gain good knowledge from there. Join the communities where people share their personal experiences, and you can also seek help there. Someone will surely help you. You can know the common problems people face during pregnancy. This is just like taking preparation that can make your and your partner’s life a lot easier.
10. Attend Prenatal Appointments Together
Join your partner for prenatal appointments whenever possible. You can hear the baby’s heartbeat or see the ultrasound. You can directly connect with your baby. Also, you can show your partner how excited you are and want her and the baby’s best health and well-being.
11. Help with Household Responsibilities
As the months go by, regular household chores become difficult for her. She may feel tired all the time, and heavy lifting can be harmful to the baby. Thus, you can help with the chores. In case you are busy doing a job, you can hire a house helper to work as well as take care of your partner. But whatever you do, make sure she can rest properly. Try to keep the house clean and organized. This can impact one’s mental well-being.
12. Plan for the Baby Together
Most of the time, mothers plan for the baby, about the newborn’s clothes, toys, cradles, or other stuff. This is a delicate time when partners equal involvement can make her feel good. Also, after the baby’s birth, both of you need to manage your time. So, discuss together about setting up the nursery and choosing name. Go on shopping to purchase the essentials.
13. Support During Labor and Delivery
Labor and delivery can be the most critical part of the pregnancy journey. Be prepared to give both emotional and physical support. You may hold her hand and say words of encouragement to stay with the medical team, ensuring her birth plan is respected.
Verdict
Partners emotional and physical support is the important thing that womens need most during their pregnancy. You need to understand that women go through a lot of changes in their bodies that affect their minds, too. They need proper support and care. So, always be there for her to make sure she enjoys her pregnancy more.
