Connecting with Partner: Supporting Your Partner Through Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, the additional hormones can create some emotional ups and downs. Although this time is a beautiful time in you and your partner’s life, it can also bring some unexpected challenges.
If you are expecting, you may feel:
- More tired than normal
- More emotional than normal
- More focused on the pregnancy and baby than your partner
- A change in your desire for sex
It’s during this time, where your partner may start to feel disconnected from you. Communication can begin to break down, which creates distance between your partner and yourself, and ultimately, intimacy is affected. Communication, distance, and intimacy are the three most significant breakdowns in a relationship during pregnancy; however, here are some ways to prevent that from happening.
Talk to each other
Communication is essential for all relationships, but during your pregnancy, it’s even more critical. Your body is going through many changes where sometimes, you’re not even sure how to make sense of it. You’re tired, moody (possibly), hungry, and feel like you are carrying around a watermelon 24/7. It’s not always fun. On top of that, you may be worried about different things revolving around your pregnancy or delivery.
Talk to your partner about what you are feeling. If you’re not entirely sure what is going on with you during all of these changes, your partner doesn’t understand. Explain to them that you may be a little on edge because your back hurts or that you didn’t sleep at all because it felt as if a sumo wrestler was sitting on your chest every time you turned, or whatever else you may be feeling at that moment. Don’t make assumptions that they should know what you’re experiencing.
Encourage your partner to talk to you as well. They may have worries or questions as well. They may feel left out due to the increase of attention towards the baby, or they may have financial concerns about what life will look like after the arrival of your little one. Create an atmosphere where you can both communicate openly and honestly with each other.
Spend time together
Go on a date! Make time for each other where there’s no talk about the pregnancy or the baby. Focus on each other during this time and take advantage of this time together before your baby’s arrival. Some date ideas are:
- A picnic under the stars
- Go for a walk
- Book a couples massage
- Go out for dessert
- Cook dinner together
- Recreate your first date
The further along in your pregnancy, you may find that you’re not as comfortable doing some things, so be sure to start planning and set dates in advance. Make dating a regular habit during your pregnancy, and don’t forget to document those special moments.
Create Intimacy
Changing hormones, morning sickness, and extra weight is not exactly the recipe for an increased sex drive during pregnancy. When a couple should be coming together, it’s not unusual to start coming apart at the emotional seams.
Some people believe that intimacy means intercourse, but that’s not the case. Showing affection towards each other is a way to keep intimacy alive during this time. Flirt with each other and communicate during this time. Keeping intimacy alive during your pregnancy is the responsibility of both partners to remain proactive.
