The day has finally arrived. Whether it’s a happy accident or it’s been carefully planned out, your partner is pregnant and it’s time to support them on this journey. As many parents will tell you, it doesn’t matter if it’s your first, third, or fifth pregnancy, the side effects and nine month commitment can be exhausting and unpleasant at best, which is why it’s important for you to support your partner in a variety of ways.
Pregnancy is a time of joy and anticipation, but it can also be a cause of anxiety and stress for both Mother and you, the partner. There are many ways to cope with the changes and the worry for the unknown that can occur with pregnancy and support your partner effectively during their pregnancy.
Emotional Support and Mental Health
For both you and your partner, pregnancy can take a great toll on mental health. Suddenly everything is different for the both of you. To keep your baby happy and healthy, your partner must cut down on caffeine, raw meat and shellfish are to be avoided, and they can’t drink alcohol or smoke for the duration of the pregnancy.
There will be financial changes, social changes, and physical changes that can cause distress and added anxiety. For this reason, it’s important that both you and your partner have access to mental health resources and offer emotional support to each other. There are many ways to emotionally support your partner during pregnancy and through each trimester. We have broken it down into three sections to help show you what to expect and how to support your partner.
First Trimester (0-13 Weeks)
During the first trimester, your partner will be experiencing new and intense hormonal changes that can lead to moodiness and feeling depressed or anxious. Usually, all your partner will need is someone to talk to and hear her concerns but if they begin to display signs of depression and anxiety that inhibit their ability to function, they could be dealing with prenatal depression. Seeking advice and treatment options from a doctor is recommended in this situation and, to support your partner, you may need to encourage them to do so.
Second Trimester (14-26 Weeks)
As your partner’s body begins to change and the seemingly ending to-do-list continues to grow, feelings of stress and being overwhelmed can begin to take hold. There are many ways to ease your partner’s feelings during this time by being there for them, listening to them, and getting involved in the preparations for bringing your baby into the world. Often just showing that you’re there to listen and provide a soothing presence is enough to put your partner’s mind at ease.
Third Trimester (27-40 Weeks)
Finalising the birthing plan, making arrangements for labour, and finishing preparations for the arrival of the baby is now yours and your partner’s top priority. Naturally, fears surrounding the birth and postpartum will be weighing heavily on your partner’s mind, so it’s important for you to be there to talk. To emotionally support your partner during this time, it’s vital that you show up to scans and appointments and take the time to listen to concerns before your baby arrives.
Physical Support
As your partner’s pregnancy progresses their body will begin to change to accommodate the baby growing inside her. To be a supportive partner throughout the duration of her pregnancy, there are several adjustments that you should be making to help with the adjustments required. Some of the things you can do include:
Quitting Smoking
Second hand smoke isn’t a good thing for an expecting Mother to be breathing in. Try and limit the amount of cigarettes you smoke a day and make sure you do it away from your partner, preferably outside, free of enclosed spaces where smoke can linger. Quit if you can do so, even if it’s just for the duration of the pregnancy. If your partner smokes, she is also encouraged to quit and doing so alongside her can reduce the risk of temptations and cravings.
Housework
If your partner is the one who does the bulk of the chores and cooking in the household, she may struggle after becoming pregnant for a number of reasons. Strong smells, such as certain foods, can be unpleasant and cause nausea while chemicals from cleaning products shouldn’t be inhaled. For this reason, it’s vital that you take over the majority of the housework and cooking to ensure your partner is as comfortable as possible.
Physical Comfort
From swollen ankles to back pain, pregnant people have to deal with a lot of discomfort for the duration of their pregnancy. In the first trimester, they may feel exhausted, dizzy, and nauseous while the second trimester could lead to discomfort from their growing stomach. The third trimester usually brings the most discomfort as backaches, sciatica, and Braxton Hicks contractions can occur. It’s important to provide as much physical support as possible throughout pregnancy by offering massages and letting your partner rest and selfcare as much as possible.
Exercise and Wellbeing
Staying healthy is especially important for your partner during pregnancy and some amount of light exercise is recommended to avoid weight gain that could lead to complications later in the pregnancy. There are many benefits of exercising during pregnancy, including:
Reducing Preeclampsia: Exercise can help to reduce the risk of preeclampsia, which can trigger hypertension and has several unpleasant side effects. The exact cause of preeclampsia is unknown though it’s thought to occur when there is a problem with the placenta.
Reducing Gestational Diabetes: Gestational Diabetes can affect anyone during the course of their pregnancy and can lead to several side effects, including premature birth, preeclampsia, and your baby developing jaundice. Exercise can help to reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes as those with a BMI over 30 are more at risk of developing it than others.
Improves Wellbeing: Exercising increases the number of endorphins, dopamine, endocannabinoid, and adrenaline which are brain chemicals that make you feel happy and reduce stress, leading to a big reduction in stress during pregnancy and can help with easing physical pain.
Reduces Back Pain: There are several stretches and exercises that can help to relieve back pain during pregnancy, helping to make your partner feel more comfortable and at ease throughout the pregnancy.
You can support your partner by exercising alongside them so that they may reap the many benefits of exercise during pregnancy with someone they trust by their side. It can make a huge difference having a comforting and motivating presence while exercising and help set your partner at ease.
Talk to Broadgate GP For Further Pregnancy Support & Advice Today!
If you’re looking for ways to support your partner during pregnancy, Broadgate GP can help. We’re on hand to provide advice and guidance for both you and your partner to ensure the pregnancy runs smoothly and your partner has a good experience.
It’s important to keep your private GP informed of any concerns you or your partner may have, be it physical, emotional, or regarding women’s health and mental health for the pair of you. Here at Broadgate GP, our committed team is here to help, so get in touch today! Alternatively, check out our blog! We have articles dedicated to all things pregnancy, including Pregnancy Planning with HIV!
