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Whether you’ve recently discovered that you’re pregnant, or your due date is just around the corner, it’s a great time to get your significant other involved and prepared. Here are 7 tips your spouse must absolutely know during your pregnancy.
You need help!
Your spouse needs to pitch in. As your baby bump grows, housework, cooking and other physically demanding tasks will become difficult. If your partner’s household skills are lacking, consider hiring a maid or investing in a healthy meal delivery service.
A touch of empathy
During pregnancy, hormones fluctuate, and this can cause you to become unusually emotional, irritable or anxious. Your spouse should know to never openly dismiss your feelings, even if it’s obviously just a hormone issue. What you need are patience and support.
Some communication
Your spouse should understand that you may be deeply anxious about many things. You may worry that you won’t be a good mother. Concerns about the delivery, the post-natal period and even your relationship may also weigh heavily on your mind. Your spouse probably has a few worries too, and that’s perfectly normal. Don’t ignore them; talk about them together.
Pre/Post Natal facts
Your partner should get informed ahead of time so that you’ll both know what to expect. A medical degree isn’t necessary, but general knowledge about the process of pregnancy and childbirth will make both you and your partner feel more secure, and it will prepare you for the road ahead. Your spouse can learn a lot just by attending your doctor’s appointments.
Prepared to take difficult decisions
The spouse of a pregnant woman must be prepared to take charge if needed. During a medical crisis or difficult labor, you may not be in the best condition to do so yourself. If you’re unable to communicate your needs, your spouse may have to make difficult decisions in your place. The best way to prepare for this is to talk it over with your spouse, so you can agree on a course of action to take if an unexpected situation develops.
Lots of patience
Tell your spouse to get ready to wait. In movies, labor and birth seem to happen within minutes. In reality, most women spend hours in labor before they even go to the hospital. Many hospitals want you to wait until regular, strong contractions are occurring before you show up for the big event.
Express your emotions
When the baby arrives, he or she will be the focus of your attention. Although it’s natural, this change in priorities may leave your partner feeling abandoned. Your spouse must be able to communicate openly and not let silent resentment or jealousy develop. In time, you’ll all settle into a new routine, and you can reconnect with an even stronger bond as parents.