Picture it.
It’s Monday morning, and since you didn’t buy a ticket, you didn’t win last night’s lottery drawing. Now you need to get ready for the workday. You brush your teeth, get dressed in your most ‘work appropriate’ attire, and feed your pets their breakfast, only for them to show their appreciation by puking said breakfast onto the carpet.
You clean up their puke, wash your hands, and finally you’re able to make yourself some breakfast. As you put the bread into the toaster and pull out some jam, you pay no mind to your partner entering the kitchen. That is, until she says…
“Hey Hun, I’m Pregnant.”
It’s challenging to fully describe the journey you and your expecting partner have just embarked on. Even though you are both on the same airplane and heading for the same destination, this ride is going to be quite different for each of you. After all, it’s not likely that you will be directly experiencing the same bodily changes that your expecting partner will be.
With that said, you are there with them. You will be present with someone who is going through some pretty significant changes, not just to their body, but also to their lifestyle. You may not find yourselves being able to go out as often, being able to engage in the activities you were once able to do, and you may even find that your relationships with others looking different. It’s this part that can be quite tricky and taxing if we aren’t prepared for it.
If you feel you need some assistance in this regard, then here are a few helpful tips for you.
5 Tips for Supporting Your Partner’s Pregnancy
Take care of yourself first.
You can’t take care of another person if you’re sick. You can’t do your job to the best of your ability if you are ‘burnt out.’ So, do what you need to do to be at your “A Game.” Make sure you are well physically and mentally.
It is common for a lot of individuals, both the expecting partner and the non-expecting partner, to experience feelings of anxiety and depression during this time period. Having someone to talk to, be it a friend, your partner, a therapist, or a trusted community member, can be of great benefit.
Learn to ask for help and to delegate.
Something that can be challenging for many of us, is asking for help. Often, we feel like we don’t want to burden others with tasks that we believe to be our own responsibilities or things we feel we ‘should’ be able to handle. It can be challenging but becoming comfortable with the discomfort of asking for help will help greatly lessen the stressors you may experience during the pregnancy, and after.
Learn about what your partner’s body is going through.
Knowledge is power. While there might be some nuances and differences from pregnancy to pregnancy and person to person, having a base level knowledge can go a long way as it relates to supporting your partner, and understanding what’s going on.
Many local agencies and hospitals offer pregnancy or birthing classes. See what is available in your community.
There are also some reputable classes and supports Or see if you can find some reputable resources online.
Provide yourself grace.
It’s ok to not know what to do. It’s ok if something that worked before or works for someone else, doesn’t work for you.
It’s ok if you can’t make every OB appointment. Maybe you work for a company that doesn’t provide paternity leave, so you need to be very frugal with your PTO in order to be there for the big day.
Talk to your partner.
Perhaps a bit obvious, but once you are in a good place, and even throughout the pregnancy, check in with your partner about how you can help them out.
Begin discussing plans for supporting them during the pregnancy.
Start having discussions regarding a birth plan, managing visitors, taking care of your pets, finances, meals, etc.
Supporting your partner during pregnancy is a journey of growth, patience, and adaptability. By prioritizing your well-being, communicating openly, and learning about the changes your partner is experiencing, you’re strengthening the foundation for this new chapter of your lives. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, give yourself grace, and navigate this experience one step at a time. Together, you’re building the support system that will not only ease the pregnancy journey but also the exciting adventure of parenthood that follows.
Sometimes, the emotional and mental challenges of supporting a pregnancy can feel overwhelming. If you or your partner are experiencing anxiety, stress, or mood changes, you don’t have to go through it alone. Our Behavioral Health team is here to help you navigate these challenges with personalized care and support. From individual therapy to couples counseling, we provide the tools you need to thrive together during this transformative time. Reach out to us today and take the first step toward mental wellness and stronger relationships!
