Finding out that you are expecting a baby is an exciting time. However, for many people, it can also be a scary time wondering how they are going to cope with the pregnancy then a newborn when the little bundle of joy arrives. It is not only Mums who can become scared Daddy's often are scared there not going to be good enough. Or they do not know how to support their partner during pregnancy.
Be involved
This can be simple this such as going to midwife appointments. I have found having my partner coming to the appointments and scans so helpful. We have not had the easiest pregnancy which has made my anxiety higher but having him there helps. It means that we can talk about things and he can help try and reduce my worries.
Also looking at the equipment baby equipment is something which you may want to get involved with. As a Daddy, you are going to be using the equipment so you may well help decide as well. You want to make sure that it is going to work for you and your family's budget and needs.
Encouragement
If your partner is struggling with morning sickness you may want to encourage them to eat small and often. This can help them feel a bit better. Of course, if it gets to serious you may have to encourage them to visit the midwife their doctor in order to get some help. Talking about encouragement if you notice that your partner is overly stressed and emotional for over 2 weeks and it is affecting their everyday life. Then again this is a time when they may need some encouragement to seek advice.
Encourage her to take breaks and naps. Hormones during pregnancy can change a woman's energy level and need for sleep. She will still think that she is able to do everything that she did before pregnancy before however, this is not the case.
Make changes with her
Been pregnant might mean that your partner needs to make a few changes to her lifestyle. You may decide to give up alcohol and coffee—or cut back—since she can't drink alcohol and may cut back on caffeine. This can be a good time to make some lifestyle changes that you've been thinking about. This makes the changes easier for her and she feels like you are completely supporting her. You might actually want to make healthy eating changes which you have been thinking about for a while. This means that you may be the healthiest parents which you are able to be. If you are supporting her these changes might be a lot easier for you both.
Listen to her worries
Talking openly and honestly with your partner will help create the positive relationship you will need as parents. You may want to speak openly finances making sure that you are going to be able to budget for the new arrival. After all, you do not have to get everything straight away. Money may be something which she is worried about how is she going to be able to cope with maternity pay.
If your partner is anything like me, she may be worried that something is going to go wrong at any stage. As I said I have not had the smoothest of pregnancies this time. It may take a while for her to open up however, be patient. If you can learn to support each other now, your relationship will be stronger when the baby arrives.
For example, she may be worried that she cannot feel the baby move enough. Having someone to listen and a rational head helps so much. If it is after 24 weeks and movements are not regular and to their normal pattern, you may want to advise her to get checked at the hospital to make sure everything is normal. Or she may be worried that she is not going to be a good enough Mum. Having you they're just reassuring her is something which can help so much.
Helping
Your partner may have a bad back which means that she constantly wants it rubbing or massaging as this can help ease the pain. I am always asking for this and it seems to help soothe my back pain. This may be the same for your partner and she wants some relief. Later in the pregnancy she might want to help to get comfortable because this can be super hard. She might want you to get her pillows in order to get her comfortable this is one of the hardest things. You need to be patient because she may have a short fuse. I know my partner sometimes has to bite his tongue while I am pregnant because I can get angry over the smallest thing.
Another area which I have needed some help with is cooking. All throughout the pregnancy, I have not been able to stand the smell of chicken cooking. It makes me want to throw up so every time we have had chicken my partner ha had to cook it. Supporting your partner by making her food can help so much and she is more likely to eat the food then.
Be Prepared
Towards the end of pregnancy, you might want to be prepared for the upcoming birth. Your partner may have already sorted the hospital bags for herself and the baby. However, they are things which you can do to be prepared. These include making sure you can be contacted at all times. The last thing you partner wants to be worrying about is can she get hold of you and what happens if you miss the birth. Make sure the car has petrol in it do a trial run to see how long it takes to get from your house to the hospital. You also need to make sure you know where you are going as well. Otherwise, when your partner is in labour this may annoy her more. Remember to pack a bag for yourself, including snacks, a camera, and your phone. You could be in the hospital for a while and not all of them have a 24/7 cafe where you can get snacks that's close to the labour ward.
How did your partner support you during pregnancy?
Charlotte
