Do you want your partner to help more with your pregnancy? You have every right to!
Studies [1, 2, 3] show that the support of a loved one improves the emotional state of the expectant mother and contributes to the baby’s well-being. Here's how to motivate your partner to get more involved.
Share your feelings
Pay attention to how your body changes and share it with your partner. Talk about your aches and pains, what scares you, and what feels amazing and exciting. Send your partner articles and pictures about the baby’s development, how they are growing, and what they can do at this particular stage.
Ask your partner to go to the doctor's appointment with you
Pictures from an app are great, but the image of your moving baby on a monitor is another thing altogether. Share your prenatal care calendar with your partner so they can get organized and be with you for your ultrasounds, routine checkups, and blood tests. Sharing these moments and hearing from your doctor about the baby’s position and test results will bring you closer. Talking to your doctor directly will also help your partner better understand your condition.
Be specific with your partner about your needs
During pregnancy, your needs may change. However, your partner is not a mind reader! Be clear about what bothers you and what you need help with. Should they pick up some food on their way back from work? Do you want them to take care of the laundry? Do you need help tying your shoelaces because your baby bump gets in the way? Tell them everything!
Make a birth plan together
What is the best route to the hospital? Will you be asking for pain relief? Who will be with you during labor and delivery? Ask your partner how they feel about everything. Discussing things openly and drawing up your game plan together will help your partner understand you better and appreciate the importance of their role.
Get them involved in the shopping
When you choose the furniture for the nursery, stroller, and car seat together, your partner will quickly understand how your family’s needs are changing. Do you want to work as a team? Sharing tasks and delegating some of the most important ones is a step in the right direction.
