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Happy wife, happy life, isn’t the only saying that holds value and precedent. In today’s day and age one sign of a healthy relationship is when a couple approaches things as a team. And that means sticking together through the good times and the bad, sharing household tasks and work stressors. The first step to becoming a family is to have an “us” mentality, especially if you are about to welcome a baby into the world and into your dynamic. Babies can bring you closer as a family and help you appreciate your partner more. And although only one partner is pregnant, the more one tries to make the pregnancy a joint experience, the more unity and enjoyment both will feel. And no this doesn’t mean saying “We are pregnant” in every chance you get. Instead, try to read a pregnancy book together, go to doctor’s appointments together and shop for baby clothes. It’s all about strengthening your bond before the baby gets here, and here are a few ways in which you can do just that!
1. Go To Obstetrician Visits Together
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Making the doctor’s visits a joint outing is a great way to ensure that your partner is not only in the loop but feels closely connected to you and the baby throughout your pregnancy journey. Besides, wouldn’t you want your significant other to hold your hand through it all? It also gives each of you the opportunity to see and hear all the details concerning the pregnancy first hand and to ask the doctor any questions you might have. This makes discussing the birth plan and several other decisions easier once you come back home. If you are not pressed for time, you and your partner can make a ritual out of going out for a quick bite or doing a specific activity together after every doctor’s visit, even if it’s just walking around. This gives you time to debrief and spend some quality time together. Sure, some meetings will be more exciting than others but each can still be an opportunity to connect with your spouse which is so essential to foster when your life is about to get a whole lot crazier with a little one on the way.
2. Be Active And Exercise Together
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Being active means different things to different people and that’s okay! As important as it is to rest while pregnant, it is equally as important to keep your body moving and exercise without exerting yourself. However, you must always be sure to consult with your doctor first to be on the safer side. But if you had a very active lifestyle before you were pregnant, chances are that you’ll be just fine breaking a sweat with a baby in your womb. On the other hand, even if you weren’t very active before your pregnancy , this is a good time to start exercising moderately. Usually a routine is endorsed by your doctor. Whether it’s walking, yoga, swimming or pilates, exercise is a great stress reliever, and being active with your partner will help make sure you have time together while still doing something that makes you feel good and keeps you healthy. Besides, your partner is your biggest cheerleader. So why not get them involved? Even if exercise isn’t your thing, try to get out of the house for some fresh air and a quick walk. Whatever, you both enjoy doing!
3. It’s Okay To Be Sexually Active
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Many women are afraid to engage in sexual activities after they find out that they are pregnant and others just don’t feel like it. However, it’s important to know that engaging in intercourse throughout your pregnancy is safe and you can talk to your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns about it. So, if you’ve been hesitant because you assumed that it would be harmful for the baby, you can stop that line of thought right now. Engaging with sexual activities with your partner is a great way to destress and connect emotionally and physically. Talk to each other about your needs and have an open mind. And keep in mind that it is just as important to shower each other with non-sexual affection and love throughout the day. A good standard is simply to try to maintain whatever your pre-pregnancy level of affection was, assuming you were satisfied with it and the pregnant partner feels up to it. But keep in mind that the non-pregnant partner’s needs are important too.
At the end of the day, the journey of pregnancy is a roller coaster ride for both you and your partner. And as you prepare to be parents, it’s important to continue to build a strong foundation based on love, respect and genuine affection for one another. This is just the beginning. Happy parenting!
