5 things your partner should do during your pregnancy

Pregnancy is a magical but challenging time, so here are 5 things your partner should do during your pregnancy to support you.

If your partner is involved, there are certain things you'll need from him to make your pregnancy a little less lonely.

They can't physically carry the baby, but they can be there for you every step of the way to love, support, listen, and empathise.

Here are 5 things your partner should do during your pregnancy.

5 things your partner should do during your pregnancy

1. Show initiative: Pregnancy is tough, especially in the early days of morning sickness, extreme fatigue, and food aversions. That's why it's important for your partner to show initiative and do their best to anticipate your needs and step up when needed.
2. Build us up: Raging hormones, a changing body, and physical discomfort can play havoc with our emotions. And when you're not feeling particularly sexy, your partner needs to be your cheerleader and shower you with love and compliments.
3. Empathise: Pregnancy isn't easy. You're sharing your body and growing a human after all! Add to that the fact that you're likely lacking in sleep, energy and confidence, and everything can seem heightened. Our moods will go up and down like a rollercoaster and we may say things we don't mean. A little understanding goes a long way.
4. Listen: Sometimes your partner doesn't need to do anything except listen. Sympathy, understanding, comfort, and support will help a lot when you're feeling low or having a bad day. It's not as if they can miraculously fix your sickness, or the swollen ankles, or constant need to pee, but listening as you vent means a lot.
5. Support: You might be carrying the baby but your partner is in this too, and their support is essential. Pregnancy is one hell of a journey and while it's hugely exciting and magical, it can also be painful, frightening, and confusing. Being there at appointments to hold your hand, helping you pick baby items, and helping you research and prepare for birth and parenthood is the least they can do!