Is your Valentine pregnant?
Then this post is for you!
Are you pregnant?
Then stop reading and email this post to your valentine immediately!
Neither of those options?
If you ever plan to become pregnant I would still pass this on to your loved one just as a precaution.
Tew Much Information (there really might be too much in this post) - What partners can do to make pregnancy easier on everyone.
*This first one may not come as a shock but it never hurts to have a reminder: help your pregnant partner cut out stress. Help with household chores before they become overwhelming. If you have other children, find time EVERYDAY to take care of them to give your pregnant loved one a break, even if it is to just go to the bathroom by herself. Give her permission to lie down for a few minutes (on her left side is best). Even though your wife may be pretty easy going when not with child, when pregnant she might find the ordinary stuff becomes too much. Ask her if there is one or 2 things you could take over for her until after the baby comes (mopping, cleaning bath tubs, bed time routine, bills, grocery shopping, filling her car up with gas). You might be surprised how even just one thing off her mind will lighten her mood and everyone else around her.
*Compliment her. As her waist line expands your partner will more than likely feel a sense of loss for her old figure. She will need reminding that pregnant women are beautiful. There is no need to lie. She will see right through that anyways. Look at your loved one and notice her glow. How perfect her complexion is, how shiny and full her hair is, her... umm.. ample figure. Remind her why you love her and tell her thank you for all the things she does for you.
*If you play your cards right on the above suggestion you might find out that one of the hormones coursing through your partners veins is the "Love hormone" (oxytocin). Your wife may be pregnant but she is not dead. When she is stress free and feels good about herself she will be more willing to give into other cravings.
*Her body hurts. Everywhere. Somewhere specific. All the time. Sometimes. - From day to day and as her belly grows heavier your partner will have different aches and pains. Listen to her complaints. If you can help her, help. If you can't, just listen.
*Be involved. Go to appointments with her as you can fit them into your schedule. Ask her which ones are important to her and try to be there. Some really cool visits are: the first time you hear the heart beat (between 11-14 weeks), any ultrasound, and towards the end when the doctor checks the presentation of baby and for any sign that labor is eminent. Get excited with your lover when she feels the baby move and in the weeks following make attempts to feel baby move too. This will help your wife but also help you feel like a part of the pregnancy.
*Be available. Nothing is more frightening at the end of you pregnancy than not being able to get a hold of your partner if needed. If you are going into a meeting call her first and let her know how long you'll be unavailable. If you have to go out of town make arrangements for someone close to her to be available for her while you are gone. Make sure your cell phone is always on and well charged.
*Be supportive. (getting up on soap box) I have heard too many times from women that they would have liked to have tried a natural birth but their husband wanted them to get the epidural.
I know it is hard to see your sweetheart in pain but if she would like to try to labor as long as possible without medication, just be supportive.
She is capable!! If it becomes too much she knows who to ask for drugs. She only gets one chance at this birth experience and even if she changes her mind, let it be her choice. She just needs support! (stepping down off box)
I hope these suggestions help you through those wonderful 9 months called pregnancy!
p.s.
even if your partner isn't pregnant most of these suggestions would still be really nice for her!
