How Husbands Can Support Their Wives During The First Trimester Of Pregnancy

Pregnancy can present many changes and unknowns. When both partners support each other, they strengthen their bond and their sense of teamwork. The stronger your relationship with your partner is now, the better prepared you'll be to parent together.

Stress is one common symptoms most women develop during the first trimester of their pregnancy. Feeling stressed is common during pregnancy because pregnancy is a time of many changes. Your family life, your body and your emotions are changing. You may welcome these changes, but they can add new stresses to your life.

High levels of stress that continue for a long time may lead to health issues, like high blood pressure and heart disease. During pregnancy, stress can increase the chances of having a baby who is preterm (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or a low-birthweight baby (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces). Babies born too soon or too small are at increased risk for health problems.

Here’s what your partner should know about the First Trimester of your pregnancy, and how they can be your best support.

When you and your partner find out you’re pregnant, you’ll likely share a lot of similar emotions: excitement, shock, nerves, and amazement. But there are some things your partner simply won’t be able to relate to as they’re not experiencing the pregnancy first hand. Here’s what your partner should know about the first trimester, and how they can be your go-to support person as you progress through your pregnancy.

You Might Feel Exhausted

You (and your partner) might be amazed at just how tiring it can be to grow a tiny human—especially in the first trimester. Soaring levels of the progesterone hormone can put you to sleep the minute you sit down. That can really put a damper on an evening of TV binges (let alone date nights) with your partner. 

Your partner’s role? Let mama rest when she needs to rest. This might mean your partner needs to step in and pick up more than their half of the usual household tasks. And while it can feel uncomfortable to ask for help, now’s not the time to be superwoman. Listen to your body, and be transparent with your partner when you need some time to rest. 

Ask your partner to do the dishes after dinner so that you get to bed early, or take your dog on a walk so you can sneak in a midday nap. While it can seem strange to have a partner who is constantly tired or falling asleep, rest assured this will ease up in the second trimester and you’ll be feeling more like yourself. 

You Might Feel Sick

Morning sickness is REAL, lady. And while you might be one of the lucky ones who do not feel nauseous—there may also be days when you feel icky all. day. long. It truly does differ from one pregnant person to another, and some trial and error in what to eat (or not eat) to ease your nausea might be in order. 

Your partner can be a huge help on this front. They can assist with the grocery shopping and make sure your pantry and refrigerator are stocked with easy-to-stomach foods (and brew you a cup of ginger tea while they’re at it). 

It can also be extremely helpful for your partner to take the lead on food preparation on days when you’re not feeling up-to-par. Some pregnant mamas get nauseous at the thought of meat, let alone having to prepare and cook it. And on that note—if there’s a food that brings on the vomiting, your partner can do you a huge favor and avoid eating it around you.

You Might Not Feel Like Yourself

The amount of hormones, body changes, and upcoming life changes happening can be a lot for an expecting mama to handle. And the truth of the matter is, you just might feel a bit off at times. If you’re feeling moody or just not right some days, give yourself a bit of grace and know that you just might feel more like yourself tomorrow. 

While mood swings can be unpredictable for pregnant mamas, it’s important for husbands not to take it personally. Do your best to be candid with your husband : ask him to give you some space if you need it. Or ask him to join you for a walk or a spontaneous date if you think it might lift your mood or be a welcome distraction. If you’re up front about how you’re feeling, it can help your partner to understand how to support you. 

You Might Feel Scared 

When you’re newly pregnant, you might feel uneasy, nervous or downright worried about a number of things: if your baby is healthy, if you’re making good decisions about your own health, if you’ll be a good mama, etc. And all of these fears and emotions are normal! 

Your husband can be your biggest cheerleader and source of encouragement when you’re experiencing these emotions. It’s helpful to share your worries with a partner who will listen to your fears (without dismissing them), and reassure you that you’re already a fantastic mama who is making wonderful choices for your baby. 

Studies have shown that having an involved partner can positively impact the overall health and well-being of your pregnancy (and therefore your soon-to-be-baby). In fact, having an emotionally involved partner is significantly correlated with decreased stress levels among mothers.

We know the first trimester of pregnancy can be a tough one (for both mamas and their partners). Our best advice overall? Talk to each other, ask for help when you need it, and remember that you’re a team: both in pregnancy and parenting.

 

Shop For Over 500 Natural/Alternative Health Products

Beauty And Personal Care Products

Fertility Health Products

General Wellness Products

Dietary Supplements

Women’s Health Products  

Devices And Machines

  

Categories: Mother And Child