Don’t run away from your pregnant wife
Taking care of your pregnant wife is your duty as a committed husband whether it is her first, second or third pregnancy.
We all know that pregnancy is a defining moment for both husband and wife. For a lot of women, it is one of most psychologically and physically exhilarating experiences in life.
Even though, physiologically women carries the baby in their womb, their husband are not left out of the anxiety and stress that comes with pregnancy. Being actively involved and caring for your pregnant wife will help your partner feel loved as she go through tumultuous waters of pregnancy.
The roles and obligations of the parents can vary depending on the dynamics of each partnership, but pregnancy should be a shared responsibility between the husband and wife.
You definitely won’t carry the baby for her, or eat for her, or endure the discomforts of pregnancy for her! But taking care of your pregnant wife is a way to show her that you love and appreciate her.
The benefits of husbands involvement in pregnancy is enormous. It includes enhanced maternal mental health,reduction in maternal depression, reduction in poor maternal health behaviours such as smoking, reduction in infant mortality risks, and increased access to prenatal and postnatal treatments for mothers (Yargawa and Leonardi-Bee, 2015).
Here are some helpful ways to care for your pregnant wife if you are an expectant father, especially if this is your first pregnancy.
ALSO READ 10 Amazing Benefits Of Father’s Involvement In Pregnancy
7 Realistic Ways of taking Care of Your Pregnant Wife
Below are some realistic ways of taking care of your pregnant wife. If you do these things, you will be seen as a supportive husband. You will equally make her pregnancy journey to be a smooth and enjoyable experience!
1| Be psychologically prepared.
When having a kid, it’s just as vital for men to be emotionally prepared as it is for moms, so that you can be in the best position to support her. Fathers have nine months to learn about newborns and what to anticipate, especially if they first timers. You equally need to make her the center of your attention.
2| Be a Good Listener
It is very possible that your wife will have a few complaints because pregnancy may be both an exhilarating and fascinating event. Being an active listener is crucial during this time; pay attention to your wife’s concerns about discomfort and pain and significant stages in her body’s physiological changes. Giving her a shoulder to cry will make her very happy since it will allow her to vent her annoyance and return to a tranquil frame of mind.
3| Communicate with her
We always think of pregnancy as a time of joy. Yes, it is, but it also comes with a lot of worries and anxieties for both parties, especially for first-timers. These anxieties may be about finances, the wife’s health or even the burden of new responsibilities. It could be about an upcoming procedure, anxiety about a disfigured physique, or even an annoyance at her puffy feet. No matter what, give her room to vent these concerns. Even if you feel her worries are exaggerated or irrational, keep it to yourself. Never shut her down; instead, give her the attention she requires.
4| Be Sensitive and considerate
During pregnancy, undoubtedly alters many things. There will be mood changes, discomfort, pains etc. For some women, pregnancy can make them nag continuously. You need to accommodate her nags. You should learn to have patience with your wife during this period because these changes are normal for her. Whenever she asks for something, don’t shut her down; instead be considerate and respectful in your response. She will be grateful to you for this.
5| Don’t be rigid
Know that during pregnancy, your wife be taking a lot of your time and attention on some days, which can be difficult for a busy husband. Keep in mind that you might occasionally have to reschedule or even cancel some of your personal your plans in order to be there for her. Instead of being rigid about the things you previously did together and arguing because they are no longer the same, strive to be adaptable and change routines to meet the needs. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for flexible work hours so that you may spend time with your wife.
6| Strive To Make Her Feel Lovely And Unique
Your wife may experience poor self-esteem and a slight sense of alienation from her physical look as the pregnancy goes on due to her changing physique. You might not know how to convince her that she is amazing just the way she is at this point. So, strive to make her feel lovely and unique.So make her feel unique, you might consider a maternity photo shoot.A wife’s self-perception may be dramatically altered when her husband cares for her during pregnancy.
7| Maintain physical intimacy
For most couples, maintaining physical intimacy throughout pregnancy can be a challenge.During the first few months, sex will be the last thing from your mind as you worry about morning sickness, tiredness, and mood changes being experience by your wife. Finding the ideal positions to have sex will become more difficult for you two as the months pass and the bump becomes more visible.In such cases, you and your partner can discuss how things can work out best for you both.Things like surprise farting, vomiting, or anything else nasty should be laughed off, providing you two an opportunity to bond and reignite your romance.
8| Assist with housekeeping.
She’s not only very exhausted these days but emotionally vulnerable, too. So you need to take on an extra role in the home, especially with regards to household chores. During the first few weeks of her pregnancy, she needs to rest as much as she can. The best thing you can do for her in this trimester is to take charge of the housekeeping so she can rest.
9| Attend antenatal appointments with your partner.
Accompanying your wife to all pregnancy appointments provides her with emotional support. You can also learn the essentials of prenatal and newborn care from it. Knowing more about the pregnancy will make you more empathetic and able to understand what she is going through. These visits will also give you the tools you need to support your wife in making wiser choices regarding healthy diet and exercise, medication compliance, and personal hygiene.
ALSO READ: 9 Life-Changing Benefits Of Having A Father Figure At Home
10 | Prepare for the Delivery
If you want to help a lady who is going through labour and waiting for her baby, ensure you purchase of necessary delivery materials which she will need to go to maternity. Pack her maternity bag with everything she’ll require while in the hospital. It is your duty as a man to make adequate arrangements for transportation to and from the health facility prior to delivery and provide funds to cover maternity expenses and other necessities at the health facility as may be indicated by the health workers. Also learn to change diapers, carry a baby, and other critical parenting skills. Always be supportive. Convince your wife that you can take care of things while she relaxes and attends to the baby.