Pregnancy and love can be a tricky combination. At times, a couple can feel incredibly close, while at others it can feel as though your partner is living in another dimension. Yet a robust relationship in pregnancy matters. A positive relationship can make you and your partner more equipped to deal with situations that arise, whilst a lack of communication and misunderstandings can cause unnecessary tensions and disharmony at a time when emotions are already running high.
With this in mind, Matrimonial Consultant and Relationship Guru Sheela Mackintosh-Stewartshares her thoughts on how motherhood will change your relationship...
Six ways pregnancy and motherhood will change your relationship
1 of 61) ‘Irrational’ and emotional behaviour
Pregnancy hormones can cause a range of emotional highs and lows, making you feel more vulnerable, sensitive or anxious than usual. It is important to communicate your feelings clearly and calmly to your partner and for them respond with tolerance and attentiveness. If not dealt with carefully, a couple can end up feeling disconnected, isolated and unloved.
2 of 62) Involvement in your pregnancy journey
As your body changes physically, the last thing many women want is physical intimacy as they cope with morning sickness, physical discomfort and tiredness. It is important to explain this to your partner in a gentle loving way and to keep them physically connected to what is happening inside you, so they don’t feel left out. Try reading pregnancy books together and involve them in your birthing plan.
3 of 63) Planning and managing expectations
Who is going to be the breadwinner? Who is going to stay home and look after the baby? You and your partner need to agree on the best course of action for your family including the division of labour, earnings and childcare before the baby arrives. This will avoid arguments over ‘score-keeping’ and prevent one partner from feeling like they’ve drawn the ‘short straw’ by taking on the lion share of parenting and domestic chores and the other partner from feeling like a cash-cow’.
4 of 64) Parenting style
Pregnancy is a time for self-reflection and discussions on your parenting styles and how you both want to raise your child. These conversations will almost certainly uncover differences in your views, upbringing, expectations and it is important to agree how you manage those differences.
5 of 65) Managing in-laws and their expectations
Having an extended family around you for support, guidance and as an extra pair of hands for the baby can be invaluable. However, it often results in clashes with your well-meaning in-laws who readily offer opinions and advice, which can accentuate any existing tensions. Managing this by setting expectations and boundaries with your partner’s help is crucial.
6 of 66) Team-working to fostering a sense of togetherness
Pregnancy is a joyous event to pro-actively cultivate strong foundations of togetherness for a happy and fulfilling family life. Enjoy this valuable time together and learn the best ways to communicate effectively, maintain relationship satisfaction and mange conflict, as you transition towards parenthood.
Have you noticed any of these changes? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!
Make sure you're following Mother & Baby on Instagram for relatable memes, inspiring stories and parenting hacks!
Have approx 60 seconds to spare? Why not join thousands of mums-to-be and start your very own Amazon baby wish list! They're absolutely free to create and perfect to send to the friends, aunties and your mum to make sure you're getting the baby products you really need...Click here