Pregnancy is a unique journey, and as someone who’s been through it twice, I can tell you it’s a wild ride—one that can sometimes leave your partner feeling overwhelmed. During my 20 months of carrying life, I found myself frustrated with my partner, Derek, as he seemed to fumble through the experience. If you’re the partner of someone who is pregnant, here are some essential don’ts to keep in mind:
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When your partner shares, “I think I’m pregnant,” resist the urge to blurt out, “But I wanted a new gaming console!” Trust me, it won’t go over well.
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Offer support, but steer clear of being overly controlling. This is their body, and if they crave an entire tub of cream cheese on a single cracker, just roll with it.
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Avoid making comments about how it feels like there’s an alien inside their belly. We get it—it’s a strange experience, and we don’t need any reminders!
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Don’t make your partner the designated driver for every outing. Pregnancy isn’t about enduring rowdy nights out; it’s about nurturing new life.
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Keep unsolicited advice to yourself. Whether it’s about what to wear or what to eat, remember there are plenty of voices out there already. Right now, your best skill is being a great masseuse.
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Never say, “But you love cheese! You really can’t have it?” If they can’t eat it, then just accept it—cooking it in the house again could lead to serious reconsideration.
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Avoid suggesting they should exercise more. Trust me, simple tasks like walking to the bathroom or climbing stairs count as workouts during pregnancy!
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Whenever your partner asks, “Do you want to feel the baby move?” don’t hesitate. Always say yes, even if it feels a bit strange.
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Steer clear of jokes about weighing the same. If they could reach you, they might just throw a pillow your way!
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Lastly, prepare for a lot of tears. Whether it’s over commercials or just a hug, it’s normal. Don’t be alarmed; it’s a part of the journey!
There’s so much more I could share, but between managing my two kids, who are currently in a wrestling match, I’ll have to stop here. Pregnancy is just the beginning of a long, chaotic, and beautiful adventure. For more insights on the process, check out this post on intracervicalinsemination.com/blog.
If you’re interested in fertility tips, Make A Mom is a great resource. Also, for week-by-week pregnancy information, March of Dimes offers excellent guidance.
Summary:
During pregnancy, partners should avoid making insensitive comments, offering unsolicited advice, and taking over. Instead, they should focus on being supportive, understanding, and ready for the emotional rollercoaster that comes with this life-changing experience.