After writing my popular piece titled “Top 10 Tough Things About Being Pregnant,” my old buddy, Tom W., felt inspired to share his perspective. He drafted his own list — “The Top Ten Tough Things About Being Married to a Pregnant Woman.” I wanted to ask my husband to contribute, but he wisely decided to avoid that territory, especially since I had just burst into tears in the kitchen over a spilled juice box. Yep, pregnancy can be a rollercoaster!
So, Tom bravely stepped up to share the challenges he faced as a partner during this wild ride. It’s been a few years since his own pregnancy adventures, but clearly, the memories are still fresh. Ladies, brace yourselves for the unfiltered truth!
1. Mood Swings Galore
That glamorous woman you fell for? She’s now a fierce whirlwind of emotions. One moment, she’s sweet as pie; the next, she’s a tornado. During our first pregnancy, I forgot to vacuum on a Friday night after she asked me. By Sunday, I was glued to the TV, and when I heard her voice ask for the vacuum again, let’s just say I learned what chaos sounds like when she hurled it across the room at me, demanding I clean up. Lesson learned: always vacuum when asked!
2. Breastfeeding Classes
Like many expectant dads, I found myself dragged into a breastfeeding class on a Saturday during football season. Seriously?! Eight hours of watching videos and listening to lectures on a subject I don’t even have experience with? One dad even asked how to handle sore nipples — I just wanted to scream!
3. Misunderstood Compliments
Ladies, a word of advice: when you’re feeling insecure about your body, maybe just skip the conversation. Any attempts to reassure you will likely be twisted into something unrecognizable. If she asks, “Do I look as pregnant as her?” run for the hills or, better yet, scream that you’re being chased by a bear — it’ll be less traumatic.
4. Baby Showers
Ah, the joy of attending baby showers. There’s nothing quite like sitting through a gathering filled with people you hardly know, all while missing a critical sports game. The gift-opening process? Pure torture. You just have to smile and pretend that a onesie is as exciting as a new gadget.
5. Doctor’s Appointments
I always felt a bit out of place at the doctor’s office surrounded by pregnant women. Waiting for an hour only to have the doctor pop in for five minutes feels like a surreal experience. And don’t get me started on the bills that follow!
6. Choosing a Name
Why does naming a child feel like a Supreme Court decision? You can spend hours debating names only for the kid to end up with something completely different. I remember practicing names in the backyard, hoping to avoid sounding foolish if we picked the wrong one!
7. Bizarre Food Cravings
Sure, you can crave pickles dipped in chocolate, but that doesn’t mean I want to join you for dinner! And when you act horrified at my double cheeseburger, it’s hard not to feel judged.
8. Intimacy Issues
Let’s be real: it’s a little strange to think about intimacy when your baby is just inches away. As the family grows, intimacy often takes a backseat to the chaos of parenting — by the third child, I was well down the priority list.
9. Breast Changes
On the plus side, pregnancy can lead to some noticeable changes. While your figure may be more voluptuous than ever, the catch is that those changes are often off-limits. Why must they be both attractive and sore?
10. Nightmares
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been jolted awake by my wife’s screams, feeling like I was in a horror movie. I’d leap up, heart racing, only to have her tell me to be quiet because she was “trying to sleep.” Talk about a wake-up call!
So, there you have it, expectant moms! Now you know what your partner might be feeling behind that brave smile throughout your nine-month journey. Feeling frustrated? Maybe just take it out on your husband — Tom’s hiding somewhere!
For more information on pregnancy, check out this excellent resource from the NIH here. And if you’re curious about home insemination, visit Make a Mom for an authority on the topic. For further reading on our terms, click here.
Summary:
Navigating the ups and downs of pregnancy can be quite the adventure for both partners. From mood swings to bizarre cravings, the challenges can pile up. It’s essential to communicate and find humor in these situations. Remember, you’re in this together!