Support Persons Role - it’s important.

Are you a support Person?

Supporting your partner through pregnancy is a very important job. Pregnancy and childbirth can be exhausting both physically and emotionally, so helping her in any way you can will benefit her, your relationship and ultimately your baby. Going to check-ups and antenatal classes are an important part in supporting your partner during pregnancy.

Early pregnancy and the first trimester: finding out you’re going to be a parent can be a wonderful experience — but for some people it’s terrifying. Many feel numb or in shock at first - this is normal. You can use the time to get used to the idea of being a parent and thinking about how you will manage the changes a new baby will bring. It’s a good idea to be as involved as you can throughout the pregnancy - for example by going to health care appointments with your partner or looking at baby equipment together. Talking about your feelings will help you both deal with the emotions a pregnancy can bring. Your partner may experience symptoms like mood swings and morning sickness. Try not to take it personally. You can help her by encouraging her to eat small amounts often. If she is vomiting very often or you are worried about her, contact your doctor. It’s normally fine to have sex during pregnancy, as long as both you and your partner feel like it. It might feel different, but it won’t harm the baby. If your partner is bleeding or there are other problems, you might be advised not to have sex. You can support her by being patient and finding other ways to be intimate, such as kissing, cuddling and massage.

The second trimester: As the pregnancy progresses, the morning sickness should ease and the pregnancy will become more obvious. The second trimester is the time to start thinking seriously about finances, your relationship, wills and life insurance. Communicating openly and honestly with your partner will help create the positive relationship you will need as parents. You can support your partner at this time by helping her to have a healthy pregnancy, including by eating healthily, doing physical activity, cutting back on alcohol and quitting smoking. If you notice either you or your partner are feeling very stressed or emotional for more than 2 weeks, and it’s getting in the way of your day to day life, it is a good idea to speak to your doctor or midwife.

The third trimester: This is often when pregnancy gets real for fathers and partners. Your partner will start going for a lot more check-ups. If you can go with her, you will be able to hear your baby’s heart beat and understand more about what’s going to happen during the birth. You can also attend antenatal classes, do a tour of where the baby will be born, and organise for time off work.

Late pregnancy can be very uncomfortable for you partner. She may wake up often during the night, need to go to the toilet more, and find sex uncomfortable. You can help her by massaging her, helping her to get comfortable, and being patient when she starts cleaning the house ready for the new baby.

Your baby will be able to hear by now, so you can talk or sing to them. This will help you bond with the baby even before they are born.