Image: Shutterstock
There’s so much joy and anticipation when your family of two, namely you and your partner, are about to welcome a third rather cute bundle of joy. You know in your heart that this up-and-coming baby was a creation of love, and you can’t wait to embark on this journey together. Both parents have beautiful dreams for their little family, and the baby is all you can talk about. Now that is one side of it. There is a less rosy side of having a baby, and it looks something like this: the expectant mother keeping up with the overwhelming bodily changes, the expectant father stressing out about this new change in life, and the dynamics of the relationship between you and your partner taking a hit.
It’s normal to experience trouble in paradise when you and your partner are expecting your child, but it doesn’t have to be so terrible. You can strengthen your relationship before the new arrival, and here’s how:
1. Communications Is Key
Image: Shutterstock
This has to be on top of the list simply because of how important it is. We may expect our better half to understand what we’re going through telepathically, but that’s not how it works. Have honest conversations with your partner, and discuss your desires, fears, expectations, and everything else under the sun. It’s essential to keep your channels of communication open to make a relationship work.
2. It’s Always A Good Time To Be Romantic
Image: Shutterstock
You know how they say that romance goes down the drain when the baby arrives? That doesn’t have to be true. Plan date nights as and when possible. Make tiny gestures to remind your partner that you can still be cheesy. It can be something as simple as leaving a cute message on a post-it in the bathroom. If the idea of a babymoon sounds appealing, go for it! A quick getaway before the baby arrives can be just the thing you and your partner need!
3. How About A No-Baby Zone?
Image: Shutterstock
It is very likely that since the news of your pregnancy, every topic of conversation revolved around your baby. Yes, your baby is the center of your (and your partner’s) world, but don’t forget about yourselves. Set aside a certain amount of time, maybe during dinner, where you make it a point to talk about anything except your baby.
4. Take Care Of Yourself
Image: Shutterstock
Yes, we’re talking about strengthening your relationship but to give your best there, you need to first take care of yourself. When was the last time you had your “me” time? Chances are that once the baby arrives, having some time for yourself will become a luxury you can’t afford. So, make it a point to keep aside some time for yourself. To be a healthy couple, you first need to be a healthy individual, so practice self-care!
5. Ask For Help
Image: Shutterstock
You don’t have to do it all by yourselves. Yes, you’re about to don the role of mommy and daddy, but it’s okay to ask your respective parents for help as well. After all, they’ve been down this road before! Not just that — you can ask your friends and relatives to help you out whenever you need it as well. It could be for advice or to pitch in to cook a meal on a day when your hands are tied. It can take the burden off your shoulders and the weight off your relationship when things get too overwhelming.
6. Brace For Impact!
Image: Shutterstock
Finally, come to terms with reality. The truth is, things are about to change. Your lifestyle, your mindset, the dynamics of your relationship — it’s all going to look different, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing! However, it’s crucial for you and your partner to understand that change is coming, and it is inevitable. Make each other understand this, so it doesn’t come as a rude shock once the baby shows up. Parenting will have its ups and downs, it will turn your world topsy-turvy, but it is a profound, rewarding experience like no other!
No matter what the downside, the fact of the matter is that both you and your partner have played a part in bringing a beautiful baby into this world. Taking care of and bringing up a baby is no easy feat, and along the way, it’s easy to forget your partner (in crime). You can undo that. It takes effort, patience, and time, but for the sake of love, it is possible! Do you have any ideas to strengthen your relationship before the little one arrives? Let us know in the comments below!
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
