Couples

Pregnancy is bound to bring about some quite big changes in a couple’s relationship, especially if this is your first baby. For some people these changes happen easily, others find it harder to change. Everybody is different.

It’s quite common for couples to find themselves having arguments every now and then during pregnancy, however much they are looking forward to the baby. Some of these may be nothing to do with the pregnancy, but others may be caused by one or other partner feeling worried about the future and how they are going to cope. Perhaps the most important thing to realise is that during pregnancy there are also good reasons for feeling closer and more loving. 

One practical question you will need to discuss is how you will cope with labour and whether your partner will be there. Many fathers do want to be present at their baby’s birth. The section on Labour and birth gives some suggestions on ways in which fathers can help and what it can mean to them to share this experience.

I want to know if it’s all right. I think that’s always at the back of  your mind – you don’t know whether it’s all right. It’s a worry that’s always there.’     

‘I feel guilty at times. It’s not just worrying about what  you do and whether it will damage the baby. Sometimes I feel I just haven’t thought about the  baby, cared about it enough. I ought to be loving it more.’ 

‘You hear such a lot and read such a lot in the newspapers about spina bifida and backward children and all that. You can’t help but wonder about your own.’

‘Now that I’ve felt it move and I’ve heard the heartbeat, I feel happier. Early on we worried much more.’

Information provided by Health Promotion England.