Emotional & Physical Support for Pregnant Partners

Pregnancy is both an exciting and scary thing. From waiting for the pregnancy tests, to boarding a plane, to getting a call that my wife was a carrier for cystic fibrosis, the emotions ran the gamut. This is why emotional & physical support for pregnant partners is key. Everything ended up being fine, but I use that as an example to explain the highs and lows of pregnancy. It’s how we deal with these uncertainties that make us stronger and help guide what kind of person and parent we want to be. It’s crucial to make sure you are supportive and involved with your partner throughout the journey because they are going to be busy creating human life, and that role is taxing enough. As dads-to-be, we should be proactive in things like planning, doctors' appointments, and educating ourselves to alleviate the mental burden our partners take on when we don’t put in that work. In this post, I will cover the physical and emotional changes that your partner is about to go through in each trimester so you know what to prepare for and how to best offer support.

Understanding the Emotional Journey

Each trimester brings about different physical and hormonal changes from your partner. In the first trimester, my wife experienced major fatigue and some nausea, and in the third trimester, it was extreme nausea and discomfort since the baby was so big. As long as you are informed on all of the changes that will be about to happen, you will be able to prepare and help. Below, I will list out each trimester and what to look out for.

Emotional & Physical Support for Pregnant Partners - Trimester Breakdown

1st Trimester (Weeks 1–12)

Physical Changes:

• Morning Sickness: Nausea and vomiting are common, especially in the mornings. Some women experience it all day, while others may have no symptoms.

  • How to Help: Be understanding if she’s not up for eating regular meals, and offer bland foods like crackers or ginger tea to ease nausea.

• Fatigue: The body is working hard to support the developing baby, leading to extreme tiredness.

  • How to Help: Encourage rest, and help with household chores or other responsibilities.

• Breast Tenderness: Hormonal changes can cause sore and sensitive breasts.

  • How to Help: Be mindful and gentle, especially if she experiences discomfort.

Emotional Changes:

• Mood Swings: Hormonal fluctuations can cause irritability, tears, or sudden mood changes.

  • How to Help: Be patient and try not to take it personally. Offer emotional support and a listening ear.

2nd Trimester (Weeks 13–27)

Physical Changes:

• Energy Levels Increase: Many women feel a boost in energy during this trimester as nausea fades.

  • How to Help: Use this time to bond and tackle baby prep tasks together while she’s feeling good.

• Visible Baby Bump: Her body will begin showing the baby bump, which might bring a mix of pride and discomfort as her body changes.

  • How to Help: Compliment her and be supportive about her body’s transformations. Help her find comfortable maternity clothes if needed.

• Back Pain: As the baby grows, her back may start to hurt due to the added weight and shifting posture.

  • How to Help: Offer massages or suggest prenatal yoga to help alleviate discomfort.

Emotional Changes:

• Heightened Emotions: While energy levels may increase, some women experience heightened sensitivity or stress about the upcoming birth and changes.

  • How to Help: Offer reassurance and help her prepare for the baby's arrival, reducing feelings of anxiety.

3rd Trimester (Weeks 28–40)

Physical Changes:

• Frequent Urination: As the baby grows and puts pressure on her bladder, frequent trips to the bathroom are common.

  • How to Help: Be patient and help her stay comfortable, especially during night-time wakeups.

• Shortness of Breath: The growing baby can push against her lungs, making it harder to breathe deeply.

  • How to Help: Encourage her to rest and avoid strenuous activities. Keep the environment calm and stress-free.

• Braxton Hicks Contractions: These “practice” contractions can occur as her body prepares for labor.

  • How to Help: Remind her that these are normal, but if they become regular or painful, consult her doctor to check for early labor.

Emotional Changes:

• Anxiety About Labor and Parenthood: As the due date approaches, anxiety about childbirth and life after the baby’s arrival can increase.

  • How to Help: Be a calming presence. Attend childbirth classes together, discuss the birth plan, and remind her that she’s not alone in this journey.

• Nesting Instinct: Many women feel an urge to prepare the home for the baby during the third trimester.

  • How to Help: Join in on the nesting process by helping organize the nursery and ensuring everything is ready for the baby’s arrival.

Always consult your doctor if anything feels out of place or abnormal. These guidelines can help you understand what to expect during each trimester.

Leave some comments below about your experiences with anything outside of the above physical and emotional changes.