There are many things that will test a relationship over the years. Pregnancy may be a happy time for most, but it also is a life-changing time. Stress and anxiety are common during pregnancy for both the man and the woman. More than that, the baby is growing inside of the woman, so some men may feel a disconnect during this period of time. There are some things that can help a couple to remain close and even to grow closer together over all three trimesters.
Go to Doctor Appointments Together
A pregnant woman will go to numerous doctor’s appointments. During these appointments, she will get growth reports on her belly’s size, information about her weight and health, information about the next steps in the process and more. Concerns may arise, and the baby’s heartbeat will be heard at most appointments. These appointments are as much about the baby’s care as about the woman’s care, and the expectant father can remain involved in the process when he attends them. Dr. Gilbert Webb, a physician in St. Louis, can recall memorable reaction stories from doctor appointments with expecting couples. A couple would not want to miss out on these memorable appointments together.
Pick Out a Name
The decision about a name for the baby is an important one. Many couples do this together, but some do not do it together in an active way. It may include tossing out names while you make breakfast one morning or testing your spouse a name idea that comes to mind in the middle of the day. To ensure that both are actively involved in this, buy a book of baby names. Write down your top few choices. Consider referring to the baby by a specific name for a few days to see if it feels natural. These are things you can do together that are far more active than just tossing out a few names here and there.
Enjoy Regular Date Nights
There may be a desire to spend more time at home during pregnancy. The woman may be getting more uncomfortable as the pregnancy progresses, or other reasons may mean you spend more nights at home. Regardless of whether you go out or stay in, plan regular date nights to maintain your closeness. This can be something as simple as dinner at your favorite movie or ordering pizza and enjoying movie night at home.
Take Care of the Growing Baby Together
Taking care of the baby while in utero seems like the woman’s responsibility, but the man can play a role as well. He can assist her in meal planning and preparation to ensure she has healthy meals and snacks. The couple can take regular walks together each evening. The man can take on a few extra responsibilities around the house so that she can rest and relax when needed. This may not mean the man does everything, but he could unload the dishwasher or fold a load of clothes so that she can rest one afternoon.
Prepare for the Baby Together
There are many steps that the couple needs to take to prepare for the baby together. This ranges from buying a car seat and all of the other baby gear to painting the baby’s room and hanging curtains. While some men may not enjoy shopping, the more active the father-to-be is in preparing for the baby together with his wife, the more involved he will feel in the process.
Some couples may feel that they grew apart doing pregnancy, but others feel that pregnancy brought them together. Pregnancy is a transition period for a couple, and those who take active steps to remain close and to go through this process together often develop a stronger, closer bond than those who do not. These ideas can each help you to grow closer during pregnancy.
Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. You can connect with Rachelle on Twitter and Facebook.
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Danielle is the owner of Today's the Best Day. She strives to provide creative and uplifting content in order to enrich the parenting experience for women everywhere. Danielle hopes to help you and your family to make every day the best day! 
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