How can I best support my partner during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a time of great change for both of you. As well as needing to deal with your own excitement and anxiety, you are wanting to support your partner. Take time to learn about pregnancy, birth and parenting. Read books, attend classes and talk with your partner about your questions, ideas and plans. See “Get ready for fatherhood” for suggestions about how to support your pregnant partner.
How do I deal with my partner’s mood swings?
It is very normal for a woman to have mood swings during pregnancy. Some of these feelings are caused by normal physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy. Other feelings are a result of changes that pregnancy and impending parenthood bring to your life and your relationships.
If your partner has long periods of sadness and crying, poor sleep or inability to eat, she may have depression. Depression can occur during pregnancy just as at any other time of life. Talk to your partner and health care provider if you think this is the case. Along with rest and social support, some women need medications to help them with severe depression in pregnancy. Her physician will know of the medications that are safe for use in pregnancy.
The 24 hour telephone support at 811 (Health Link) can connect you with a nurse to ask questions and get help if you are wondering about depression in your partner or yourself.
What about my own mood swings?
Both you and your partner may experience emotional changes in pregnancy. You may be anxious about your partner’s health during pregnancy. You may have tension in your relationship now that she is pregnant. Some couples or individuals seek counselling or support to deal with these changes. In Calgary you can call 811 (Health Link) to be referred to community agencies.
What about finances?
Family finances can be a big concern as you move through pregnancy. Talk with your partner and make a plan about how you will manage. You may be moving from two incomes to one, or making decisions about who is in the best position to provide financially for the family. Find out about parental benefits you may be eligible for at work or through Service Canada. You can also find ore information on available financial resources by visiting the Healthy Parents Healthy Children website