Quick: What's the single most significant relationship you'll have in your new life as a parent? Surprise: It's not the one you'll share with that beautiful baby you'll be bringing home. It's the one you share — and will continue to share — with your partner, a fact baby-crazed pregnancy couples can be quick to forget.
After all, fetuses grow into babies, who grow up into older children, who grow up and move out of the house (and it happens a lot faster than you can even imagine … trust me!). But a partner is with you into old age, with a little luck and a lot of hard work. So it's extra important (and challenging) to keep the love alive and maintain a strong relationship during pregnancy.
That said, there are sure to be some changes in the dynamics of your twosome once baby makes three. These shifts and potential strains on a couple's relationship during a pregnancy are inevitable — because, in spite of how little they are, babies tend to make a big impact on their parents' lives! But if you play your cards right from the start, these changes can actually be for the better.
Track your baby's growth and find answers to all your pregnancy questions in the What to Expect app.
The first thing you guys will need to do is to start thinking of yourselves as a couple again — instead of just a couple of parents-to-be. Of course, you'll want to focus plenty of attention on your pregnancy and on your baby — and you should, as long as you remember to keep your relationship front-and-center rather than on the back burner. Your baby doesn't have to come between you (though your growing belly definitely will!).
Wondering just how to nurture your relationship? You probably have some pretty good romantic tricks you can pull out of storage, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
Schedule in romance
Now's a good time to start a weekly date night — something you'd be smart to continue after baby's on board (though in the first few months, you may be having those dates at home .…).
Be spontaneous
As often as you can, for absolutely no reason at all, surprise your partner with an affectionate touch or kiss, a flirty compliment, or an impromptu jump into bed. Feel free to get frisky and adventurous. Just make sure you keep pregnancy sex safe and fun.
Mix baby business with relationship pleasure
Cap a trip to the baby store with dinner and a movie (don't forget to hold hands in the dark). Or follow that ultrasound appointment with lunch at your favorite spot. That's right, lunch counts — in fact, it's normal to not be in the mood for a long evening out when you're pregnant.
"My husband and I are having trouble planning and enjoying date nights," says What to Expect Community member Jmoore323. "He wants to go to a restaurant near the water, but all I'm thinking is meh."
If you relate, don't stress. As long as you two keep bonding in small, everyday ways, you'll stay connected.
Keep the sweet nothings going
As often as you can, put your relationship first. Don't just email your partner 20 times a day to ask them if they've remembered to pick up the dry cleaning or those paint samples for the nursery. Write to them sometimes just to tell them you love them and can't wait to see them.
Remember the other four-letter word: Talk
Communication is always important in a relationship, but it's especially essential for couples during pregnancy, since things between them can change pretty quickly. Be sure to talk through changes instead of just letting them happen. And keep the lines of communication open once baby's on the scene, when talking uninterrupted will be challenging for sure, but more crucial than ever.
Get away while you still can
Plan a romantic getaway before baby makes a trip for two a lot trickier, and if you plan to fly during your pregnancy just get the okay from your doctor before you hit the open skies.
Wishing you a lifetime of loving!
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