Disclaimer: reflects mummy’s views only (also, a bit cheesy) 🙂
Short answer – it’s made it stronger. When we decided to start a family (about nine months ago) I felt like we had a solid foundation for our relationship and the kind of friendship/partnership I haven’t experienced before. And I’m glad we did because although we’ve been very fortunate so far, trying to conceive and the first pregnancy have been an emotional rollercoaster.
I don’t know about you, but being pregnant has definitely made me feel more vulnerable. There have been so many new thoughts, feelings and experiences related to this important step in our lives that the last thing I’d want is any doubt or uncertainty about the relationship!
This may sound like a cliché, but this pregnancy really has made us closer than ever. The shared happiness, excitement and even the worry about the baby have strengthened our bond, I think. Having lived together for a while, we are of course very comfortable with each other but the level of intimacy has increased simply because he has much more reason to worry about my physical and mental wellbeing (no such thing as too much information anymore haha!). Of course I should reciprocate this and I do try to remember that Daddy-to-be is also going through a very new situation.
Also, knowing that I am the one he’s chosen to have a lifelong connection with (through our child) makes me extremely happy and reassured about our future together and his commitment to me <3
That being said, of course the pregnancy has brought new kinds of challenges to our daily life. The hormones, fatigue, nausea, aches and pains don’t make me the easiest person to live with… And sometimes it can feel unfair that I’m the one going through the physical side of pregnancy and it can be frustrating that he cannot understand (fully) what I’m going through. But he is trying and that’s all I can ask.
I don’t know how women do this alone, and while I appreciate it’s not always by choice, regardless of the circumstances it must require such level of strength and maturity, not to mention a support network! I truly wish that all mums out there could receive the amount of love and support I have, whether that’s from the dad-to-be or someone else.
Feeling privileged.
xoxoxo,
Sini