“My Husband is Overly Protective During Pregnancy, What Can I Do?”

 My Husband is Overly Protective During Pregnancy…What Can I Do?

How To Cope With An Overprotective Partner
Take heart. Most husbands are just as nervous about a new baby as mothers are during pregnancy. Sometimes however, a father’s anxiety may prove too much for an overly anxious mother. Keep in mind that your husband is only concerned about caring for you and your unborn baby.

One of the simplest steps you can take to help relieve any tension between you and your partner is ask your partner to escort you to your doctor’s visits. That way you and your partner can both discuss your health concerns and any concerns you have about the baby with your healthcare provider.

This will also provide your husband the opportunity to take an active role in your pregnancy. Your husband will better understand what activities are safe and which are not safe during pregnancy and learn ways to support you throughout your pregnancy.

If you feel your husband’s actions are inappropriate or abusive however, in any way, speak up immediately and discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. Together you can decide on a safe and appropriate course of action to protect you and your unborn baby.

Pregnancy As A New Phase In Your Life
During pregnancy you and your partner will come to the realization that pregnancy represents a new phase in your life. For many couples this includes a change in their relationship and their roles with one another.

Whereas in the past your focus was with each other, both you and your partner’s focus will soon shift as the newest member of your family arrives. You start learning to respect and love one another as parents, not simply as husband and wife.

Once children enter the family, you and your partner will realize that you have less time available for each other. Your parenting demands often take priority over personal time. Sometimes this can lead to communication breakdowns in a relationship.

Keep in mind however, that pregnancy is also an important and exciting time of change and anticipation. There are several steps you can take to ensure that you and your partner enjoy a lasting and fun relationship during pregnancy and after.

Here are some steps you can take to promote a positive relationship during pregnancy:

•  Take five minutes out of every day to talk to one another and remind each other why you fell in love to begin with.
•  Take five minutes of every day to yourself. Encourage your partner to do the same. It is often far too easy to get bogged down into the role of parent and forget that to be a good parent you must first take good care of yourself.
•  Embrace each other’s fears, anxiety and concerns. Communicate openly, honestly and regularly with your partner to help each other transition from a couple to a family.
•  Always share your feelings with your partner even when they seem absurd.
•  Accept that you are more emotional when pregnant, and consider this when your partner says something you find overly protective or even callus. It may be your emotions are getting the better of you. Even if this is not the case, approach your partner calmly and respectfully and discuss your concerns with your partner.
•  Make time each day to be intimate with your partner. This may involve nothing more than a long, leisurely kiss to remind your partner that you are still important as a couple, as much as your lives are changing as parents.

Embrace your pregnancy as the new phase in life that it is and remember that you and your partner are starting a remarkable journey together.