Published 08/09/2024
Updated 02/06/2025
5-minutes read!
Becoming a mother is a life-changing experience filled with joy, anticipation, and, yes, a fair amount of anxiety. When you find yourself pregnant early in a relationship, it's like adding a turbo boost to your emotional roller coaster. Let's dive into the excitement of impending motherhood with your new beau and share some advice for new parents, helping you determine what is best for you!
Congratulations, you're going to be a mom! The idea of nurturing a new life and experiencing pregnancy milestones can be both exhilarating and slightly terrifying. Whether you're picturing a baby's first steps or wondering how you'll survive pregnancy without a morning coffee, embrace the joy. And remember, it's okay to laugh at the absurdity of it all – like the time you cried over a cat food commercial (totally normal, by the way).
Before you start planning matching family outfits, take a moment to evaluate your relationship. Here are some important realities to consider:
Communication: Can you talk openly with your partner and are you emotionally supportive? If you can discuss who ate the last slice of pizza without a fight, you're on the right track. Now, level up those skills to support each other about hopes, fears, and diaper duties.
Commitment Levels: Are you both ready to commit to 3 a.m. feedings and endless reruns of "Baby Shark"? Reflect on your relationship's commitment problems and whether you're both prepared to make sacrifices for the baby to support each other.
Support System: How's your squad? Whether it's family, friends, or a neighbor who always has extra cookies, a strong support network can help you through the tough times.
Future Plans: Are your future goals aligned? It's time to discuss where you see your relationship heading. Planning can save you from the future "I thought you wanted five kids!" surprises.
Regardless of where you stand, there are ways to ensure the best outcome for everyone involved:
Individual and Couples Counseling: Sometimes, you just need a safe space to sort through your feelings. Individual and couple counseling can provide that support. Personal counseling can provide clarity and coping strategies – like breathing exercises for when you see your partner leave socks everywhere. Couples counseling can be a lifesaver. Think of it as a relationship tune-up with a professional mechanic for expert relationship advice.
Parenting Classes: Sign up for parenting classes together. Not only will you learn valuable skills, but you'll also get to practice diapering on dolls (which is hilarious and surprisingly informative).
Financial Planning: It's time to adult up! Discuss budgeting, savings, and all those tiny baby expenses. Financial stability is like a cozy blanket—it keeps the stress at bay.
Divide Responsibilities: Share the load. Dividing parental responsibility and household duties can prevent burnout and ensure both partners are actively involved. Plus, it's only fair that both of you get a chance to wear the "Super Parent" cape.
Maintain Intimacy: Keep the spark alive! Date nights and small gestures of appreciation can help maintain your connection amidst the chaos of impending parenthood.
Your baby's well-being is the top priority. Here's how to ensure a healthy and happy environment:
Prenatal Care: Regular check-ups are essential. Think of your OB-GYN as your pregnancy coach, guiding you through prenatal care to the finish line.
Healthy Lifestyle: Balance your diet, exercise, and rest to maintain a healthy lifestyle. And yes, that means cutting back on the midnight ice cream runs – for both your sakes!
Create a Supportive Environment: Create a supportive environment by making your home a safe, nurturing space. Setting up a cozy nursery is also a great way to channel your inner interior decorator.
Bonding: Start bonding with your baby early. Talk, sing, and even dance a little – it's great for both of you and might turn into a hilarious dance-off.
If you’ve gotten this far and have decided, nope this isn’t going to work, here's some advice about adoption, abortion, and contraception:
Early pregnancy in a new relationship is a unique adventure. By embracing the excitement, thoughtfully assessing your relationship, prioritizing your baby's well-being, and seeking advice for new parents, you will make the best decision – trust yourself! Whether you decide to raise the child, consider adoption, or opt for an abortion, make sure your decision is well-informed and you surround yourself with support.
National Academies Press (US). (1985, January 1). The effectiveness of prenatal care. Preventing Low Birthweight - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK214461/
Koletzko, B., Cremer, M., Flothkötter, M., Graf, C., Hauner, H., Hellmers, C., Kersting, M., Krawinkel, M., Przyrembel, H., Röbl-Mathieu, M., Schiffner, U., Vetter, K., Weißenborn, A., & Wöckel, A. (2018). Diet and lifestyle before and during pregnancy – Practical recommendations of the Germany-Wide Healthy Start – Young Family Network. Thieme-Praxis-Report. Geburtshilfe Und Frauenheilkunde/Geburtshilfe Und Frauenheilkunde, 78(12), 1262–1282. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-0713-1058
World Health Organization. (2013). GENERAL CARE IN THE HOME DURING PREGNANCY. Counseling for Maternal and Newborn Health Care - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304196/
De Waal, N., Boekhorst, M. G., Nyklíček, I., & Pop, V. J. (2023). Maternal-infant bonding and partner support during pregnancy and postpartum: Associations with early child social-emotional development. Infant Behavior & Development, 72, 101871. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infbeh.2023.101871
World Health Organization: WHO. (2023, September 5). Family planning/contraception methods. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/family-planning-contraception
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Contraception
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