When I initially asked my partner to share five things he struggles with during my pregnancy, he was hesitant. “Is this some kind of trap for your blog? It’s not that bad since you’re the one experiencing it,” he replied. After some gentle prodding and a promise that I wouldn’t be upset, he finally opened up. For good measure, I also surveyed some of my friends’ partners, and it turns out there’s a shared understanding.
1. I’m Always Hot
Let’s just say that my body temperature during pregnancy could rival a sauna. I insist on cranking the AC to the point where our home feels like an ice rink. My partner now dons winter pajamas and a long-sleeve shirt while I lounge under no covers, sipping ice water. He often wakes up with sniffles, while I’m sweating it out. He’s even tried adjusting the thermostat in the dead of night, but my instinct kicks in, and I turn it right back down. Sorry, but my comfort comes first!
2. My Libido Takes a Dive
Interestingly, my partner brought up the lack of intimacy second. As the months progress, my interest has plummeted. I find myself more inclined to hug my pregnancy pillow than cuddle with him. Complaining about my sore hips, larger belly, and other changes doesn’t exactly scream sexy. I can’t blame him for feeling a bit neglected.
3. Heightened Senses
My senses are on overdrive, and every smell seems overwhelming. His favorite lotion? It now smells like a skunk to me, so I cleverly hid it until after the baby arrives. I’ve even changed tables at restaurants to avoid the kitchen smells. I figure being a tad high-maintenance is better than dealing with public vomiting, right?
4. Nesting Frenzy
I typically have a long list of chores that need doing, but my nesting instinct has kicked into high gear. My partner has been roped into organizing the garage, washing baby clothes, and decluttering the house. He never complains and dutifully helps, but I know that after a long work week, he’d rather relax than tackle my ever-growing to-do list.
5. Over-Communicative
I have a tendency to share every detail of my symptoms, thinking it helps him understand what I’m experiencing. However, he confessed that my frankness can be a bit much sometimes. He certainly doesn’t want to hear about every little thing, like when I have to run to the bathroom or the discomforts of pregnancy. “Sweetheart,” he said, “some things are just better left unsaid.”
At this point, I decided to stop him there. I’m sure he could have cited many more points, but he’ll never fully comprehend the physical toll of carrying our little one. However, I can imagine that managing my pregnancy quirks must come in a close second!
For those interested in further reading about this journey, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination at WebMD. And if you’re looking for ways to boost fertility, visit this authority on the topic. Also, for more insights, don’t forget to explore this interesting post on our other blog.
Summary
Navigating pregnancy can be challenging for couples, with heat sensitivity, reduced intimacy, heightened senses, nesting urges, and oversharing being common issues. Understanding and communication are key as partners adjust to these changes together.