When I approached my husband, Mark, to share five aspects of my pregnancy that he found difficult, he was initially hesitant, jokingly asking if it was a trap for my blog. After some gentle prodding and a promise that I wouldn’t take offense, he finally opened up. To ensure a broader perspective, I also consulted some friends’ partners, and interestingly, their responses echoed Mark’s sentiments.
1. Temperature Sensitivity
One of Mark’s primary grievances is my constant feeling of being overheated. Rather than just slightly warm, I tend to run “swamp ass hot.” I insist on keeping the air conditioning so low that our home feels like an ice rink. As a result, Mark finds himself bundled up in winter pajamas and extra blankets while I remain uncovered, sipping ice water. Despite his attempts to adjust the thermostat in the night, I inevitably wake up to revert it back. It’s a tactical standoff—my need for cool air wins every time.
2. Reduced Intimacy
Surprisingly, Mark didn’t mention our reduced intimacy until after discussing the temperature dilemma. With each passing month, my interest in physical affection wanes. Cuddling becomes uncomfortable, and I’d rather snuggle with my pregnancy pillow than him. My complaints about physical discomfort make engaging in intimacy less appealing, a sentiment that Mark understandably finds disappointing.
3. Heightened Sensory Reactions
During my pregnancy, my senses seem to have heightened significantly. Even familiar scents can turn nauseating, such as the aroma of Mark’s face lotion, which I discreetly stashed away until after the baby arrives. I’ve even had to avoid cooking his favorite meals and have relocated to another table in restaurants to escape unpleasant smells. While some may label me as high maintenance, I argue that it’s better than experiencing a public vomiting episode.
4. Nesting Obsession
My urge to nest has intensified, turning me into a task-oriented whirlwind. I typically have a lengthy honey-do list for Mark each weekend, filled with organizing the garage, preparing the nursery, and washing baby clothes. Although he never complains and dutifully assists, I can sense it’s the last thing he wants to tackle after a long work week.
5. Over-communication
I tend to overshare details about my pregnancy symptoms to ensure Mark understands my experience. Despite our long relationship, he admitted that my candidness during this time can sometimes be overwhelming. He prefers not to hear about my occasional mishaps or the inconvenient realities of pregnancy, which can be quite graphic. “Sweetheart, some things are just better left unsaid,” he remarked, prompting me to change the subject.
In summary, while my pregnancy journey is filled with challenges, it’s clear that Mark has his own set of grievances that come with supporting me through this experience. Despite the discomforts, I deeply appreciate his patience and understanding.
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