Pregnancy is one of the most joyful times in a couple’s life together. The two of you have created a new life. Your body is growing and changing to accommodate your growing baby. And whether you’d like to admit it or not, your relationship with your partner is changing, too.

Laugh to Relieve the Stress

While being pregnant is one of the most exciting times of your life, it is also one of the most stressful. When you’re busy browsing through cribs, stuffed animals, and baby clothes, Daddy is going through something totally different. His mind is racing with thoughts about finances, diapers, and a huge life change.

We women tend to get caught up in the excitement of a new baby, but it’s important to remember our husbands. They have needs, too, and pregnancy can sometimes distract you from paying attention to those needs. Some women feel less sexy and desirable during pregnancy, which can lead to a decreased libido. But sex and intimacy don’t have to end at the moment of conception. In fact, pregnancy is a great opportunity to get to know your partner on a more intimate level.

Let me give you an example. When I found out I was pregnant three months ago, I was ecstatic. I couldn’t wait to start looking for cribs and baby booties. Meanwhile, my husband was freaking out. He was worried about being able to provide for the baby.

My husband and I have always been very close. We constantly tease and joke with each other. Our joking and teasing have kept the excitement in our relationship alive as we venture into the second trimester. We’re open about our feelings and fears, and we share them on a regular basis. We laugh and cry in each other’s arms. This has made our bond so much stronger.

The Sexy Little Secret

Chances are, you were so focused on getting pregnant that you forgot to enjoy sex while trying to conceive. Now that the pressure is off, you can relax and enjoy your partner’s body. Take time to talk playfully with your partner. Joke around. Don’t assume that your relationship has to change just because you’re pregnant. You’re still sexy, and you deserve to be happy.

Being intimate during pregnancy can take off some of the pressure of planning for the baby. It will also allow to two of you to laugh together. This, in turn, will make physical intimacy more appealing.

Talk the Talk

Talk about your hopes and fears. Yes, you are the one carrying the baby, but you and your partner are in this together. He has fears. If this is your first child, he may be thinking about having to share you with another human being. This is hard for a man, especially if it’s been just the two of you for a long time. Be sensitive to this, and listen to his feelings about it. Talking opens up the lines of communication and makes it easier to cope with the stress of pregnancy.

Now that my husband and I are expecting, we’ve had more time to sit down together and cuddle. I’ve been tired, and so I haven’t always had the energy to be active. We cuddle much more than we used to, and I’ve found that my love for him has grown stronger than it even was before.

Hold Him Tight

So if you think intimacy and closeness ends when kids come along, hold on. Pregnancy can and will bring you closer together if you open your minds to the love that exists between you, the joys you have shared as a couple, and the wonders that await you. You are the source of love for your children. And love for a child starts with the love you and your partner have for each other. So hold him tight. As the two of you together grow deeper in love, you gain a deeper understanding of each other and share in the joys your future holds.

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