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Supporting your partner during her pregnancy You can help your partner in many ways during pregnancy and childbirth. Read more about Supporting your partner during her pregnancy. Being a birth support partner Learn more about supporting a woman in birth and labour, whether you are her partner, relative or a friend. Read more about Being a birth support partner. When your partner does feel ready to have sex again, it is a good idea to use a water-based lubricant.
Her vagina may be less moist than usual, especially if she is breastfeeding. Even if a woman is not having a period or is breastfeeding, she can become pregnant. Research suggests that getting pregnant less than 6 months after giving birth can increase the risk of certain pregnancy problems, such as preterm birth.
You should use some type of birth control when you start having sex again. Pregnancy is a special time for a couple, but it also can be stressful. Your old roles are shifting and you need to adapt to new ones. Spending time with your partner will make the transition easier. Remember that fathers have important roles in pregnancy and birth that may contribute to a healthy pregnancy and help make labor and delivery easier.
Working with your partner as a team will make the experience better for you, your partner, and your new baby. Diabetes: A condition in which the levels of sugar in the blood are too high. Episiotomy: A surgical incision made into the perineum the region between the vagina and the anus to widen the vaginal opening for delivery.
Placenta: Tissue that provides nourishment to and takes waste away from the fetus. Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Diseases that are spread by sexual contact, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, human papillomavirus infection, herpes, syphilis, and infection with human immunodeficiency virus HIV, the cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS].
Syphilis: A sexually transmitted disease that is caused by an organism called Treponema pallidum; it may cause major health problems or death in its later stages. Ultrasound: A test in which sound waves are used to examine internal structures. During pregnancy, it can be used to examine the fetus. Uterus: A muscular organ located in the female pelvis that contains and nourishes the developing fetus during pregnancy.
Physical and Emotional Aspects of Pregnancy Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, which is equal to 9 months. Mid-Pregnancy: Second Trimester For most women, the second trimester of pregnancy weeks 14—28 is the time they feel the best. Late Pregnancy: Third Trimester In the third trimester of pregnancy weeks 28—40 , your partner may feel some discomfort as the baby grows larger and her body gets ready for the birth.
Pregnancy and Sex Many couples worry whether it is safe to have sexual intercourse during pregnancy. Lifestyle Changes It is important for your partner to have a healthy lifestyle while she is pregnant. Risks Most pregnancies proceed normally, without problems. Prenatal Care Your partner will have regular health care appointments during her pregnancy.
Your partner may have these tests and exams at the first visit: Complete physical exam with blood and urine tests A pelvic exam Blood pressure, height, and weight measurements All pregnant women are offered testing for human immunodeficiency virus HIV and are given a routine test for syphilis.
Other tests include the following: Screening tests for birth defects between weeks 8 and 20 Blood test to screen for gestational diabetes between weeks 24 and 28 Screening test for group B streptococcus between weeks 35 and This infection can be passed from mother to baby during birth.
You may be asked if you want to cut the cord after the baby is delivered. Talk with your health care provider and your partner if you are not sure. You and your partner can discuss the options beforehand. Remember, however, that decisions about pain relief should be made by your partner, and that her decisions may change when she is actually in labor. Offer support for whatever she decides. Are you planning to stay with your partner in the hospital after the baby is born?
If you have other children, confirm arrangements for their care if you do plan to stay. Pack an overnight bag with the things you will need.
If you are driving, plan the route to the hospital, and map out a backup route in case there is a delay. Consider the following things ahead of time to ensure that the trip to the hospital is smooth: —Transportation. Is your car reliable? Is the gas tank filled? Will you be available at all times, or do you need to ask someone else to fill in if necessary? Can your partner reach you at any time of day?
Does she have your cell phone number? Office number? Can you reach her at any time? Find out how much time the drive will take at different times of the day. Do not forget to allow for bad weather. If your baby is due during snow season, make a backup plan.
Labor and Delivery As your partner nears weeks 38—40, her labor can start any day. Getting Ready Learning about labor and delivery, being familiar with the hospital, and installing an infant car seat are good ways to prepare for the birth: Enroll in childbirth classes. Classes are a great way to learn what to expect during labor and delivery.
You also will learn how to support your partner during childbirth. Classes may be offered at the hospital where your partner will give birth.
From relieving stress, to lending a listening ear, to attending child birth classes together, your role is vital in the health and happiness of the pregnancy too.
Here are just a few ways a dad can make pregnancy easier for his partner. Although there's really no way you can relate to what she's going through, you can lend a listening ear and try to be as empathetic as you can.
She'll want to tell you about every little detail, from the way the kicks feel, to how hungry she is, to the fact that she has to pee every five minutes.
Being there to listen will be huge. You've probably noticed a difference in her productivity and energy levels. Even if she's in her second trimester when her energy is supposed to return , it can be overwhelming trying to get everything done while taking care of herself.
Try to pitch in whenever you can, no matter what the task may be. If there's a sink full of dishes, just do them. Clutter around the house? Pick it up. If your partner decides to express, it is a good idea to wait a few weeks so the baby can get used to feeding from the breast before you introduce a bottle. Many parents bond with their newborns the minute they lay eyes on them, but for other new parents mothers included the bonding process can take a bit longer.
Do not let this worry you. It will happen in time. Sometimes you might feel your role as a parent has been diminished to ticking tasks off a list — change the baby, sterilise the bottles, take the baby for a walk. Sometimes mothers adapt to their new role by shutting other people out.
This might make you feel redundant. You might even feel that you have been replaced in favour of the baby. However you are feeling, try to be as patient and supportive as you can, although it is important that you let your partner know your concerns. Once the euphoria of having a newborn baby wears off, parents can become worn down by a constant cycle of caring for their baby and not much time to care for themselves.
Lack of sleep and the stress associated with babies who are hard to settle can take its toll. You will no doubt notice new things about your partner as you see them for the first time as a parent. Different ideas about parenting might become apparent and this too can cause tension, especially when you are both exhausted. Taking the time to talk to each other is the often the best way to handle these issues. If you need more help, there are free support services available. If you feel you need some extra support with your parenting role or with your relationship, it is a good idea to talk to someone.
You might like to talk to a friend, a GP or another health professional. Parentline Victoria is a free telephone information, counselling and referral service.
This parent helpline service call 13 22 89 is available to parents of children of all ages — from birth to 18 years of age. Parentline operates between 8 am and midnight, seven days a week. Parentline helps with everyday questions and concerns such as:. The Maternal and Child Health Service provides information and advice about child health, child development, maternal health, parenting and home safety for families with children from birth to six years.
If you have specific issues you want to discuss, contact the service or raise them at your next appointment with your maternal and child health nurse. If the maternal and child health nurse cannot help, they will be able to refer you to specialised services.
To find you nearest parenting service, ask your maternal and child health nurse or use the Health Services Directory on this website. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. Some abortion services in Victoria offer reduced fees to students, healthcare card holders and those experiencing financial difficulty.
In Victoria, you can have two types of abortion: surgical and medication.
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