Appendix D

Handout 4: Staying Connected as a Couple during Pregnancy

Despite all the physical and psychological changes occurring during pregnancy, your challenge as a couple is to continue to stay connected physically, emotionally, spiritually, and sexually. There is no greater time than pregnancy for couples to be more aware of their biological differences. These differences become more evident during this time; however, concentrating on what is similar or what you have in common is more important. This is one way to stay connected. Both of you are probably feeling out of sorts or that your relationship is not in “sync” or that you are not in tune with each other. This is usually a temporary situation. Some couples take these changes in stride, while others have more difficulty dealing with them. Talk. Express your thoughts and feelings. If this is not possible, then write to each other or send each other audio-taped or video-taped messages. Communicate. You are both human beings with emotions and needs. Your pregnancy experiences may be different, but you are both in the same boat. Find a way of steering this boat together instead of going around in circles. Seek professional help if you have to, but renegotiate your relationship. Above all, continue to seek each other out by daily touching, hugging, and kissing. This is the greatest gift that you can give to your unborn child.

Copyright © 2000 by Viola Polomeno. Permission to reprint is granted, provided the user credits the author.