Love in Bloom: How Partner Support Blossoms into a Happy Pregnancy

The physical changes that accompany pregnancy can be both exciting and challenging. But pregnancy is not just a physical journey; it's an emotional and psychological one as well. The support of a partner serves as a major factor affecting the mental health of the expectant mother. Partner involvement in prenatal care can affect the well-being of the pregnant women, but is understudied in my opinion. However, it has been well-established in research that women who reported having strong partner support experienced lower levels of stress and anxiety during pregnancy, contributing to overall improved mental well-being (2–4). High stress levels during pregnancy can have adverse effects on both maternal and fetal health. Partner support acts as a buffer against stress, creating a more positive and nurturing environment. Research indicates that pregnant women with supportive partners reported lower levels of stress, which is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes (2). Partners who actively provide support, such as helping with household chores and preparing nutritious meals contribute to the overall well-being of the expectant mother (1). This support not only eases the burden on the pregnant partner but also fosters a sense of teamwork, essential for a smooth transition into parenthood.

Partners can provide support for the pregnant women to increase her well-being in multiple ways, but there is no one-way-fits-all. Therefore it is important to adjust the provided support to the wishes and needs of both the partner and the pregnant woman. In our research, we use the theory of Berkman to divide support into emotional, instrumental, appraisal, and informational support (5). The table below, building on our publication, presents examples about different ways of support.

In conclusion

In conclusion, as the research supports, partner support during pregnancy is not just a luxury but a necessity for the well-being of both the expectant mother and the developing baby. From emotional connection to active participation in healthcare and providing physical support, partners play a multifaceted role in creating a positive and supportive environment for the pregnant woman.

As couples embark on the journey of parenthood, let's celebrate the profound impact of partner support, recognizing it as a fundamental pillar in nurturing the precious moments of pregnancy. Partner support can strengthen the couple's connection that extends beyond the pregnancy journey. From massages to simple acts of kindness, partners have the power to alleviate stress and contribute to a healthier pregnancy.

Do you want to read more about partner support during pregnancy? Read our study where 16 couples were interviewed about the influence of partner support on the dietary intake of pregnant women: https://rdcu.be/dpIV8

Renske van Lonkhuijzen is a PhD researcher at the chair group Health and Society. Her research focuses on improving the dietary intake of low socioeconomic status (SES) pregnant women and their children for a healthy and successful start of life. In this project, the intervention Power 4 a Healthy Pregnancy is developed, implemented and evaluated jointly with all stakeholders, i.e. midwives, dieticians, health professionals and pregnant and lactating women and their partners. The intervention includes a special focus on the empowerment of pregnant.