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From the moment you become pregnant, you and your partner are in transition from being a couple to being a family. Pregnancy can actually help prepare you to be successful parents as you learn to anticipate changes.

Communication, Cooperation, and Togetherness are the keys to managing your new relationship.

Communicate
In your partner’s desire to protect you during pregnancy or your efforts to be a “perfect mother”, you both may pretend to have no worries. But hiding your feelings can create problems in your relationship, so share your feelings and doubts.

You might be afraid you won’t be able to take care of the baby and won’t be attractive anymore, or that your career will be put on hold. Your mate may fear he can’t support the family, that the baby will take all your time and attention, and that he’s losing his freedom and independence forever.

When you know the roots of your anxieties, you can reassure each other.

Discuss your ideas of parenting now! Discuss specifics such as who will get up with the baby and who will change the diapers!

Discovering each other’s expectations can solve problems before the baby arrives.

Also, make sure you both agree on your returning to work or staying home.
If you choose to work outside the home, discuss how you will handle the following:

• business
• travel
• pediatrician’s appointments
• illnesses, and
• emergencies

Careful planning and reliable child care can enable you to manage both a job and a family.