In this article:
Living in a pandemic is hard enough, but having a baby in a pandemic is next level. As if pregnancy under normal circumstances doesn't come with enough challenges, adding in the daily stress of COVID-19 can make some days feel downright impossible. If you're finding that this has caused relationship problems between you and your partner, you're definitely not alone.
Don't worry — the pandemic challenges you're facing now aren't permanent, and this, too, shall pass. But there's no sugarcoating it: Giving birth during a pandemic, especially when you're worrying about your baby's health and safety, isn't for the weak.
Finding that arguments are coming way more frequently between you and your partner during this time? Here's what you need to know to get back on the road to good communication.
**relationship problems, pandemic challenges, giving birth pandemic, baby health and safety
Pregnancy during COVID-19
Whether you're a first-time mom or you've been to this rodeo before, pregnancy during COVID-19 is likely going to be a lot different than you've imagined. You may find that your highly anticipated baby shower has to go virtual, you might not be able to show off your bump to friends and family the way you'd hoped, and you might have to go to all those prenatal appointments alone.
It's a bummer, especially when all of these changes (and the extra stress of everything else that comes with the pandemic) cause new pandemic-related relationship issues with your partner at a time when you need their support the most. This can be for all kinds of reasons: the stress that comes with expecting a new baby, living and working in close quarters without much of a break, and emotions (and hormones) running high, plus your own concerns about your partner's health and your baby's health and safety.
It might look difficult right now, but there are strategies you can try to help improve things in your relationship right away.
How to keep pandemic challenges from hurting your relationship
If pregnancy during COVID-19 is adding stress to your relationship, there are definitely a few things you can do to help the situation.
- Make open communication a priority. So many relationship issues can be solved by communicating, so make it a goal to be able to speak openly with your partner. Therapists often encourage the use of "I" statements, focusing on how you feel and not placing any blame on your partner to have a productive conversation.
- Use your support network. That means making use of those around you who you trust when you need to vent or ask for advice, or even enlisting the help of a therapist. While our partners can be great supports during pregnancy, sometimes we need another listener to bounce our ideas and feelings off of.
- Be proactive about your health. If your health, your partner's health, or your baby's safety during this time is causing you additional stress, there are ways to mitigate that, like staying home except for essential outings and wearing a mask.
“For those who are currently pregnant, the main guidance offered is to take measures to avoid becoming infected with COVID-19 by social distancing, practicing good hand hygiene, and wearing masks," Dr. Denise Jamieson said in a release from Emory.
- Be active. Exercise during COVID is still possible, and it's something that you and your partner can do together. Take walks, or even just sit outside for a while. Everyone needs a change of scenery sometimes!
Self-care while giving birth in a pandemic
Taking care of yourself (and your baby-to-be) and ensuring that your partner has time to the same for themselves is also a part of how to build strong relationships that can withstand a bit of fighting in a stressful situation like this.
5. Get plenty of sleep. That can be hard, especially toward the end of pregnancy, but making sure you've gotten enough sleep (at least eight hours, if possible) can have a huge impact on your mood.
6. Know how to ask for help. Whether you're pregnant or have recently given birth, accept the help you're offered, and don't be afraid to reach out to those who love you and ask them for a little assistance, even if it's just picking up your groceries or dropping off some coffee. You shouldn't have to do it all alone, and your partner deserves a break, too!
And remember: No matter how challenging this time is, it can be very helpful to stay as positive as possible.
"I charged myself with finding the bright side," mom Gretchen Bossio wrote for Mom.com. "After all, I was healthy, my baby was healthy — everything was going to be OK, albeit different. And someday I would be able to tell my little one, 'You and Mama survived quite the ordeal — a pandemic — while you grew in my tummy!'"
