When I first broached the topic with my partner about what he struggles with during my pregnancies, he was reluctant to share. “Is this some kind of trick for your blog? It’s not that bad, and you’re the one experiencing it, so I don’t think it matters.” After some gentle persuasion, a few eye rolls, and a promise that I wouldn’t take offense, he finally opened up. To gather broader insights, I also consulted a few of my friends’ partners, and interestingly, there were common themes.
1. Temperature Control Issues
One of his primary grievances is my constant feeling of being overheated. Not just slightly warm, but uncomfortably hot. I keep the air conditioning set to frigid levels, making our home feel like an ice rink. This has resulted in him donning winter pajamas and extra blankets, while I lie uncovered with a tall glass of ice water by my side. Every morning, he wakes up with sniffles and a sore throat, while I’m fanning myself. He has tried to adjust the thermostat in the middle of the night, but I always revert it back. It’s a real power struggle over the AC.
2. Diminished Intimacy
Surprisingly, the heat was his first complaint; I expected it would be about our reduced intimacy. As my pregnancy progresses, my desire for physical closeness has dwindled. I prefer to cuddle with my pregnancy pillow instead of him. Complaints about my aching hips, back, and swollen belly certainly don’t add to the romance. In his eyes, the spark has dimmed significantly.
3. Heightened Sensitivity
Another issue is my hyper-sensitive sense of smell. Everything seems repulsive to me. I can’t stand the scent of his face cream and had to hide it until after the baby arrives. I’ve also avoided cooking his favorite dishes and even changed tables at restaurants to escape the kitchen odors. While some may argue that being a bit demanding is acceptable, I prefer it over the alternative of public nausea.
4. Obsessive Nesting
Typically, I hand him a long list of tasks on weekends, but my nesting instincts have taken it to a whole new level. My mild OCD has led us to spend our free time organizing the nursery, washing baby clothes, and decluttering the house. Though he never complains and dutifully helps, I can tell he’d rather unwind after a long work week than spend it catering to a moody pregnant partner.
5. Excessive Sharing
I tend to be quite open about my symptoms, believing that communication is key. You’d think after several years together he’d be used to this, but he confessed that during my pregnancy, my candidness can be a bit overwhelming. Topics like incontinence or digestive issues are not exactly dinner conversation material. He ended with, “Sweetheart, some things are just best left unsaid.”
At this point, I interrupted him. I’m certain he could have elaborated on more complaints. While he may never truly understand the challenges of carrying our child, he definitely endures a close second when it comes to putting up with me.
For more insights into the journey of pregnancy and home insemination, consider visiting Make a Mom for helpful resources. Additionally, Healthline offers excellent information on IVF and pregnancy.
Summary
Pregnancy brings about numerous challenges, not just for the expectant mother but also for her partner. From temperature control to reduced intimacy, hyper-sensitive senses, obsessive nesting behaviors, and excessive sharing of symptoms, the experience can be quite overwhelming. It’s essential for both partners to communicate openly to navigate this transformative time together.
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