It can seem at times that your pregnant partner is on a roller coaster of emotional mood swings. Sometimes it is hard to understand why she starts to cry uncontrollably while watching the news or a video, or how sensitive she has become about your relationship, her changing body or the fact that the house is a wreck and "how can I bring a baby home to this?" These emotions are part of her being pregnant, her maternal instinct wanting things 'just right' for the time when the new baby arrives. Hence, the 'nesting' process begins.
Some partners experience feelings of depression during the woman's pregnancy or various mood swings similar to the pregnant partner. It's important to remember that both of you are having a baby and that it is not uncommon to feel concerned about the increased responsibility, loss of independence or having to face issues about the way you were parented.
Communicate your feelings with your partner. If you feel you need to, seek professional counselling or growth work. Ask other parents how they dealt with these issues. Some people find keeping a journal of the pregnancy and birth experience a helpful therapeutic process. You may wish to give this journal to your son or daughter as adults, if they go on to have children or as a life gift for them.
Feeling excited and or anxious about the labour and parenting
For most potential parents, being excited as the birth approaches is expected, you along with all your friends, relatives and the shopkeeper on the corner! Being anxious about the labour and parenting is also expected but often not acknowledged by others. We are lucky that it takes around nine months for everyone to get used to the idea.
If you are feeling anxious, take some time out. Contemplate how you feel about having a new baby and accepting this inevitability. Go out and have a coffee, take a walk or have a massage. Talk about it with your partner or friends.