How to Really Help Your Pregnant Partner: Tips for Expectant Parents

Congratulations, you're going to be parents! During pregnancy, much of the focus is on the expectant mother and baby—understandably, but as a partner, you play a crucial role. Your support makes a world of difference: physically, emotionally, and mentally.

So, do you want to know how to truly help, pamper, and relieve her stress? Here's exactly what you can do during these special, but sometimes challenging, months.

And remember: Rome wasn't built in a day. It doesn't all have to happen at once.

1. Understanding is the basis

Before you take action, it is important to understand what is going on.

Hormonal fluctuations: Her emotions are all over the place. It's not pretentious—it's biology. And believe us, brushing it off won't benefit anyone.

Physical complaints: Nausea, back pain, fatigue, or insomnia are a daily reality. Listen to and acknowledge her discomfort. Each trimester brings new challenges.

Emotional rollercoaster: Fear, joy, doubt, euphoria. Sometimes all in one day. Let her talk, without offering solutions. Even if she had a strong desire to have children beforehand, reality can still suddenly hit.

2. Practical support: helping hands 

You don't have to be a superhero. These practical things already make a big difference:

Do the housework without her having to ask: Cooking, tidying up, shopping, walking the dog — take over when she needs a rest.

Make food she'll like: Try light meals or something to satisfy her cravings. Keep healthy snacks on hand.

Help with baby preparations : Assemble the crib together, wash baby clothes, and pack the hospital bag. Also, read up on what's to come. Not a reader? There are plenty of podcasts available these days!

Create peace: Close the door, silence your phone, and take over the care of any other children. Peace and quiet is priceless. For her—and for you, too.

3. Pampering support: comfort & attention 

Give her luxury in miniature. That feels grand.

Foot massage or gentle shoulder massage: This can be especially soothing in the evening. Use a neutral oil.

Prepare the (foot) bath: With magnesium flakes or lavender oil (safe for pregnancy). But not too hot!

Calm her world: Dim the lights, put on relaxing music, use a lavender or orange diffuser.

Bring something tasty: A fresh smoothie, her favorite tea (ginger tea for nausea) or a bowl of fresh fruit on the couch.

Surprise her with a treatment: Book a pregnancy massage, manicure, or haircut. Offer to drive her or pick her up.

Make sure you're comfortable on the couch or in bed: Have extra pillows ready, check that the pregnancy pillow is positioned correctly, and keep a blanket and snacks within reach.

Give her time alone: Ask, "Do you want to be alone for a moment?" and then truly give her space—without interruption. Take these moments for yourself, too. Once the baby is born, these will be few and far between.

4. Emotional support: listen, empathize, be there 

Perhaps the most important of all.

Listen without fixing: She doesn't need advice; she just wants you to listen. Say, "I hear you. That's so hard for you." Try to put yourself in her shoes and understand how she feels.

Come with us to appointments: Your presence with the midwife shows that you're truly in this together. Parenthood begins before birth!

Take a childbirth class together: You'll learn what you can do during labor, and that will give her confidence.

Validate her feelings: Everything she's feeling is normal. Let her know that.

Tell her you're proud of her: A hug, a sweet note, or just looking into her eyes and saying, "I love you," is worth more than a thousand tips.

As a partner you can make the difference between 'having to persevere' and 'feeling supported'. By helping her, pampering her and really seeing her, you give her exactly what she needs: space, peace and love.

This not only builds her trust — but also your foundation as a family.

Do you notice your partner is struggling to plan the necessary things around the pregnancy? Then our digital pregnancy planner might be just what she needs. In it, she can share her daily, weekly or monthly status updates (with photos), manage budgets, schedule events, and much more.

Check out our pregnancy planner here.