Pregnancy is not a universal experience, because every person has a unique pregnancy.m Even subsequent pregnancies can be entirely different from the last. Some people feel pregnancy is a magical time; others find it to be a means to an end. One thing is for sure though, a high-risk pregnancy is incredibly stressful for both the gestating and non-gestational parent. Below are a few ways to help you, and your partner, cope together during this difficult time.

Practice Self-Care: It is important that each partner prioritizes their own self-care. Make sure you are each getting adequate sleep, eating regularly, and taking care of your mental health. Do things that soothe you; take a bath, journal, meditate, go for a walk. Do anything that will help calm your nerves!

Nurture each other: Do your best to talk about the feelings that are coming up for you. Stay vulnerable with one another; don’t shut the other one out. Really listen to each other and stay connected by prioritizing one-on-one time and doing things together that bring you both joy.

Support: It is incredibly important that you both feel supported during this time.

However, it is even more important that the gestational partner feels supported by the non-gestational partner. This will help keep the body calm and reduce stress during pregnancy. Feeling loved and emotionally connected through physical support (making food, cleaning, running errands etc.), emotional support (deep listening, validating the experience), spiritual support (letting go and trusting together) are key elements the non-gestating partner can do to help reduce the stress of the experience. The non-gestating parent needs to have a strong support system during this time too. Ring Theory can help you develop your systems of support.

Ring Theory

What is Ring Theory? It is a tool you can use to help during a crisis.

Think of it like this, the gestating person experiencing the high-risk pregnancy is at the center of the ring. The partner is the ring around them. Outer rings of social support continue outwards. The person at the center of the ring is experiencing the crisis. They are allowed to think, feel, and express themselves, in any way, to anyone, in any circle. The goal of an outer ring is to support an inner ring. The partner’s goal should be to support the pregnant spouse. It’s a big job! It is important work! To do so successfully, the partner will need to rely on their outer circles for support. This is important! You both need to have a solid support system during this stressful, and often scary, time.

Practicing self-care, nurturing each other through connectedness, staying vulnerable with one another, and leaning on the support of your friends and community are the most important steps you can take to get through the high-risk pregnancy together.

If you, or your spouse, need support during a high-risk pregnancy our therapists are here to support you. Reach out today for help!