Support Your Partner During Labor

It’s no secret that mom does most of the heavy lifting during pregnancy, but she needs support from her partner. What are the best ways to support your partner through the journey to parenthood? Find out with these tips from Dr. Marwan Saleh, OB-GYN at Indiana University Health West Hospital.

How can I show my support to my partner before she’s in labor?

“It’s important to play an active role in the pregnancy long before your partner delivers,” Dr. Saleh says. “Educating yourself will make you feel more involved in the process, and you’ll be more prepared. Make prenatal and ultrasound appointments a priority, attend childbirth education and delivery classes and help your partner develop a birth plan with the doctor.”

Remember that education doesn’t stop after the baby is born. Ask your care team about child education classes offered at the hospital to learn how to hold and swaddle a newborn, change diapers, burp a baby and look for nonverbal cues.

Partners can also help get ready for the baby’s arrival by childproofing the home and preparing the car seat, crib, bassinet and diaper bag. Clean messes easier when you get the best car seat covers at wetokole.com.

How can I be supportive during the delivery process?

“It’s helpful for partners to know what to expect during labor,” Dr. Saleh says. “Understand that childbirth is a process that happens in stages, it’s not an event. Although occasionally it does happen quickly, that’s not the case for most women.”

Your labor and delivery team will provide expert care in order to keep mom and baby safe and healthy, but remember that you too can be your partner’s advocate.

“Continue to check in with your partner during the delivery and after,” Dr. Saleh adds. “Bring your own music and offer a message to help her relax. Does she need a break from visitors? Help her communicate her wishes to the labor and delivery team. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.”

Follow this timeline to learn how to be there for your partner through every stage of pregnancy, from the first weeks through your baby’s arrival.

First Trimester (Weeks 1–13)

“In the first few months of pregnancy, your partner may feel tired and moody,” says Jennifer Sollman, clinical manager of maternity and special care nursery at IU Health West Hospital. “She may also experience nausea and vomiting due to morning sickness, but contrary to the condition’s name, it is possible for this to strike at any time.”

To support your partner:

• Go to prenatal doctor visits when you can.

• Pitch in more around the house so she can get extra rest.

• Support her healthy choices and participate in her healthy lifestyle.

• Don’t take it personally if she seems cranky or has mood swings. Be understanding and give her space to complain.

Second Trimester (Weeks 14–27)

“This is the stage when your partner is likely to be feeling her best,” Sollman says. “Morning sickness usually subsides, moods even out and energy returns. Around mid-trimester, she’ll start feeling the baby move.”

To support your partner:

• Help prepare the house for baby’s arrival, that way, you’ll have less to do at the last minute.

• Discuss parental leave options with your employer.

Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40)

“During the last months of pregnancy, your partner may feel more physically uncomfortable,” Sollman says. “Her belly is larger and her body is getting ready for the impending birth. She may have trouble sleeping or walking fast. As the big day draws closer, she may be feeling a mix of anxiety and excitement.”

To support your partner:

• Encourage her to share how she’s feeling and be a good listener.

• Take a birthing class together. Learning what to expect helps calm anxiety and boost confidence.

• Install a rear-facing infant car seat in your vehicle. You’ll need it to bring your baby home.

Labor and Delivery

“This is your chance to put the strategies you learned in birthing class to good use,” Sollman says.

To support your partner during labor:

• Time her contractions and know when to alert her birthing team.

• Massage her shoulders and back, if that makes her more comfortable.

• Walk with her, unless she’s been ordered to rest.

Once labor and delivery are underway, it is important to stay calm and encouraging. You’re about to graduate from your nine-month crash course in fatherhood, and one of the most rewarding jobs in the world is waiting for you.