For the final installment of my Pregnancy and Relationships series, I am going to talk about marriage. I’m saving the best for last, since pregnancy will have the greatest impact on the two people who started it.
It’s hard to describe in 500 words or less the kind of changes that will take place when two people move from being a couple to a family. Suddenly, your whole world revolves around the well being and development of an eight pound, crying, pooping, drooling mess with big round eyes, dimples and a smile that will make you melt every time. The stress of adjusting to parenthood is often what sets the stage for arguments over differences in parenting style, who is going to change the messy diaper, who will wake up at 3am for the fourth time and who will walk with the colicky baby until she is soothed. Nothing like becoming a parent to really bring out your true colors!
Tackle the important issues before the baby arrives. It’s better to hammer out your differences while you are still getting eight hours of sleep and not getting interrupted every few minutes. You may not realize how different your parenting styles are until you start discussing specifics: will you let your child cry it out? Will you stay home or continue to work? Will you start with vegetables or fruits? Do you plan on vaccinating your child? These aren’t decisions you want to make at the last minute when you don’t have much time to discuss it.
Take it one step further by doing things together that will help bring you closer. Go through a devotional book together, go on plenty of dates, start a new hobby together or go on a mini trip. Make a list of movies that you want to watch before the baby arrives and rent every single one. Make a slide show of your favorite memories and add your favorite songs; watch it while eating your favorite dessert. Take a parenting class together and attend childbirth classes.
Pregnancy has the potential to be one of the most romantic experiences you encounter in your marriage if you take the time to communicate and continue to date one another. Make the most of this special time together!
Pregnancy and Relationships series: