For partners: supporting a pregnancy

Partners are not just passengers in pregnancy. Whether you are the baby’s other parent, a spouse, a friend or a family member stepping up, your support can make a huge difference to how the pregnant person feels, and getting involved early helps you feel more connected too.

Healthy habits together

• If you smoke, now is a great time to quit. Secondhand smoke can harm your partner and the baby.
• Cut back on alcohol, or cut it out while your partner is pregnant.
• Eat well together and go for gentle walks or swims.

Practical help

• Come to scans and antenatal classes if you can. The NHS says the more you know about labour, the more support you can give.
• Take on more chores, especially in the tired, sick early weeks.
• Look into benefits, childcare costs and parental leave early, so there are fewer money surprises later.
• Plan the route to the hospital or birth centre, and keep the car topped up, or have taxi numbers ready.
• Know the birth plan, and keep your phone on and a bag ready in the weeks around the due date.
• As a birth partner: help with breathing, positions and drinks and snacks, and speak up for your partner if they cannot.

After the baby arrives

If your partner is breastfeeding, bring water and snacks and make it comfortable. If the baby is bottle-fed, you can sterilise bottles, make up feeds and do some of them. Practical help in the first weeks is worth its weight in gold.

Emotional support

Listen without trying to fix everything. Ask “How are you, really?” And look after yourself too. The NHS says fathers and partners can get depression after a baby arrives, and you can get support as well.