"What About Me? I'm Pregnant, Too!"
Soon-to-be Dad & Soon-to-be Mom
Did you only click the link to see how quickly the foot enters the mouth? Before you block my page, hear me out!
There’s no question that women are superheroes—handmade by God. I’m constantly in awe of my wife and all she endures with such grace. I’m such a baby when I get a minor cold that I nearly spend our mortgage money buying the entire medicine aisle at Walgreens.
So, the intent of this blog isn’t to negate a woman’s sacrifice—it’s simply to highlight a few pregnancy symptoms that non-pregnant partners go through as well. (I can already feel the burning eyes before even typing the rest of my thoughts.)
1. The Non-Existent Non-Pregnant Partner
No one asks the man how he is doing.
If you’re a soon-to-be supporting non-pregnant partner, be prepared for your emotions to be ignored when talking to family and friends.
Almost every call is guaranteed to start with:
“How is so-and-so and the baby doing?”
(Cue the background music of you fading into obscurity.)
2. Couvade Syndrome (Sympathetic Pregnancy)
Also known as sympathetic pregnancy, Couvade syndrome happens when the non-pregnant partner experiences similar symptoms to the pregnant woman—things like physical aches, mood swings, anxiety, and even weight gain.
Now that my baby is four months old and I’m stuck on this painful diet, I can confidently say this condition may be valid.
Let’s be real—who does most of the shopping in the house? Probably her. So, when pregnancy cravings hit and new snacks mysteriously appear in the shopping cart, who ends up eating 80% of those Oreos when they make it home?
That’s right—you.
She has an excuse (she’s feeding more than herself). Without discipline, her habits become yours.
Solution: Pick up a hobby during pregnancy, like a fun Yes.Fit challenge to stay active with cool virtual reality training.
3. The Suppression of Emotions
Whether it’s stress from work or the pressure of upcoming bills, the non-pregnant partner often suppresses emotions to avoid adding unnecessary stress on the pregnant partner.
If left unresolved, this can lead to depression, frustration, or aggression.
(You might not be carrying the baby, but that bottled-up stress isn’t weightless either.)
4. Parallel Sacrifices
Pregnancy isn’t as one-sided as it may seem. The daily routines of both partners change drastically:
- You’ll put her socks and shoes on when she can’t bend over.
- When she tosses and turns or gets up 15 times to pee, your sleep gets interrupted too.
- You’ll likely take on more household responsibilities while she navigates pregnancy discomforts.
The magnitude of sacrifices may not be the same, but that doesn’t mean you’re not making any.
5. Accountability Resumes Post-Pregnancy
Her hormones are going through rapid changes—it’s not always easy to manage emotions perfectly while juggling everything else.
- Sensitivity levels increase, and your patience will be tested.
- Physical discomfort can lead to irritability, and you might get caught in the crossfire.
- Hurt feelings? Thick skin helps. (You’re not the enemy—pregnancy just has mood swings.)
6. The Elephant in the Mind
Pregnancy is a risk for everyone—especially for the one making the primary sacrifice.
Non-pregnant partners often carry silent worries about their partner’s well-being and feel an overwhelming responsibility for their condition.
That huge smile and sigh of relief you witness after delivery? It’s not just for the healthy baby being born—it’s for knowing that you’re alive and well, too.
(Nine months of silent stress lifted in one breath.)
Final Thoughts
Next time you check in on a pregnant friend or family member, it won’t hurt to ask:
“And how’s the soon-to-be dad/partner doing?”
For the future non-pregnant parent—suck it up and be there for your significant other.
Yes, you might be going through some things, but her sacrifices take priority over yours (temporarily).
Pro Tip:
- Designate a trusted friend as your venting outlet (or punching bag).
- Communicate openly so your feelings don’t get completely ignored.
Pregnancy isn’t always easy, but done correctly, these nine months can strengthen your partnership and make you a better team.
