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A Shoulder to Lean On

The Need for Social Support
during Pregnancy

By Jennifer Lacey

"The shift back to the pre-pregnancy hormonal state can be associated with depression," says Alice Rogan, a staff psychiatrist for the Hope Program at the Menninger Clinic in Houston, Texas, and assistant professor in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine. "The sleep deprivation associated with those first few weeks and months after Baby is born can be very hard on one's sense of well being."

A strong social support network for an expectant woman, starting with her spouse/partner, can assist in providing a protective buffer against these emotions. "The most important thing that a spouse can do is to listen to her underlying feelings, try to take the woman's view and to give her as much support as he can," says Rogan. "He may be able to help out more around the house, but if he cannot, finding someone who can and paying for the extra help may be a good investment."

The partner can also offer support through helping out with the children, being a shoulder to lean on and sitting with and listening to their spouse when they need it the most.

Although this can become a point of contention between couples, Johnson explains it is normal to find that "feelings about one's family of origin are undoubtedly triggered as a couple embarks on becoming parents," she says. "Depending on the circumstances, it may or may not be a good time to improve familial relationships. Certainly, this must be an individual choice and, again, partner support is critical. If the situation can't be resolved between the couple, a therapist may be useful in helping to process feelings and keep the lines of communication open, thereby reducing stress in the relationship and unhealthy stress for the pregnant woman."

Want to see more?

• Drafting a Birth Team: Finding the Support
  You Need for Delivery
• Spousal Support: What Moms-to-Be Want from Their Partners
• Single, Not Solo: Resources and Support for Moms When They Need It Most
• Talk about it!