You might be the one carrying baby, but that doesn't leave your husband unable to help along the way!

We truly believe it takes a village, and that starts long before baby's born. Whether you're looking for some extra support, or you're looking for ways to better support your partner, here are 11 ways to take the load off as mom is growing baby!

1. Be Present for Appointments

One of the most meaningful ways your partner can show support is by attending prenatal appointments with you. Not only does this provide emotional reassurance, but it also shows your partner is actively engaged in the process and shares in the excitement and responsibility of your pregnancy. It also ensures they stay informed about the baby’s development and your health.

2. Take Over Household Chores

Pregnancy is exhausting, and sometimes simple household tasks feel overwhelming. Having your partner take the lead on chores like cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping can relieve a lot of stress. This act of care shows they understand your physical limits and are willing to step in to lighten your load.

3. Become a Healthy Advocate

During pregnancy, there’s a lot of information to process, and you might feel overwhelmed or unsure about what’s best for you and your baby. A supportive partner can help by advocating for your needs. Whether it’s questioning doctors, researching pregnancy topics, or ensuring your preferences are respected in medical settings, their involvement can empower you to make informed choices.

4. Encourage Healthy Habits

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy is crucial, and your partner can help by encouraging healthy eating, staying active, and keeping you motivated during daily tasks. Whether it’s cooking nutritious meals together or going for walks, these activities can boost your overall well-being and help you feel supported. And sometimes the most supportive thing is to run to the store to grab that weird craving, no matter how unhealthy it is;)

5. Prepare for Parenthood Together

Pregnancy isn’t just about the physical changes; it’s about mentally and emotionally preparing for the changes that come with parenthood. Your partner can actively participate in discussions about parenting styles, setting up the nursery, and learning about baby care. This shared responsibility strengthens your bond and helps you both feel more prepared.

6. Celebrate Milestones Together

Pregnancy is filled with milestones, from hearing the baby’s heartbeat to feeling the first kick. Your partner should be there to celebrate these moments, big and small. Hearing about what fruit size your baby is this week can get mundane, but get excited no matter how many times you hear about it!

7. Help You Manage Your Work-Life Balance

Maternity leave doesn't start until the baby is here, but the exhaustion is real during those 9 months! If mom is working, morning sickness, tiredness, and stress can make a work life balance really tricky. As their partner, it's your job to support them through it. Prep her lunch so she doesn't have to think about it, make sure her computer is charged, help her tie her shoes before she heads out the door, and give her the back rub she wants when she gets home. Little gestures can help a lot!

8. Invest in Your Relationship

Make mom the main character! That means taking her on date nights, spoiling her with flowers, and thinking of ways to take the load off with little gestures. When baby arrives, most people focus on the baby and forget the mom in the process. As her partner, it's your job to help her know you still care for her needs and put her first no matter what's going on.

9. Help You Stay Organized

Pregnancy often comes with an overwhelming amount of things to plan and prepare for, like baby registries, birthing plans, and arranging for maternity leave. Your partner can assist by helping you stay organized - being opinion-less is not what you need! They can help with setting up schedules, creating to-do lists, and keeping track of appointments and deadlines. This makes the entire process feel less chaotic and ensures nothing gets overlooked.

10. Encourage Self-Care and Me-Time

Pregnancy can often feel like a constant focus on your growing baby, and you might forget to prioritize your own self-care. Your partner can step in by encouraging you to take time for yourself—whether that’s booking a massage, enjoying a quiet bath, or taking a nap. Giving you permission to take breaks and practice self-care shows that your well-being is a top priority. And don't forget to encourage 

11. Be Your Biggest Cheerleader

Becoming a parent for the first time is daunting and probably feels terrifying sometimes. It's easy to doubt yourself and wonder if you can be the mom you want to be. It's your partner's job to remind you: You ARE capable, you ARE a wonderful mom, and you're a team as you start this next chapter of your life. Sometimes, the best thing they can do is encourage you.