Your Partner's Weight

Weight has always been a sensitive issue with many women. With a pregnant woman it becomes an even touchier subject. Plenty of changes and challenges will come your way, especially for your partner, and weight gain is definitely one of them. Women gain weight during pregnancy for sure.

One reason why women feel miserable during pregnancy is because of the clothes they must wear. Because nice looking clothes are expensive many mothers-to-be have few outfits that they feel comfortable and look presentable in and so they wear them out. So, kind words from the partner go a long way!

Weight IS an explosive matter!

• Suddenly all their clothes don't fit. Sometimes even their feet grow in size so their shoes don't fit either. Frustrating moments will crop up where she will burst into tears or become snappy because she cannot zip up her jeans or the buttons of her shirt or when stands on the scales.


• Many women dislike what they see in the mirror - the image is so very contrary to their normal body image that it shocks them. They are convinced they look chunky and ugly. The hardest time is the early months when the pounds pile on but they don't show as yet. Then things get a little easier during the second trimester when their pregnancy becomes more apparent - everyone gets to see and realize that they have not become fat but are pregnant!


• Ideally weight gain should be in the 25-35 pounds range but the truth for many women is that their gain exceeds this and they go on to put on as much as 50 pounds or even more. Losing weight post pregnancy becomes a tedious affair. All this combined put many men in a fix. On one hand the woman is supposed to gain the weight because that would mean the baby is growing well inside but what is he to do if his partner keeps growing bigger than the required range?

Things you can do to help..

• Pay her compliments

Instead of you viewing it as something negative, appreciate the curves brought on by pregnancy to her shape. Complimenting her sincerely and often enough will make her feel better. Remember to do so throughout the pregnancy months. She will often feel low although she may not verbalize it most of the time. A thoughtful gesture or a kind word in good measure makes all the difference. Any form of mockery or comment on her weight is going to build the resentment within her and harm your relationship. This is no time for weight jokes!

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• Help her eat healthy

Buy right and cook healthy - help with the food shopping and cooking so that both you and your partner benefit from the right kinds of food. Fix meals that are packed with nutrients essential during pregnancy and cut back on junk food. Give her company in eating the same foods prepared at home instead of you eating the high-fat, sugar-laden variety in front of her. Totally eliminate smoking and drinking in her presence so she won't be tempted to indulge in the forbidden.


• Be the sensible supporter

Whatever your views, criticism on your part won't do anyone any good. How you feel about her weight will reinforce her perception of herself. A negative approach is only going to enhance her insecurity. Remind her she needs to gain those kilos so that she and the baby are healthy. On the flipside remind her gently that weight gained in excess will only make it difficult for her as she will have a hard time losing it after the baby is born. Remember and remind her, like everything else this too shall pass. Being pregnant means she is going to gain weight and she will lose weight after the baby comes.