Let’s be honest, for parents-to-be and new parents it’s easy to deprioritize keeping your romance alive.  Luckily, there are many simple ways to show your partner you care that may actually help strengthen your bond during this time. By adding just a dash of these to your everyday lives, you will find that an abundance of love awaits you when you are willing to meet each other’s needs and take time out as a couple.

• Date night: reserve one night a week for that someone special. Although it is difficult to get out the first few months, you can plan something “date like” at home while you keep an eye on your baby. Have a movie night, make popcorn, stay under the covers and snuggle or draw a bubble bath and take turns giving each other a massage.
• Love notes: tell them you love them in a special way. Leave love notes around the house or send flirty texts throughout the day (leave the baby-related notes out of it). Tell your partner why you love them and leave it in a jar you can read aloud to each other after the baby arrives. Discuss travel, sports, books you read, anything to stimulate your minds together. Show an interest in each other’s hobbies, work and dreams.
• PDA: be spontaneous and passionate. Romance can be as simple as surprising your partner with a passionate kiss when they least expect it!
• Communicate: offer to listen to how your partner is feeling during this happy life event. This is vital to any relationship, but it’s normal for other challenges to surface and result in a lack of romance during this time. It is important for you to communicate what will make you feel more loved and comfortable during pregnancy and when taking care of your new baby. Come up with solutions that work for both of you. Be a good listener and help guide each other through these uncharted waters.
• Shopping spree: keep your positive self-image up! Buy maternity clothes that make you feel more attractive and that your partner will like. You’ll feel more positive about getting bigger when things fit better while pregnant.
• Romantic strolls on the beach/park/happy place: go for walks together while holding hands. It will feel good for both of you to get out of the house or the doctor’s office and get in touch with nature.
• Photo shoot: cherish these moments forever through photography. Book a romantic photo shoot of you, your partner and your precious baby bump. Or, take a photography class and photograph each other. Relish in the fact that your love for one another is creating new life.
• Email your baby: set up an email account for your baby with letters about your excitement. Include a letter to your partner explaining what you think will make your partner a good parent.
• Romantic getaways: perfect excuse for a babymoon when pregnant! Plan couples activities and just take a deep breath and relax together (while you have the time).
• Morning and evening ritual: kiss and embrace each morning for 30 seconds before you leave the house and when you greet each other in the afternoon or evenings daily. It doesn’t seem like much, but that closeness shows affection that we all need to feel better when times get hard, when pregnant or not. Just knowing you are there for each other will make all the lows bearable and the highs that much better.

Always try to keep in mind that babies grow into children, who grow up, and move away. A spouse is your other half for life. Even when your family unit grows think of yourself as a couple, whose needs are separate from the family you are building. This can help in your relationship and in parenting. With a little extra TLC and a splash of romance, your partner will get the point – and appreciate it.