7 Reasons Behind Relationship Falling Apart During Pregnancy

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Pregnancy is a huge step in any relationship, sometimes it brings couples together, and sometimes it drifts them apart. So, is your relationship falling apart while being pregnant? Do you wonder why your partner couldn’t bond with you like before?

It is a general belief that mothers who are expecting tend to bond with the baby way before the father.

When a woman gets the news of being pregnant, she starts enjoying this change from that very moment- this new role as a mom. The emotions, excitement, and affection begin almost immediately, but this may not be the case when we talk about the father.

Not many fathers are able to feel equal excitement as the mothers when they come to know about the pregnancy. Usually, fathers get this feeling only after the child is born and when they hold their little one in their arms.

This is why some men fall short during pregnancy and fail to comprehend the emotional changes their partner is going through. This can contribute to some major relationship issues during pregnancy.

Relationships falling apart during pregnancy is something extremely common nowadays. A study found that compared to pre-birth levels and trajectories, new and expecting parents showed sudden deterioration in observed and self-reported measures of positive and negative aspects of relationship functioning.

It’s disappointing that many relationships fall apart in such a beautiful turn of the marital journey, but it’s not impossible to understand why this happens.

Why do relationships fall apart during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, relationships can face challenges due to a combination of physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes. 

The expecting mother’s hormones can lead to mood swings and heightened emotions, impacting communication and understanding between partners. 

The increased responsibilities and anxieties surrounding parenthood may also add stress to the relationship. 

Moreover, partners might experience feelings of neglect or disconnect as the focus shifts toward the impending arrival of the baby. 

It is crucial for both individuals to communicate openly, show empathy, and provide emotional support during this transformative phase. Seeking professional help and staying connected can help strengthen the bond amidst the challenges.

7 reasons why relationships fall apart during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of immense joy and anticipation, but it can also put significant strain on a relationship. The combination of hormonal changes, emotional upheaval, and increased responsibilities can create challenges that couples may struggle to navigate. 

It’s important to understand these reasons why relationships fall apart during pregnancy to address them proactively and strengthen the bond between partners during this critical time.

1. Hormonal changes and mood swings

A common reason behind relationships falling apart while being pregnant is the obvious change in a woman’s hormonal levels.

Pregnancy brings about a rollercoaster of hormonal changes in the expecting mother’s body. These fluctuations can lead to intense mood swings, making her emotions unpredictable. 

Partners might find it challenging to cope with these abrupt shifts in behavior, leading to misunderstandings and tension in the relationship.

2. Communication challenges

Effective communication is vital in any relationship, but it becomes especially crucial during pregnancy. The stress and excitement surrounding the impending arrival of a baby can make it difficult for partners to express their feelings clearly. 

Miscommunication can lead to unresolved conflicts and pent-up emotions, ultimately driving a wedge between the couple. 

3. Fears and anxieties about parenthood

The thought of becoming parents can be both exhilarating and daunting. Couples may experience fears and anxieties about their abilities to care for the child, financial concerns, or how their roles might change after the baby’s arrival. 

These worries can create tension in the relationship and may even lead to doubts about the future together.

4. Shift in priorities and attention

When you feel your relationship falling apart while being pregnant, a shift in perspective can be a reason.

As the pregnancy progresses, the expecting mother’s focus naturally shifts toward the well-being of the baby. This change in priorities can sometimes make partners feel neglected or unimportant, leading to feelings of distance or resentment. 

5. Physical intimacy challenges

A lot of couples sense their relationship falling apart while being pregnant as their intimacy gets affected. Many women start feeling distant from husband during pregnancy. They may suspect it to be one of the signs of an unsupportive husband during pregnancy.

Pregnancy can also bring physical changes that might impact a couple’s intimacy. Discomfort, hormonal imbalances, or concerns about the baby’s safety can decrease the frequency of physical intimacy, leading to frustration or feelings of rejection.

6. Fatigue and stress

Pregnancy can be physically taxing, leading to increased fatigue and stress for the expecting mother. Partners might also experience stress due to additional responsibilities and preparing for the baby’s arrival. 

The accumulation of stress can strain the relationship, causing irritability and emotional distance. All these ultimately lead to the relationship falling apart while pregnant.

7. Unrealistic expectations

Expectations about pregnancy and parenthood can vary significantly between partners and can lead to feeling unhappy in a relationship while pregnant.

Unrealistic or unspoken expectations can lead to disappointment or feelings of inadequacy when reality doesn’t match these visions.

Steps to avoid relationship fallout during pregnancy

If the couple has a better understanding of how the pregnancy will be and what will be some of the major issues, most of the problems can be resolved beforehand, and you wouldn’t have to worry about your relationship falling apart during pregnancy.

The question ‘why do relationships fall apart’ would be out of the question. This would help you and your partner to enjoy this beautiful moment of your life to the max.

We have listed a couple of tips for expecting parents out there to help them find a supportive ground and continue this journey without feeling overwhelmed.

1. Support and communication

Honest and effective communication is essential to avoid a relationship falling apart during pregnancy.

Couples may face relationship challenges during pregnancy due to feelings of depression and anxiety. A lack of open communication about emotions can cause distance between partners, leading to feelings of neglect and unhappiness. 

To prevent relationships from falling apart, it’s crucial for partners to support and understand each other during this vulnerable time.

2. Emotional turmoil

It’s not easy to keep a check on your emotions when you feel your relationship falling apart during pregnancy, but it is important to get a hold of your thoughts and feelings.

Pregnancy brings a rollercoaster of emotions, and partners must be understanding and tolerant. Mood swings and hormonal changes can create challenges, making it essential for the partner to take responsibility and work on maintaining a strong emotional connection to prevent marital problems.

3. Physical changes

Physical changes in the pregnant wife can affect the couple’s sexual relationship and lead to feelings of unattractiveness and insecurity. Partners need to be sensitive to these changes and work on maintaining intimacy and connection during pregnancy to avoid feelings of dissatisfaction or resentment.

This video takes a pragmatic approach to explain the physiological changes during pregnancy:

Commonly asked questions

A relationship falling apart during pregnancy is a common concern, but we need to hold our ground and seek the right support. 

Remember that pregnancy is a transformative journey for couples, and it’s natural to encounter relationship challenges during this time. Let’s address some common questions with an easy-to-understand and empathetic approach.

• Is it normal to have relationship problems during pregnancy?

Yes, it’s normal to experience relationship problems in pregnancy. Hormonal changes and emotions can lead to misunderstandings and stress. Open communication and support can help couples navigate through these challenges together.

• Do couples separate during pregnancy?

While some couples may face difficulties during pregnancy, not all are separate. It depends on how partners handle the changes and support each other. Seeking help and working together can strengthen the relationship through this period.

• How do you maintain a relationship when pregnant?

Maintaining a relationship during pregnancy involves understanding and empathy. Communicate openly about feelings, fears, and expectations. Offer emotional support and cherish your bond, even amidst the physical and emotional changes.

• What does a pregnant woman expect from her husband?

A pregnant woman expects understanding, care, and emotional support from her husband. She needs reassurance, patience, and involvement in the pregnancy journey. Being there for her will strengthen your connection.

• Why do men change after pregnancy?

Men may experience changes after pregnancy due to added responsibilities and emotions. They might feel unsure or overwhelmed. Open communication and sharing responsibilities can help couples adjust to the new phase together.

Make this the best part of your marital journey

Marriage problems during pregnancy keep mushrooming if not weeded out in time, it could lead to relationship breakdown during pregnancy.

This should help you figure out the way around the challenges you are likely to face during the term of pregnancy.

You don’t have to ask the question, ‘Why do relationships fall apart?’ if you cherish the good moments of pregnancy and relationships and take the challenges as an opportunity to bond and get closer together.

Use pregnancy and relationship problems to make yourself and your partner stronger as a team.