Going through fertility treatments can be stressful for couples, especially first-timers. Women can go through a roller-coaster of emotions and significant bodily changes that can impact their chances of getting pregnant.
That’s why it’s so important for their partners to support them emotionally and physically throughout their journey. So, here are some of the most concrete ways husbands can help their wives during their fertility procedures.
Research about treatments thoroughly
One of the most important things a husband can do is show his commitment to this process by taking a proactive role. Rather than letting your wife do all the work, why not participate in the research process?
Put in the extra effort to learn about the different fertility treatments available. In doing so, it may be helpful also to consider the finances involved in choosing the right treatments. Ask yourself: Who is the best gynaecologist in Singapore suited for this task? How many treatment cycles will you need for the procedure to succeed? Can your insurance cover some treatments? What about the medication? What other alternatives are there aside from IVF?
Once you've gathered the information that you need, you can then discuss it with your wife and come up with a final decision together.
Being prepared will relieve the stress for both of you. In addition, discussing the various options with one another will make you feel so much more confident and comfortable when proceeding with your plan.
Get some of the load off their shoulders
Once the treatments are done, your wife will experience some physical effects that may hinder her ability to do certain housework. When this happens, you need to take the load off of her shoulders by taking on some household chores. Even if it's just a small gesture, any effort on your part will make a massive difference for your wife.
Taking care of dinner, helping with the laundry, sweeping the floors, and washing the dishes are some of the chores you can assist with.
Provide a safe space for them to unload their emotions
Besides the physical work, be sure to help carry some of her emotional burdens as well. While it's easy to get caught up with the excitement of getting pregnant, you also need to remember to check on your wife constantly. Both of you are going through a life-changing path. It can be stressful and worrisome, especially for your wife, as she undergoes emotional and physical changes after the treatment.
So, make an effort to create a safe, non-judgmental environment for her to talk about her feelings honestly. Ask her questions to see how she's truly coping with the whole situation. Questions like: are you happy right now? Is this truly what you want? What do you want to do in the future? Is there anything that's bothering you?
Though seemingly simple, these questions will help your wife know and feel that she has an unflattering support system with you.
Respect their decisions
Although both of you are on this journey together, you need to understand that her experiences are much different from yours. Being tested, evaluated, and injected with hormones can take a toll on her mentally and physically. That’s why if she wants to stop the procedure, change treatments, or proceed, you need to respect her decisions.
Seek professional help
If you are unsure about the right course of action, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a good gynaecologist in Singapore.
Gynaecologists can give you research-based data and sound advice on the next steps of your treatment. They can also offer alternative solutions should you and your partner encounter any problem along the way.
Remember, the pregnancy journey requires teamwork. To work and run smoothly, partners need to support each other throughout the different stages. Not only will doing so increase your chances of conceiving but, more importantly, help strengthen your bond as husband and wife. As a result, this will become the foundation of a caring and loving family.
