What should I do if my partner is crying?
Amazing things are starting to happen at this point in a pregnant woman’s body. For one, her heart is beating faster to support the creation of the uteroplacental circulatory system [1].
The reality of pregnancy is also setting in, so her emotions may be all over the place. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly find her tearing up. Even women who were not previously emotional can become a bit more sentimental. Pregnancy can be stressful on both the body and the mind; it can be the most joyful of times but it can also be stressful.
Fluctuating levels of estrogen can contribute to a woman feeling emotional [2], with understandable thoughts about the baby’s health, childbirth, motherhood, family, and finances added to the mix.
One thing to keep in mind is that crying is good for our health! When we cry, our body releases endorphins, which act like natural painkillers, capable of numbing both physical and emotional pain. Oxytocin, the so-called “love hormone”, rises with tears, which can contribute to feelings of well-being [3].
So if your partner feels like weeping or wants to have a good cry, give her the space to do so. Sit with her, hold her hand, talk about what’s on her mind, and encourage her to open up to her nearest and dearest. Emotional support is an important protective factor for dealing with life’s challenges, so you are not only holding her hand, you are helping her build resilience, and effectively saying “You got this, and I am here for you” [4].
