How to spice up your romance during pregnancy

Don't let the new member come in the way of your relationship.

For most couples, pregnancy is far from the most romantic period in their relationship.

With nausea and hormones wreaking havoc in women's bodies, plus the anxiety that comes as you prepare for your new baby, it can be a little difficult to keep the fire burning.

So should you just relax and let nature take its course? No!

Relationships are about work, and with pregnancy, both of you just need to put in more effort.

Here are some tips to help you keep that spark alive during pregnancy.

1. Don't forget date nights

You've got a lot of preparing to do, yes, but that doesn't mean you should neglect each other.

Make an effort to spend quality time with each other.

When the baby arrives, you two will have hardly any time alone, so make the most of the months leading up to your due date.

2. Take a babymoon

Pregnant women can travel for up to 24 weeks (second trimester), so now's the best time to travel and go on a little adventure together.

Your travels don't necessarily have to end when your kid arrives, but bringing a baby along definitely complicates vacations, so enjoy things while they're still simple and easy.

3. Talk about things other than pregnancy

Both of you probably have little else running in your minds, but make an effort to talk about other things.

It'll help remind you that you're a couple first, not just parents.

4. Stay intimate

You might feel like having sex all the time, or not at all.

If you're not in the mood for sex, just cuddling on the sofa or hugging is great to maintain that physical intimacy needed to fuel your relationship.

5. Be patient with one another

Expectant moms, we understand that your hormones make it difficult for you to be even civil with your partner at times, but be mindful of how you treat him.

And dads, try to understand that she's going through a lot right now, and go the extra mile to make her pregnancy as comfortable as possible.

Tell her she's beautiful. Help her out around the house. Be good to each other.

*Lead image used for representational purposes only.