Couple Relationships and Interaction During Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review of Key Relational Dynamics

Pregnancy is a transformative period that profoundly affects couple relationships and interactions. While this phase may strengthen intimacy and mutual understanding between partners, it also introduces significant physiological, psychological, and social stressors that can challenge relationship satisfaction and overall well-being. The dynamics of couple relationships during pregnancy affect not only the partners' emotional and mental health but also pregnancy outcomes, family functioning, and postnatal adaptation. A growing body of research has examined various aspects of couple relationships during this period, yet a comprehensive synthesis of the key factors influencing these dynamics remains limited. This review synthesizes current research on couple relationships during pregnancy, focusing on factors such as emotional intimacy, communication patterns, role transitions, and male involvement. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI databases for studies published from December 2003 to December 2023. A total of 71 articles were included in this review after screening. The article aims to review both facilitators and barriers to positive couple interactions, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to foster healthy relationship dynamics. By identifying gaps in existing research and suggesting directions for future studies, this review offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers aiming to improve relationship quality and better support pregnant women and their partners.