If you’ve been with your significant other for a long period of time, you’ve probably observed how your lives entwine over time. Perhaps you anticipate their coffee request since you hear it every morning, or you have a strategy for making them feel better at the end of a trying day. Researchers now claim that a curious physiological change might result from a long-term relationship: couples’ heart rhythms start to sync.

More About the Study

In a study that was published in the Journal of Personal and Social Relationships, researchers sought to determine whether being physically close to someone over time could have an impact on how their bodies co-regulate. Over two weeks, they observed 10 couples who ‘ve been together for 14 to 65 years. Each couple wore a heart rate monitor and a small-proximity sensor that could recognize when partners were touching closely.

In the end, they found that couples were more likely to have their heart rates synchronize daily the longer they had been together. To put it another way, if one family member’s heart rate rose, the other would probably follow soon after, and vice versa. Every time they were together throughout the day, these changes persisted.

Couples’ Interactions Change!

When one partner sets off the other, they begin a special couple-level dance that has an impact on their physiology and daily routines. This is what Brian Ogolsky, Ph.D., an associate professor and lead author at the University of Illinois, explained about the study. They found that each day is a unique context that can change depending on the circumstances. Couple interactions, attitudes, and behaviors change frequently whether they are near or far from one another.

To examine how these dynamics play out on a bigger scale and how they impact people’s health, Dr. Ogolsky is keen to point out that further research is necessary. He says that if they want to understand the interaction patterns that occur within couples, they need to start focusing their attention on micro-processes. These are small interaction patterns that can happen over a day. These provide information regarding the nature of how interactions between spouses develop on an ongoing basis.

You’ve probably heard women talking about the first trimester of pregnancy and its struggles. It’s a particularly uncomfortable time for most, and if you are keeping it a secret, it could be even worse because you can’t ask your closest friends for tips. So to help you survive until you get to 14 weeks and start feeling like yourself again, we’ve gathered some useful tips.

Rest When Possible

Staying active during pregnancy is important, but you also need to listen to your body and give it the rest it needs. Especially in the first few weeks when all your energy is going towards the development and growth of your little peanut. Sit, lay or even take naps when possible and take good deep breaths. Getting tired easily is normal during this time, so don’t be hard on yourself!

Get a Good Body Pillow

Many believe the big body pillows to be essential for the last months of pregnancy. However, they can give you great comfort and support from the very beginning. Don’t wait until you really can’t find a comfortable sleeping position and get yourself a good-quality body pillow from the start.

Eat Small Amounts but Regularly

Even if you imagined yourself being that pregnant woman with the perfect nutritious breakfast and a yoga class after, the reality of the first trimester may be very far from that for you. If you have bad morning sickness (or let’s be honest – a whole day sickness), it’s important to eat the food you can. Don’t go overboard with the junk of course, but if you crave a bagel, get a bagel. Carbs usually are a girl’s best friend in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Also, try eating small amounts but regularly.

Stay Hydrated

While pregnant, you will need a lot more water because of all the hard work your body is doing and the increased blood flow. Also, drinking water early in the morning will help you feel a bit better.

Be Kind to Yourself!

The first trimester is also hard mentally. All the changes in your body and feeling sick can put you in a bad mental state. Try not to think about what it was before but focus on the future. The second trimester is just around the corner and you will feel significantly better. We promise!