A relationship can really take a hit when a new addition joins the family. Whether you have been together for one year or ten years, life can get tricky.

The challenges actually start at the beginning of pregnancy.

Morning sickness, swollen ankles and raging heartburn don’t exactly make romance easy.

Once you are finally starting to feel better, you can’t see your feet anymore and aren’t up for “bringing sexy back”. You believe things will get better once the baby arrives. Only now, you haven’t slept for more than a couple hours all week, you have spit-up in your hair and you can’t even remember the last time you shaved your legs.

It’s ok! This is all completely normal and we have all been there. No matter what aged children you have, keeping that romance alive will take some work.

Here are a few ideas to get you back on track:

Schedule time for each other

It is important to make the best use of the time you have. Date night might not be a viable option for you. But, you could plan a nice lunch together when the baby is napping. Send the older kids to a friend’s house for an hour while you both catch up on your week.

Book a babysitter for just a couple of hours on a Saturday so you can stroll through the park.

Basically, if you find yourselves with five minutes together, take complete advantage.

Don’t forget the small stuff

Take the time to say “I love you” and kiss each other before you part. Hug. Give back massages. Leave little notes for each other on the bathroom mirror. Make a special meal. Give in and rent that new action movie he’s been talking about. Flirt with each other. Respect each other and be attentive.

Get comfortable with your body

The thought of getting naked post baby can be pretty scary.

You will feel better about yourself if you start exercising a bit more. It doesn’t need to be a two hour kick-boxing class, just simple things. There are many exercises that can be done while sitting in a chair. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Put the baby in the stroller and walk with a friend.

If you have older kids, take bike rides with them. Be confident with who you are. Your man loves you, still finds you very sexy and will be thrilled at the chance to get close to you again.

Try something new

Enjoy a bubble bath together. Rub sensual oils on each other. Research some new sexual positions. Purchase lacy lingerie. Experiment with food in the bedroom. Play out a sexual fantasy. Make love with the light on. Try morning sex or even bathroom floor sex (thank you, locking doors).

Be opened minded but, make sure you are both comfortable with your choices.

Bottom line, get back in the game.

Do you have any tips to add to this list? SHARE with us in the comments below.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.com