Dr. Anjali Chhabria, Mumbai-based psychiatrist says, "With the arrival of a baby, the equation between a husband and wife changes. At least for some time, they may not look at each other passionately because of the demands of caring for a child. This could make both partners insecure and now is the time to cement your relationship for better times together."

When it seems like the baby is about to alter the status quo of your relationship, you can steer the course-for better or worse-depending on how you look at it. Becoming parents is one of the biggest transitions of marriage.

Although couples who are in shaky marriages stand a higher chance of drifting apart during this transition, couples who are in a mature and secure marriage may also feel the stress.

Here are some pointers that may help your relationship through this critical period.

Three is Company Too!

The minute your baby is born, your new "family unit" comes into place. This could mean that you and your partner need to redefine your relationship (from that of a couple) to that of parents!

Although the baby will now become the centre of your fold, there's no reason why you can't expand the fold to include your spouse.

Help your spouse bond with the baby by empowering him. It's his baby too and he's perfectly capable of caring for her.

Malvika Morey, a mother of a toddler says, "My baby changed me in the sense that she made me realise that we are now a nuclear family. It's now the "three of us". When my husband understood that, he felt valued and important to "us" not just to me. Our baby has strengthened our relationship immensely. I think it's all about enjoying your new role and making the most of it."

Talk about Sex

Most obstetricians would advise you to resume sexual relationships six weeks after your delivery. But even after that period, you may not feel physically or emotionally ready to resume sex. In fact, most women take anything between three and six months to recover emotionally from childbirth.

During this phase, you could find other ways to express intimacy: A quiet dinner, a walk or even a bath together.

Be creative and communicate openly and honestly about sex.