Brigham Young University reports that, “Happily married people have lower blood pressure than unhappy married people or singles.”

The study from Brigham Young notes that not even a stellar support system can mimic the effects of a super happy marriage. The study monitored individual’s blood pressure and looked at their relationship situations.

According to Health Finder, “Overall, happily married people scored four points lower on the blood pressure readings than single adults. The study also found that blood pressure among married people — especially those in happy marriages — dipped more during sleep than in single people.”

So, it pays to have a happy marriage. When kids come along there are some massive changes to your marriage though. What’s key to keeping your happy marriage happy, now that you’re not only a couple, but parents?

Communication: This is a given, but many couples have issues with simply talking. Add in parental sleep deprivation and well, trouble may ensue. If you find that you’re not communicating as well, consider seeing a family or couples therapist before any real huge issues come up. Parenting is hard work and some preemptive planning for communications sake never hurts.

Dating: You should still get out, just the two of you, for some alone time. If you haven’t found a good babysitter, you need to. If you really can’t, try for an evening at home. Have dinner together, watch a movie, make sure that baby stays in bed.

Line up your goals: Before your baby arrives is the time to talk about parenting choices surrounding education, time-outs, religion, and everything else. Knowing how your partner feels about major parenting issues before hand can be useful - it gives you two a chance to come to some compromises.

Learn more:

10 Things Happy Couples Do

Increase Romance

5 Simple Ways To Connect With Your Spouse