New HSE guidelines say partners should be allowed at 12 and 20-week maternity scans.
The guidance also says partners should be able to attend visits which could be stressful, such as emergency presentations.
The HSE says COVID-19 prevention measures also don't require excluding a partner from a caesarean delivery.
All the new guidance applies to partners who don't have symptoms of coronavirus.
However, partners are still not allowed at several routine scans.
The HSE has said it hopes remaining restrictions on visits will be lifted as more young people are vaccinated in the coming weeks.
In a statement, health officials said: "The HSE will keep the guidance under review and is committed to support women and their partners being together as much as possible while doing everything we can to maintain the outstanding safety record of the maternity services through the pandemic so far.
"Hospitals have committed to implementing the updated guidelines in full. However where there is a local outbreak situation the hospitals will carry out a risk assessment and may have to curtail some visiting to reduce the spread of infection.
"Where this happens the hospital will communicate clearly with patients regarding any changes to the visiting policy."
