u can keep ur F1 after filing

but you can't travel as a F1. So you will need AP in order to travel, and once you have used AP to re-enter US, you can no longer be F1 either. So if you intend to work after your return then you better apply for an EAD as well.

Without AP, you can't even go to canada or mexico, because the minute you leave without AP, your application would be considered abandoned. So it is not even a question of getting another F1 visa, because you can't apply for it overseas.

As far as your hu*****and is concerned, he should also get an AP. He doesn't have to use it and using it won't void his H1 status either. He can still apply for H1 visa overseas, and if for some reason his H1 is denied, then he can come back with AP.