Pregnancy is a very special time in a woman’s life. It can also be exhausting, frustrating, and for some women miserable. I have been very fortunate with relatively easy pregnancies, but I know many friends have not been so lucky. Here are some simple tangible ways to care for your pregnant friend.
Compliment Your Pregnant Friend
Compliments are always welcomed (even by those of us *points at self* that are not good at accepting them gracefully). Your pregnant loved one might not feel her prime due to morning sickness, weight gain, or exhaustion. Giving your loved one a compliment can really make her day. Some examples of good compliments include:
“Wow, you’re glowing.”
“You handle pregnancy so gracefully.”
“Your bump is so cute.”
“You are going to make such a great mother.”
Keep your compliments genuine and don’t go overboard.
Bring Her Food
Maybe I am just a big foodie over here but I love being brought food especially while pregnant. During this pregnancy, I have had a handful of wonderful friends bring over dinner, make me lunch, or even just a special treat. The exhaustion from pregnancy can make it difficult to think of something to cook or even open the fridge and throw something together. So having a friend do that for you is a huge blessing.
Provide Non-Alcoholic Specialty Drinks
Being pregnant at get togethers can be a drag sometimes when everyone is drinking and you are sipping your water in the corner as the DD. One way to make your pregnant friend feel special is to have a non-acoholic beverage for her at your party. Some great ideas for this include seltzer water, soda (if your friend drinks it), and orange juice.
Of course, it is not necessary to provide a special drink for your pregnant friend. It is very unlikely your pregnant friend will expect you to have something especially for her, but it could be a thoughtful surprise.
Spend Quality Time with Her
It is likely that at least for the first few months after giving birth your friend will no longer be able to have just one on one time with you without a little babe attached to her, literally.
Pregnancy is a great time to schedule in some quality time especially to do things that won’t be as easy when the baby is here. Great ways to spend quality time include grabbing a bite to eat, shopping around, getting your nails done, or even just hanging at home.
Babysit Her Other Children
If your pregnant friend has other children, offer to help babysit. You could watch her other kids while she goes to her prenatal appointment. Give her and her husband an opportunity to have some quality time to have a date. Even just let her go get some groceries without hauling a belly and other kids too.
Get Her Something Special Just for Her
During pregnancy, it is common for the mama to be to get tons of stuff for the new baby. It is always a special surprise while pregnant to receive a gift especially for you. A great way to show your pregnant friend you care is to get her something just for her. It does not have to be anything extravagant to make her feel special. Some gift ideas for her include:
- lip balm
- face mask (not the covid kind, though that might work too)
- nail polish or makeup she particularly likes
- a robe (great for prenatal and postpartum especially at the hospital)
- nursing top or dress (if she plans on breastfeeding)
- period panties (I have only had the Thinx brand but I love them postpartum when the bleeding slows down, but you still can’t use tampons)
- nursing pads ( I love to have both disposable and reusable on hand)
- comfy pajama set (with easy access to breasts if she plans on nursing)
- postpartum care package (I’ve heard rave reviews of the Frida Mom one)
- an alcoholic drink ( if your friend enjoys a certain alcoholic drink, for after birth)
Gifts for mom are never necessary, but these also make really great baby shower gifts. It is so fun to shop for the baby, but it is likely that the baby will have plenty of onesies and cute pajamas. Get your mama friend that box of nursing pads!
Ask What She Needs
If your pregnant friend is anything like me, she never wants to ask for help or favors. A great way to counteract your hard-headed pregnant friend is to ask what you can do for her. Then when she responds with “nothing, everything is all good.” Start listing off ideas, if she still does not give, push it a little farther. Some suggestions to offer your pregnant friend include:
- help cleaning the house or organizing
- picking up groceries
- massaging their shoulders or feet (if you are close enough that it wouldn’t be weird)
- being on the lookout for a particular product she is wanting or needing
In Conclusion
If you are looking for ways to bless your pregnant friend chances are she is just blessed to have you as a friend. A simple check in with your friend can make the world of difference.
Have you been pregnant before? What are some sweet ways friends have cared for you during this time? Comment below
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These are great tips! I have been on the receiving end of many of these during pregnancies and felt blessed and loved.
Same for me, it makes the world of difference to have the support you need.