Pregnancy is a transformative time, not only for the mother-to-be but also for the people around her, especially her closest friends. Supporting your best friend during her pregnancy can strengthen your bond and provide her with the emotional and practical help she needs. As exciting as pregnancy can be, it also comes with challenges, both physical and emotional. By offering support, understanding, and a listening ear, you can help your best friend navigate this beautiful but sometimes overwhelming journey. Here’s how you can be there for her every step of the way.
Pregnancy often brings a flood of emotions—joy, excitement, worry, and even fear. One of the simplest but most powerful ways to support your friend is to listen. Sometimes, she may just want to talk about her anxieties, questions, or the physical changes she’s experiencing. Being a non-judgmental listener allows her to share her thoughts without feeling the need to filter herself.
You don’t need to have all the answers or offer advice. Just being present, listening to her without interrupting, and showing empathy can provide her with a great deal of comfort. Let her know that you’re there for her, whether she’s celebrating a happy moment or working through a difficult one.
Prenatal appointments can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Offering to go with your best friend to her doctor’s appointments is a great way to show your support. Not only will you be there to keep her company in the waiting room, but you can also help her take notes or ask any questions she might forget in the moment.
These appointments, especially ultrasounds, are significant milestones in pregnancy, and sharing them with a close friend can make the experience even more special. If her partner can’t always be there, having you by her side can help ease any anxiety she may feel.
As the due date approaches, there’s a lot to get done. From setting up the nursery to shopping for baby essentials, your friend may feel overwhelmed by the to-do list that comes with preparing for a newborn. Offering to help her with these tasks can ease her burden and give you both a chance to bond over baby planning.
You can make shopping trips together, helping her choose items like baby clothes, diapers, or furniture for the nursery. You might even research newborn girl gift ideas if she’s expecting a little girl, finding thoughtful presents that will make her smile.
If your best friend is the type who loves a celebration, planning her baby shower can be one of the most thoughtful ways to support her. A baby shower is not only a chance to celebrate her pregnancy but also a way for her to receive the essential items she’ll need for her baby.
Coordinate with her partner or family members to ensure the baby shower reflects her style and personality. Whether it’s a large gathering or a small, intimate event, make sure the focus is on what will make her feel most comfortable and loved. You can also use this opportunity to surprise her with a few personalized touches, like a memory book for guests to write advice or well wishes.
Pregnancy is a time when self-care becomes even more important, but it’s easy for expecting mothers to focus so much on the baby that they forget to take care of themselves. Encourage your best friend to prioritize her well-being by reminding her to rest, relax, and take time to do things she enjoys.
Plan a spa day, treat her to a relaxing massage, or even just organize a cozy movie night at home. These little acts of self-care can make a world of difference in how she feels, especially during the later stages of pregnancy when fatigue sets in.
Pregnancy brings about a range of physical challenges, from morning sickness in the first trimester to aches and pains in the later months. Your friend may not always be up for socializing or participating in activities she used to enjoy. It’s important to be understanding and flexible during this time.
If she cancels plans last minute or seems less energetic than usual, don’t take it personally. Instead, offer to adapt plans to something more comfortable, like having a quiet night in or catching up over a low-key lunch. Being patient and adjusting your expectations will make her feel supported and understood.
Pregnancy is a rollercoaster of emotions, partly due to hormonal changes, but also because of the life transition your friend is going through. Some days she might be glowing with excitement, and other days she could feel overwhelmed or unsure about the future.
Check in on her regularly, and when she shares her concerns, avoid minimizing her feelings. Whether she’s nervous about labor, worried about becoming a parent, or stressed about her body’s changes, let her know that what she’s feeling is valid and that you’re there to support her emotionally.
Sometimes the best way to support your pregnant friend is by offering practical help with everyday tasks that might feel more challenging as her pregnancy progresses. As her belly grows, simple chores like grocery shopping, cleaning, or running errands may become exhausting.
Offering to help with these tasks can be a huge relief. You could also prepare meals for her to stock up in the freezer, making it easier for her to have healthy meals without the stress of cooking. Even offering to babysit her older children, if she has any, so she can rest is a meaningful gesture.
When the due date draws near, packing the hospital bag becomes an essential task, and it’s easy for first-time moms to feel unsure about what they’ll need. Offer to help her create a checklist and pack her hospital bag with all the essentials, including items for both herself and the baby.
Go over things like comfortable clothes, toiletries, snacks, and baby items such as a going-home outfit. Being organized and prepared will help her feel more at ease as the big day approaches.
Pregnancy is filled with little milestones, from feeling the first kick to reaching certain weeks of gestation. Celebrate these moments with your friend. Whether it’s sending her a text on the day she hits a pregnancy milestone or planning a small outing when she enters the third trimester, these gestures show her that you’re thinking about her journey and sharing in the joy of each step. Even if the milestones seem small, they mean a lot to your friend, and recognizing them can make her feel extra supported and loved.
While pregnancy is a big focus, the postpartum period can be just as challenging, if not more so. Offering support after the baby arrives is crucial. Many new moms feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and emotionally drained during the first few weeks with their newborn.
Offer to visit after the baby is born, but make sure your friend is comfortable with having visitors. You can bring meals, help with chores, or simply hold the baby while she takes a nap or showers. It’s also essential to be there for her emotionally, especially if she experiences the baby blues or postpartum depression.
Supporting your best friend during her pregnancy is about being present, understanding, and offering help in ways that feel meaningful to her. Whether it’s listening when she needs to vent, helping her prepare for the baby, or simply showing up with her favorite snack, these acts of love and kindness will make her feel supported and appreciated.
Pregnancy is a beautiful and life-changing journey, but it’s also filled with uncertainties and challenges. By being there for your friend throughout her pregnancy, you’ll not only strengthen your bond but also become a vital source of support during one of the most significant times in her life. From baby showers to researching newborn girl gift ideas, every gesture matters. As her best friend, you have the unique opportunity to make this time feel even more special.
Full time I'm an ambitious Head of Marketing and Communications in the luxury industry. Part time, I'm an enthusiastic British Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle blogger and YouTuber from Manchester, UK. This blog has been my outlet for the past 7+ years, and as a longstanding, Award-winning blogger I take the most enjoyment from creating content I truly love and believe in. All authentic. Always.