3 Ways To Support Your Pregnant Best Friend

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So it’s finally happened – one of the women you love most in the world has become pregnant. Whether she has been trying for years, or if it comes as a surprise, learning one of your best friends is having a baby is incredibly exciting. You’re about to be a substitute Auntie or even a godmother! However, even if you have already had kids yourself, it can be hard to know how to support your friend in the best way possible throughout her pregnancy. You’ll want to be there for her whilst giving her space, and every woman has a completely different experience, so you’ll never know what’s needed until it happens! However, there are a few simple ways you can make sure you’re on the right track and helping her as much or as little as she needs.

Patience

You love your friend, so your instinct will be that you want to support her as actively as possible. However, if you’ve been pregnant before you’ll remember how exhausting it can be – so make sure you’re staying aware of her energy levels and giving her time to be on her own if she needs. As much as you might want to see her, make sure not to pressure her into social events or make her feel like she’s missing out. Patience is key, and it will be good training for when she has a new little person in her life and needs to schedule seeing you around them as well!

Knowledge

Especially if you haven’t experienced it yourself, it’s worth obtaining general knowledge of what your friend will be going through so you can appreciate and understand it! If you make yourself aware of pregnancy essentials, you’ll be able to communicate with her more effectively and know what she’s talking about. It can also be a lovely gesture to use this knowledge and get her a gift that will be practically useful for her. A lovely flowing maternity dress, a pregnancy pillow, or an anti-nausea wristband could all make a perfect congratulatory gift! Ideally, you want to choose something she won’t have thought of herself but will find absolutely essential when she comes to use it.

Tactfulness

Pregnancy is a wonderful, joyful time in a woman’s life. However, that’s not to say that your friend won’t be missing some of the things she can’t do anymore! If you usually meet up for a glass of wine, and this has become a cup of herbal tea instead, don’t complain to her about missing alcohol – it’s likely she’ll be missing it more than you. The same goes for other activities your friend might not be able to do or foods she might not be able to eat for a little while. It’s also important to be aware of what you’re eating around your friend – avoid smelly foods as they’re more likely to make her feel nauseous. Of course, you shouldn’t feel like you’re treading in a minefield, but you should make sure to keep your communication open and honest so that she always knows she can rely on you!