Is your best friend pregnant for the first time and you are just so excited for her? Do you want to be that supportive BFF who will always be there for her throughout this nine-month journey?
There are several ways through which you can support and take care of your pregnant friend. To find out what they are, keep reading below.
1. Do not invite your friend to your drinking spree.
Your pregnant friend is not supposed to drink alcohol anymore. Therefore, to keep her from being tempted, do not invite her when you and the rest of the gang decide to have a night out or a beer party. To avoid hurting her feelings, explain to her why you must do it. You can also organize no-alcohol get-togethers for her sake.
2. Indulge her with nutritious fruits.
Fruits are the best snacks for mom and baby. So, instead of chocolates and cakes, bring fruits which are best for pregnant whenever you visit her. You can also make fruit shakes or salad for her. Just make sure you choose the fruits which are recommended by her physician or dietician and avoid the ones which can potentially harm her and her baby.
3. Visit her at home.
Instead of meeting her at the mall or the places where you used to hang out together, be the one to visit her in her house. Pregnant women get tired easily and they need a lot of rest. It is also not good for her and the baby to be exposed to pollution and bad weather. At least, if you will be the one to visit, she can stay comfortable.
4. Discourage her from staying out late.
In connection with no. 3, it is bad for your pregnant friend to be out of the house at night. Her immune system is weaker now, so she is more prone to colds. This is also one of the reasons why you should not invite her to night outs and other get-togethers that usually involve staying out late at night.
5. Remind your friend to take her vitamins.
Your preggy BFF needs to consistently take the vitamins that her doctor prescribed to her. As a concerned friend, be thoughtful enough to always remind her about this. Remind her also to include nutritious vegetables and fruits which are good for pregnant in her diet for a total package of wellness.
6. Research prenatal care and share it with her.
Another way through which you can support the pregnancy of your friend is by researching science-based practices that are best for the baby’s development. You can also search for the recommended foods for pregnancy and the right exercises that promote safer and easier delivery.
7. Treat her to healthy snacks and meals.
If you want to date your friend, it is best if you bring her somewhere healthy. For instance, you can bring her to a restaurant that serves nutritious, well-cooked food and fresh fruit smoothies. Avoid going to fast-food chains or coffee shops.
8. Do not tolerate her craving for sweets and junk foods.
Pregnant women are not advised to eat a lot of sweets, like desserts and chocolates, and junk foods, including chips and soft drinks. Thus, no matter how much she begs for them, never ever give in. Someday, after giving birth, she would be thankful to you for not tolerating her unhealthy cravings.
9. Encourage her to stop unhealthy vices, if she has.
If your pregnant friend has vices, such as smoking, taking drugs, or too much drinking, tell her to stop right away. Remind her that it is not her health that she should prioritize now but the developing fetus’. If your friend wants to keep her baby, then she must give up on her unhealthy leisure. Also, educate her about the harmful effects that these habits could have on the baby.
10. Buy her a maternity dress.
If you are thinking of buying a gift for your friend, the best would be a cutesy maternity dress. Pregnant women usually have a wardrobe problem, since their tummies keep growing fast in months. In a few weeks, her old dresses might not be comfortable to wear anymore. She would really appreciate it if she receives beautiful maternity clothes, especially from dear friends like you.
11. Accompany your friend to her monthly check-up.
In case your friend’s husband is not available or around to go with her to prenatal check-ups, or if she is a single mom, then being her chaperone would be a big help. Going to the clinic could be tiring for a pregnant woman, especially if her tummy is already too big. Having someone to assist her around would be comforting.
12. Give her your baby’s pre-loved stuff.
If you have kids yourself and you managed to keep their baby stuff, why not offer practical assistance to your friend? Giving away slightly used clothes, toys, crib, and the stroller would be a big help to her, especially if her family is struggling financially.
13. Help your friend organize a baby shower.
Another way to support your friend’s pregnancy is by organizing her baby shower. This would save her from stress and exhaustion during the preparation. You can ask your other friends to help you with this. Surely, your BFF would appreciate your efforts much.
14. Introduce helpful exercises to her.
Going through labor is probably the most difficult part of giving birth. It is very much painful, and some may take long hours before the baby could come out. Help your friend prepare for this process by researching effective exercises that may help ease her labor.
15. Pray for her and the baby.
The best support you can give your pregnant friend is through prayers. Regularly praying for her and the baby’s health is surely helpful, even though you cannot see how God works. Trust that their safety, especially during the delivery, is within God’s control. Remind your friend to be prayerful as well.
Your Support Matters
Pregnant women go through a lot of adjustments—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Also, due to their raging hormones, they may often have mood swings, which could be irritating at times. However, this is the time when she needs more understanding, patience, and support from the people around her. Having a caring friend like you will be a big comfort for her.
ALSO READ: 14 Ways to Take Care of Your Pregnant Wife
