If someone becomes pregnant, it could be one of the hardest things they go through – both physically and mentally.

Expecting mothers have to make many short-term sacrifices while pregnant. For example, exercising needs to be done with caution and more attention needs to be paid to diet and other lifestyle factors to reduce any risks. There’s also the uncertainty around what being a new mother will be like, which can further enhance unfamiliar feelings or anxiety.

As the loved one of someone experiencing maternity, there are some simple steps you can take that could make a world of difference to that person’s livelihood and pregnancy experience.

The importance of support

Being pregnant is physically and mentally demanding. It also evolves over time, exposing women to different symptoms and experiences. This is why it’s so important to lend support to those going through it at each stage, including when the pregnancy is over. Hormones and other physical symptoms play a large role in the rollercoaster of emotions that are felt during pregnancy.

It’s common for pregnant women to feel many emotions across short periods. Anxiety and uncertainty are two examples, which is why having a strong support network is so important. Regular check-ups and appointments can stir different emotions too, as someone could receive critical news during these.

Day-to-day tasks

These changes can influence your ability to perform seemingly simple tasks. The likes of going to the post office or doing the food shop can feel overwhelming when you’re not feeling mentally or physically comfortable.

Cleaning, ironing, washing – we all know how quickly these jobs can pile up, even under normal circumstances. Anything you can do to help a pregnant friend or loved one stay on top of jobs will be massively appreciated.

Go to appointments

While it might not be feasible to attend every appointment when someone is pregnant, it can make a huge difference when you show interest. Ask them how it went and what the main takeaways were. There might be some actions they need to take afterward that you could support with.

It might be helpful to ask in the first instance how involved they’d like you to be in the medical side. You could simply take them to an appointment and sit in the waiting room with them to help them feel calm. Or they might want you to join them during the appointment. Having someone there could be helpful to make sure someone is getting sufficient care in case maternity negligence occurs.

Be present

Pregnancy can be isolating for many and especially if you don’t know others going through the same experiences as you. Less time is spent with colleagues at work and social plans might not always be on the cards if unpleasant symptoms are making you feel unwell. Even the inability to drink alcohol can stop some people from socialising in ways that they did before.

As someone close to them, make sure you keep this in mind and lend a listening ear to hear out the struggles and offer advice where you can. Be proactive in suggesting activities that they might feel more comfortable with. A cosy night in watching films or a small walk so they can enjoy a change in scenery might be the ideal way to spend time together.