“Congratulations on your bundle of joy!”
Send your pregnant friend a short and simple message. This could be the perfect way to share in her enthusiasm. Whether it’s on a cute card or a text message, just let them know you care and that you’re excited to join them on this journey. Some examples of short and sweet messages include: “Congratulations and best wishes!” “Congrats on the bun in your oven!” “I was delighted to hear that you’re expecting– congrats!” “Wishing you a safe and easy pregnancy!” “Warmest wishes on this new chapter!”
“Congrats on figuring out how to make a human!”
Humor could be the way to go if you're close friends. If your bestie or close loved one lets you in on their sweet little secret, try poking a bit fun at them. After all, welcoming a new baby into the world is full of silly, unexpected surprises! Here are some examples: “Congratulations on the best collab we never knew we needed!” “Congrats on making the decision to never sleep again!” “Hello baby, goodbye sanity!” “All aboard the mama train– congratulations!” “Congrats on being able to eat all the ice cream you want for nine months without fear of judgement!”
“Can’t wait to shower your baby with love!”
Writing your friend’s baby shower card is all about sharing in their excitement. Let them know how thrilled you are to be beside them in their celebration of this new life, and that you’re wishing them a safe delivery and healthy baby. Pair it with a thoughtful gift for baby. Here are some examples: “Can’t wait to celebrate your baby bump!” “Wishing you a safe, easy, and speedy delivery! A healthy baby will soon be in your arms.” “Hope you’re enjoying every single moment of this beautiful phase in your life!” “Not sure how it’s possible but your family is about to get even cuter!” “Welcome to motherhood– you’re going to love it here!”
“You’re going to be such a wonderful mother!”
A message of support during this time of transition could be what they need. Your pregnant friend is probably overwhelmed with new emotions, so offering them words of comfort and assurance could help calm their fears. Examples could include: “Your baby is so lucky to have you as a mother.” “The world will be a much better place with a mini you running around!” “You’re one of the best, kindest, smartest, sweetest people I know… and your baby will be no different!” “Embrace your changing body and enjoy the ride– you’re doing amazing!” “There’s nobody more prepared to bring a life into this world than you!”
“I’d already like to volunteer my babysitting services!”
Looking toward the future sends a positive message. After the birth of a baby, friendships can change, so it’s a good idea to let your expecting friend know that you’ll be there for them and their new baby. Here’s what you can say to convey just that: “Can’t wait to welcome our newest bestie to the clique!” “I’ll be here for you and your baby every step of the way!” “You can always rely on me for help, from the bottom of my heart.” “It takes a village to raise a child, and you can count me in!” “You’re going to have the best labor and cutest baby– I just know it.”
“This baby is a blessing from God!”
If your expecting friend is religious, adding spirituality to your message is a nice touch. Remind them what a miracle it is to be pregnant, create life, and bring it into the world with a loving partner by your side. Try saying something like: “Prayers for your bundle of joy and growing family!” “What a miracle it is to bring a baby into this world– congratulations!” “Prayers and blessings for a safe delivery and healthy baby!” “A baby is a miracle that grows up before your very eyes.” “May God shower you and your baby with countless blessings!”
"You are so strong and I’m so proud of you!”
Acknowledge the difficulty of this new chapter. Entering motherhood can be a scary, complicated, and labor-intensive endeavor, so don’t be afraid to throw some encouraging words into your congratulatory message. Your pregnant friend could really use them! Examples: “This baby is such a gift and you’re going to crush it, mama!” “You’re going to have your hands full, but you’ve totally got this!” “Nobody said motherhood would be easy, but it’ll certainly be worth it for your sweet bundle of joy!” “Your body was made to embrace these changes and your heart was made for loving this child.” “Please take care of yourself during this process– happy lady, happy baby!”
“Motherhood: All love begins and ends there."
Share a quote about motherhood to uplift your friend. Robert Browning believed that motherhood was the beginning and end to “all love,” which is a very sweet sentiment. Reiterating what others have said about motherhood could impart some useful wisdom. Here are some examples: “Babies are bits of stardust, blown from the hand of God.” – Larry Barretto “With every newborn baby a little sun rises.” – Irmgard Erath “A new baby is like the beginning of all things –– wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.” – Eda J. Le Shan “I can imagine no heroism greater than motherhood.” —Lance Conrad “Babies are always more trouble than you thought –– and more wonderful.” – Charles Osgood “Motherhood is a choice you make everyday, to put someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you’re not sure what the right thing is ... and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong.” —Donna Ball “Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind.” —Howard W. Hunter “(24/7) once you sign on to be a mother, that’s the only shift they offer.” —Jodi Picoult “Motherhood is the biggest gamble in the world. It is the glorious life force. It’s huge and scary — it’s an act of infinite optimism.” —Gilda Radner “What it’s like to be a parent: It’s one of the hardest things you’ll ever do, but in exchange, it teaches you the meaning of unconditional love.” —Nicholas Sparks
What Not to Say
Avoiding assumptions is a good rule of thumb. Although usually an exciting and magical time for a family, news of pregnancy can also stir up certain negative emotions, especially after a pregnancy loss. In general, you want to maintain a supportive tone while acknowledging that this pregnancy is their own unique experience, wholly unrelated to you. Here are some examples of things to avoid: "You must be so excited." Don't assume any of your friend's emotions. Pregnancy is a highly transformative time, during which a person must accept that their old selves are gone for good. This alone can stir up some difficult feelings, but if you factor in hormonal turbulence, it can become a perfect storm. This may sound particularly insensitive if this pregnancy comes after a pregnancy loss, since emotions may be a more complicated mix of excitement, grief, and anxiety. "Your life as you know it is over." It's fine to poke fun at the fact that your pregnant friend's life is about to drastically change, but say it in a lighthearted way or not at all. Your friend probably already feels the immense pressure of adjusting to a brand new way of living, with a little one at the forefront of everything, so they likely don't need you to remind them. Instead, try to to uplift them with positive thoughts about the future. "You look exhausted." Your friend is literally growing a life inside of them, forging every finger and eyelash from their very own cells. This is a miraculous, fascinating, and laborious job-- so do not comment on their appearance! They might look tired, they might be low energy, but remember that it's all with good reason and for a greater purpose. This is a perfect time to remember the expression, "If you have nothing nice to say, then don't say anything at all."
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