There will be a lot of drastic changes in a woman’s body even from the very start of pregnancy. The physical changes are the most noticeable because you can see her growing belly.
Apart from physical changes, you need to watch out for mental and emotion changes too. Due to the increase in hormones, a woman can become easily sensitive and emotional. And these changes can be a little tricky to handle, no one wants to make a pregnant woman cry.
If you know someone who is going through this part of womanhood, here are ways to delicately approach an emotional soon-to-be mom.
Listen to their struggle
Developing stretch marks, gaining weight, and losing their shape, are stressful physical changes that happen to women in pregnancy. Not only can they be painful, but they can trigger emotional feelings of anxiety, depression, mood swings, and even outbursts. One way to handle or prevent these state of mind, if ever they occur, is to listen to their struggle. Listen to their personal struggles alleviates stress for them. This also gives you more insight into what you can do to make her feel better and comfortable throughout the pregnancy.
Bring them gifts
Celebrate the upcoming delivery and baby by throwing a baby shower. Organizing such gathering can be a bit stressful but it really provides a lot of support to the mother. It will surround her with all of her favorite people at a time when she needs them the most.This will also provide her with much-needed items for herself and for her baby.
Besides a baby shower, you can do small things to brighten her day by bringing over something she’s been craving or something cute you’ve found for her baby. Even something as small as a bottle of nail polish will make her feel good.
Run errands for them
Bed rest is one of the suggestions you hear from doctors when asked how to handle delicate pregnancies. It does not necessarily translate to being in bed for the whole day but a restriction to some strenuous activities. If you want to help out, you should volunteer to help whenever and however you can. It could be cooking meals, washing dishes, cleaning the house or doing a little grocery shopping for her. That kind of activity may seem simple but they require a lot of energy and walking. Something a woman in her third trimester may feel uncomfortable to do anymore.
If she needs anything moved or furniture assembled, this would be a great task for you to help with. Pregnant moms aren’t supposed to lift more than 10 pounds which wouldn’t allow her to assemble furniture.
Even something as small as changing a light bulb can be a no-no for her. Pregnant women shouldn’t be climbing.
This is an exciting, but stressful time in a woman’s life. Even little things can be overwhelming. Using the light bulb from above, imagine how stressful it would be knowing that you shouldn’t even do that small task. Be a good friend and support system for her. Find ways to brighten her day the best that you can.
Mandy X
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
