We all know a friend who has a tumultuous love life. Whether they struggle to find the right person, or they are not ready for commitment, those who have an unstable love life are more at risk of becoming single parents. Motherhood and the parenthood journey can be challenging for anyone. But when you don’t have the emotional support of your partner, it can be truly overwhelming. 

So, what can you do to help when one of your single friends tells you she is pregnant? Here are some tips to support a single mom. 

Pregnancy presents

During pregnancy, the body goes through a lot of changes, which can lead to physical and emotional discomfort. Many pregnant women experience heightened emotional states as a result of hormonal imbalances and body changes during pregnancy. So, one way you can make the pregnancy journey more manageable for your friend is by gifting her thoughtful pregnancy presents, such as a maternity pillow or a pregnancy tracker. It can be a good idea too to look for easy meal solutions, especially if she is prone to morning nausea. Looking for meal services or preparing her meals ahead can be a game-changer.

A support group

Single and pregnant, are terms that can make a woman feel isolated, lonely, and helpless. In reality, there is plenty of support available, not only from her friends and family but also from dedicated groups, such as https://embracegrace.com/. It is worth taking the time to research the best options for her, especially if she is too anxious to do it herself. 

You can also reach out to acquaintances who may have had a similar experience, so your friend can receive tips and advice from someone who understands their situation. 

Share your pregnancy tips

Nothing can prepare a woman for the challenges of pregnancy because everybody will react slightly differently. So, even if she’s been reading books on how to stay healthy or what to do, your friend may still face situations that are unexpected or may be nervous about the changes in her body. 

You can help by sharing your experience and accompanying her through her healthy pregnancy. Showing her some of your preferred pregnancy workouts, for example, can help her stay healthy and more relaxed. 

Be there after the pregnancy

There is so much noise about giving birth that many new mothers find themselves more prepared for the birth than for what comes afterward. Looking after a newborn can be stressful and tiring. So, you can offer to help your friend look after her baby and organize her home. Postpartum is not just marked by the elevated risk of depression in women. It is also the period during which the female body begins to heal from pregnancy and birth. Being there for her can allow her to rest when she is too exhausted to look after the baby. 

You can also save her time and effort by organizing her nursery room. A few management strategies will help her keep her home tidy and stress-free. 

Single mothers can have an exhausting and stressful time during their first pregnancy. As an experienced mother, you can be there along the journey to provide support, guidance, and emotional comfort.