How to Keep Your Friendships Thriving When You're Bursting With Excitement (and a Little Extra Weight!)
Navigate the Tightrope of Friendship Without Popping a Button: Tips to Stay Connected While Juggling Joy and Jelly Rolls!
Ah, the third trimester: where naps become your new happy hour, prenatal vitamins are your daily candy, and peeing only once an hour seems like a distant dream. You're growing a whole new human—literally defying the laws of biology—and now your social life feels like it's doing some growing (or shrinking) of its own.
Let's face it, BFF catch-ups might now mean phone calls from your throne (read: toilet seat), or a Netflix binge where they supply popcorn while you supply continuous commentary. Friends are desperately important—especially now as you're growing not just a bond, but a bum-p! So, how do you keep your friendships from going the way of your unused skinny jeans? Let's dive into our sassy survival guide!
Because who said you can't be social if you're horizontal?
Schedule Those "Dates" Like They're Doctor's Appointments
Gone are the days of impromptu drinks at 8 PM. Now, spontaneous evenings mean unscheduled foot swelling. So, put those catch-ups in the calendar—prioritize them like you do with your box sets. Remember, your social life deserves a spot in the diary alongside weekly weigh-ins!
Replace 'What to Expect' books with 'What to Text.'
Be Prepared for Some
Flaky Ass-Kicking
Between appointments and cankles, cancellations can happen and they sure as heck are frustrating. But instead of canceling last minute, can we take a moment to appreciate the beauty of brutal honesty? Feel free to use: "Hey, I love you more than I love not being 7 months pregnant, but I am feeling the opposite of fabulous today."
If it must be over the phone, then ring, ring, baby. Turn "I'm too tired to grab brunch" into "Let's distract you from your maternity bras leaking." And for those who are soon to be a new momma, consider yourself strong enough to build friendship bridges and nurture a life.
Pile on the Praise — and Netflix Recommendations
Your heart is literally big enough to birth another human; it's certainly big enough to dole out generous admiration of your friend's cooking/GIF game. Don't forget to spread the sweet words even when all you want is a little sweet treat of recognition yourself. Bonus: Couch-based admiration is free.
Because only true friends understand the importance of Season 3 spoilers.
Invite Them Into the Chaos Unannounced
Let's face it, when you're carrying an extra person (or two!), life gets messy, but sharing that chaos can bond you even more—text your buddy a "get your adorable a** over here" invitation. Truly, the best friendships flourish in shared chaos with sweatpants being the true marker of comfort!
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Countdown on Creativity? No Problem!
If you're nearing the finish line and drawing blanks on social plans, here’s the trick: marry technology with your tired soul. Spa day Zoom calls with your girlfriend? Telepillow-mancy? You'll be getting that friend endorphin rush—Tech's got your back, as do we!
Once you're embracing snuggles and sleep deprivation with your new bundle, consider transitioning your wardrobe to the comfy and flexy Mum Tum leggings—because leggings are your second skin now, no matter if you've just delivered or are waiting to pop!
Dear BFFs, make sure a 'no baby talk' policy exists on some occasions.
Recognize Friends as Chefs on the Backburner
Some of your friends are fantastic chefs, with Michelin-starred peanut butter toast accolades. Let them whip up something delightfully gourmet for you - hey, as long as it doesn't involve reaching for the organic vegan quark! You're a good friend and they deserve an opportunity to show off and keep you nourished!
Calories don't count when they're from soup your friend made!
Laughter Is the Best Line to Your Besties...
If you've made it this far without pulling out a hair strand or ten, take this as your official joke bank starter pack. Make your friendships a dash saltier and a tonne sugarier by sharing dark humor and nostalgic memories. Because really, who else will laugh with you about embarrassing pregnancy skin issues?
Thanks for hanging out in the pregnancy saunter club! Remember that friendships in the third trimester might take a bit of effort, a dash of creativity, and a whole lot of humor. Your social life can thrive even as you're soon-to-blossom—and likely to wobble!
May your coffee be strong and your friendships stronger. And when all else fails, leggings are still pants! Cheers to embracing life and your wonderful BFF squad!
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