The Ultimate Guide to Strengthening Friendships During Life's Big Changes

Okay, future mama, you're in the third trimester, and let's be honest, life is coming at you like you've entered the final lap of a roller coaster. You might be feeling like an overstuffed teddy bear with a bladder the size of a grape, all while trying to keep it fashion. But what about those friendships? Ah yes, the IRL squad that once helped you forget your ex with late-night nacho binges and Netflix marathons! Now that you're on the brink of parenthood, keeping those connections strong is just as pivotal as finding the perfect shade of nude lipstick.

“Because friendships after 30 require more maintenance than a diva's pre-show rider!”

Here's the tea, or should I say, mocktail: Your friends may be secretly fretting they're losing you to 3 AM diaper changes and mysterious stains on your once-glam outfits. But fear not, my embellished maternity top-wearing warrior, this guide will show you how to hold on to your pals tighter than your pre-pregnancy jeans. Yup, you can maintain friendships and still pop those prenatal vitamins like they’re peanut M&Ms!

1. Communication is Key – Even if It's Just Emojis

Ah, communication—the cornerstone of any relationship, even if yours currently involves sending a million heart-eye emojis while multitasking at another weirdly motivating birthing class. When you're too exhausted to type out a full sentence, let your emojis speak for themselves. Remember, a simple "Thinking of you" text can make a friend's day. Add a baby bottle emoji, and you're practically writing Shakespeare.

“Talking to friends: because social media likes can only do s

o much!”

But don't stop at texts. Video calls are a game-changer. Show them both the nursery you’ve been working on *and* that stunning under-eye cream you nabbed on sale! Double duty, baby.

2. Plan Catch-Ups That Are 'Bump Friendly'

Okay, not every friend will want to join you for prenatal yoga (but imagine the memes). Instead, consider brunch at that place with the plushest chairs and most forgiving lighting. Get creative and try something new, like a pottery class or an escape room that's actually just an artisanal cheese shop.

“Outings with friends: because participating in traffic jams doesn’t count as quality time!”

Remember, keep it low-key and convenient for you. If the afternoon requires pre-booking a port-a-potty, maybe give it a hard pass.

3. Check the Judging Speed at the Door

Let's real-talk for a second: Life’s transitions can sometimes make old friendships feel like wearing heels—awkward and unsteady. Encourage your friends to ask questions, even the uncomfortable ones. And make sure to park your judgy hybrid SUV in neutral. Friends should feel welcome to share, mess up, or even plan a night out where it takes a village to decide what kind of pizza to order.

“All friendships should be as non-judgmental as your dog’s love.”

A little vulnerability goes a long way. Want to support each other but don’t know how? Say it with chocolate. Or a meme.

4. Be Honest About Your Plans—Like, REALLY Honest

Once the baby comes, your idea of a "wild night" might change dramatically—and there’s no reason to hide that. Openly discuss how your social calendar might look like a magic trick (now you see me, now you don’t

), and know that it’s okay. “Adjusting social calendars: because babies don’t exactly RSVP.”

Pivoting between different “you”s (preg-o-glam, mama-lounge) is part of your superpower now. Inspire your friends and encourage them to be part of your upcoming adventure while stocking up on those unforgettable memories.

5. Celebrate Even the Miniest Milestones Together

Friendships thrive on shared experiences. Celebrate each mini milestone, whether it's decorating the nursery or finally finding a maternity dress that doesn’t channel a circus tent. You deserve all the balloons and confetti, darling!

Not to mention, once you’re past the “OMG, I have 25 stretch marks” phase, why not commemorate your friendship with something special? Perhaps a future girl's night glam event, postparenting, where the theme is entirely sparkles and sass.

“Remember, throw ‘small’ celebrations like confetti!”

End of the day, pandemics or not, the right friends eat up the chaos with you. They’re there through every LOL and OMG, through every crisis and champagne-less celebration.

If you're looking for that perfect pair of chic maternity leggings to rock your “woo baby!” vibes or those post-birth Mum Tum leggings to celebrate getting back to the somewhat controlled chaos, head to EmamaCo. Because who said you can't be stylish while adulting like a boss?

Conclusion: Keep Calm and Slay On

So there you have it, mama-to-be, holding your friendships tight during these wild and wonderful times is more than doable—you might even have a blast! You’re navigating new roles, but that doesn’t mean you have to forsake your old ones. Infusing a bit of laughter, a dash of authenticity, and a spoonful of vulnerability (and maybe some artisanal cheese) builds those bridges stronger than ever.

Treat the following months as the unique experiences they are, and trust that at the end of it all, there’s glam, giggles, and the support of a fierce friend posse. Now go forth and slay—those legs weren't sculpted for nothing (especially in those aforementioned leggings)! So keep warm, stay fabulous, and hold those gal pals closer than your lipstick!

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