What to Say to Someone Who’s Expecting: 50+ Touching Well Wishes

Hearing the news that a friend or family member is pregnant is a cause for celebration. Preparing for parenthood is an exciting and nerve-wracking adventure, so finding the exact right tone to match your words of enthusiasm in your congratulatory message is important. Here are some fun, sweet, and appropriate ways to say “congratulations on your pregnancy” to the special expecting parent in your life.

The Best Things to Write When Congratulating a Pregnancy

“Warmest wishes on this new chapter!”
“Can’t wait to celebrate your baby bump!”
“It takes a village to raise a child, and you can count me in!”
“Congratulations on the best collab we never knew we needed!”
“The world will be a much better place with a mini you running around!”

Section 1 of 13:

Short and Sweet Messages

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Send your pregnant friend a short and simple message. A brief message could be the perfect way to quickly share in the 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!”

Section 2 of 13:

Funny Messages

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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 of fun at them. After all, welcoming a new baby into the world is full of silly and 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 judgment!”

Section 3 of 13:

Supportive Messages

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A message of support during this time could be just 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.^{[1]
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Research source} 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!”

Section 4 of 13:

Helpful Messages

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Make sure your friend knows that you’ll have their back. 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.”

Section 5 of 13:

Religious Messages

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If your expecting friend is religious, add some spirituality to your message. 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!”

Section 6 of 13:

Encouraging Messages

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Acknowledge their strength in starting this new chapter. Entering parenthood can be a scary, complicated, and labor-intensive endeavor, so don’t be afraid to throw some encouraging words into your congratulatory message.^{[2]
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Research source} 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!”

Section 7 of 13:

Messages with Quotes

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Share a quote about parenthood to uplift your friend. Robert Browning believed that parenthood was the beginning and end to “all love,” which is a very sweet sentiment. Reiterating what others have said about parenthood could impart some useful wisdom.^{[3]
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Research source} 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 every day, 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

Section 8 of 13:

Baby Shower Messages

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Share in your friend’s excitement through their baby shower card. 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.^{[4]
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Research source} 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!”

Section 9 of 13:

Messages for an Acquaintance

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Express joy for the pregnancy news of someone you don’t know well. Even if you don't know this person super well, feel free to share in their excitement by sending them a short message of congratulations. Here are a few ways to go about that:
- "Congratulations on the bun in your oven, mama!"
- "I was happy to hear about your baby news! Congratulations to you and [spouse]!"
- "Congrats on your baby bump! They'll be so lucky to have a mom like you!"
- "A huge congratulations to you and your growing family!"
- "What a happy time—congratulations on your little miracle!"

Section 10 of 13:

Messages for a Loved One

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Tell your close friend or family member just how happy you are for them. Share in the warm wishes by sending a sweet and heartfelt message of congratulations. Surrounding your pregnant loved one with support, affection, and enthusiasm are excellent ways to encourage an easy and healthy pregnancy.
- "I could not be more thrilled to be welcoming your baby into this world. It'll be a much better, more beautiful place with them in it!"
- "Hip hip, hooray! We were so glad to hear about your pregnancy! That baby is already so loved."
- "Learning about your baby news has truly made my day, my week, my month—maybe even my year! I look forward to watching your little one grow in such a loving family."
- "You're going to be the best mama ever! And I'll be there to provide backup whenever you need it!"
- "Three cheers to your pregnancy! One for you, one for your beautiful blossoming baby, and one for your growing family. I couldn't be more happy or more proud."

Section 11 of 13:

Messages for a Colleague

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Strike a professional yet warm tone in a congratulations for a coworker. Make sure you strike the right balance between joyful and appropriate. You can offer positive comments or even make a joke about missing them on maternity leave.
- "Congratulations on the baby! This will be your most involved project yet!"
- "Congrats on the baby news! We'll miss you around the office, but we'll hold down the fort in the meantime! Hope you're able to soak up every second with your little one."
- "A baby is such a blessing! Congratulations on your upcoming addition!"
- "Warm wishes to you and your spouse! That baby is one lucky bug to have you both!"
- "Our sincerest congratulations from everyone at the office on your wonderful baby news!"

Section 12 of 13:

How to Offer Your Congratulations

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The method of communication that you choose will vary based on your relationship with the expecting parent, so select one accordingly. A text message is a simple and effective way to convey your excitement about their news, while a maternity card can add an extra special touch. If congratulating a co-worker, perhaps an email would be best.
When writing your message, make sure it is tailored to the expecting mama's personality or the couple if that's who you're addressing. Other things to consider are the baby's gender and whether it's the first, second, or 10th child. No matter the order of birth, this baby will certainly be worth celebrating!
If your expecting friend is religious, make sure to add a spiritual touch. If your friend has a great sense of humor, feel free to poke a little fun. If the expecting parent is a co-worker, make sure your message is appropriate for the workplace.
Begin with some form of "Congratulations!" Follow it up by extending well wishes, words of support, and nuggets of wisdom if you have them, and close with the reassurance that you'll be there for them. Above all, let them know that you're excited, too!

Section 13 of 13:

Etiquette on Offering Congratulations

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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. After the loss of a baby, emotions may be a more complicated mix of excitement, grief, anxiety, and fear. In general, you want to maintain a supportive tone while acknowledging that this pregnancy is their own unique experience, wholly unrelated to you.^{[5]
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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 uplift them with positive thoughts about the future.
There's nothing wrong with wishing your friend an easy and healthy pregnancy. However, if this pregnancy has come after a pregnancy loss, it's important that you be particularly sensitive. You can share in their enthusiasm by offering words of excitement, support, and hope.
Your friend is literally growing a life inside of them, forging every finger and eyelash from their very own cells. Pregnancy is a miraculous, fascinating, and laborious job—so do not comment on their appearance! They might look tired or feel low in 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."
Many people give maternity or paternity gifts with the upcoming baby in mind, but the parent-to-be could use a few things themselves! Try getting your pregnant friend a self-care gift that could help them enjoy the rest of their pregnancy. These gifts include cute maternity clothes, a comfy pregnancy pillow, a beautiful pregnancy journal, and a foot massager.^{[6]
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Research source} Paired with a thoughtfully worded card, a gift for the parent would be a sweet addition indeed.