Having a network is so important during pregnancy for both mums and dads to-be (guidance on dad’s networking coming soon). We all need support for different reasons.

First of your social circle to have a baby on the way? New to the area or from overseas and have very limited support? You may have lots of people already but simply want to meet someone also currently pregnant to swap live updates of what’s happening inside your body right now.

Everybody’s family and friends situation is different and you will likely find friends that are in a similar boat to yourself throughout your pregnancy and parenting journey. Here are some ideas of where to start when seeking new friends.

1. Facebook Groups

Have a browse of what’s on offer in your local area. There are heaps of online support groups if you are happy with chatting to people online. If you are seeking LIVE HUMAN friends then Facebook can be useful for this too.

My best find: What I found most useful was joining the Facebook group that matched my due date (have a search for this and you will find it). That was great because everyone was experiencing similar symptoms and stages at the same time. Then look for a group chat created specifically for your area, or make the group chat if it doesn’t exist yet, and that way you can chat to local mums-to-be. Hopefully someone brave and organised will set up some meet-ups that you can go to (within mine we went for coffee and dinners). Or you can take the lead and organise a get-together yourself! Check out our article: Top 5 Bars in Wellington for Pregnant People if you aren’t sure where to choose).

2. Pregnancy Exercise Classes

If you’re not already a fitness person, don’t feel intimated joining a prenatal fitness class. They are are typically fairly slow-paced and designed to be safe. The instructors will be supportive and provide alternatives for anything that doesn’t feel good for your body.

Top recommendations in the Wellington area:

• Thrive Pilates (Petone and Wellington City)
• Anahata Yoga (Petone)
• Tiaki Pilates (Wellington City)

You might need to take the initiative to continue friendships beyond the class if you want to stay in touch. Organise a big WhatsApp group and arrange to go for a meal, or simply swap numbers with anybody you feel you clicked with during the sessions and stay in touch one- to-one.

3. Antenatal Classes

Whilst antenatal classes are technically for prepping for labour and early days of caring for your baby, it is a very popular way to meet other soon-to-be parents. The classes can fill up months in advance of their commencement so it is worth having a scout around at what’s on offer early in your pregnancy. Choosing a class that is close to where you live means that you can meet other local parents. Most people tend to time courses to run during the final trimester so you will be meeting other mums with similar due dates.