What to say when she's anxious

Anxiety in pregnancy is normal. Common. Not a sign anything is wrong.

But your instinct to fix it is usually wrong. Try this instead:

• Don't: "Don't worry." → makes her feel small.
• Don't: "Everything will be fine." → she knows you don't actually know that.
• Do: "That sounds heavy. Tell me more." → gives her room.
• Do: "I'm here. We're in this together." → reminds her she's not alone.
• Do: Sit close, hand on her back. Sometimes that's the whole answer.

If anxiety lasts more than two weeks or stops her sleeping, eating, or going to work — flag it to the midwife. Antenatal mental health is a real thing they look after.