Your poor best friend. She never was the smart one of the bunch. In fact, she was always the one short on brains. From the looks of things, she hasn’t changed much throughout her life.

The proof is in the pudding so to speak. She is pregnant again and with three children under the age of 7 years old, you wonder how she does it. However, regardless of how she does it, you’re going to help her this time around because her husband works two jobs and she is left home alone with her children and her morning sickness.

If you have a friend or family member pregnant with a third or more child, take out a few moments over the next nine months to help out the mother-to-be (again!) and see if you can’t offer her a helping hand and encouragement when she needs it the most. It is simple to offer assistance to a mom on overload even when your career is in full swing; you just have to be creative! Below are some ideas of how you can give your pregnant friend or sister a break!

Offer to baby-sit one night so the expecting couple can go out for a night on the town without all of the little villains in tow. The expectant couple will be happy for the break and you will be able to learn a few things about parenting that you may need to know one day! Call your friend and tell her a maid service is hers twice a week for a month or two. You line everything up and pay the service so your friend can enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation during her pregnancy.

Pick up the kids one day for a day out at the park or take them all to ToysRUs or Kaybee Toys for a special treat. Top it off with a visit to TCBY or Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream. Even a couple hours alone will be appreciated by the mom who needs more rest now that she is expecting again! Send your friend or sister to the day spa for the day. There are certain massages a pregnant woman can receive which are therapeutic and relaxing as well as much needed. Set it up and then go one step further and make yourself available to baby-sit while the mom-to-be is being pampered.

If you know your friend is on bed rest or will be soon, then take her a stack of newly released books. Include best sellers and books from Oprah’s book club. Do the yard work. Not only will the mom-to-be appreciate the help but so will the dad-to-be. You can mow the lawn or use the weed-eater. Whichever one you like to do or be a sport and do both for the expectant parents!

There are so many ways you can help out the parents who have their hands full with more responsibilities approaching. Just be creative and enjoy lending a helpful hand (or two)!