Professional & Practical Ideas She’ll Truly Appreciate
From office-friendly comforts to sleep‑saving essentials, here’s how to choose a gift for your pregnant coworker that feels supportive, not awkward.
Why the “Best Gift for a Pregnant Coworker” Matters
When a colleague announces her pregnancy, there's often a moment of pause. You want to celebrate her, but you're not sure if a gift is expected, appropriate, or even welcome. The truth? A thoughtful gift can be a genuine lifeline during pregnancy.
Pregnancy at work comes with unique challenges: back pain from sitting all day, swollen feet, exhaustion, and the mental load of preparing for a massive life change, all while keeping up with deadlines. A gift that acknowledges these realities shows you see her as a whole person, not just "the pregnant one in the office." According to Healthdirect Australia, many pregnant women experience tiredness, sleep difficulties, and aches as completely normal parts of pregnancy. A thoughtful gift that eases even one of these challenges can make a genuine difference to her day (and night).
What Makes a Good Gift for a Pregnant Coworker?
Before diving into specific ideas, it helps to understand what separates a great pregnancy gift from an awkward one.
A great gift for a pregnant coworker is:
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Practical – It solves a real problem (sleep, discomfort, swelling, relaxation).
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Professional – Appropriate from a colleague or team, not just a best friend.
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Pregnancy-focused, but respectful – It acknowledges her experience without making assumptions about her body, birth plans, or parenting choices.
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Comfort‑oriented – Pregnancy puts a lot of strain on the body, so anything that relieves that is gold.
It’s usually better to avoid:
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Gifts that comment directly on her body or weight.
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Strongly opinionated parenting books or “how you should give birth” guides.
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Very personal items (e.g. maternity underwear).
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Excessive baby items, she’ll likely receive plenty already, and you’re buying for her, not just the baby.
With that in mind, here are some truly thoughtful, professional, and practical ideas.
1. A Premium Pregnancy Pillow for Better Sleep
If you’re looking for the best gift for a pregnant coworker that has maximum impact, a high‑quality pregnancy pillow is hard to beat. As pregnancy progresses, side‑sleeping becomes more important, and many women find it uncomfortable to sleep on their backs. The NSW Health notes that side-sleeping in later pregnancy is generally recommended to support blood flow.
A well‑designed pregnancy pillow can:
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Support her bump and lower back
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Encourage a safe and comfortable side‑sleeping position
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Reduce hip and pelvic discomfort
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Double as a breastfeeding or bottle‑feeding support after birth
Sleepybelly’s Pregnancy Pillow is a popular option because it’s:
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A three‑piece adjustable design that fits different body shapes and stages
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Compact enough that it doesn’t take over the whole bed
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Designed with input from women’s health professionals
Why it works as a workplace gift:
It’s premium, practical, and clearly focused on her comfort, not her appearance. It also feels substantial enough for a group gift from the team.
2. Stylish, Comfortable Maternity Pyjamas
Pregnancy and sleep go hand in hand, though not always in the way mums‑to‑be would like. Comfortable, bump‑friendly sleepwear can make evenings and weekends more restful.
Look for:
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Soft, breathable fabrics (like bamboo or cotton blends)
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Adjustable or stretchy waistbands that grow with her bump
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Button‑up tops that can be used for feeding later on
The Sleepybelly Maternity Pyjamas set is thoughtfully designed with:
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A ComfortBand™ waist that sits comfortably under or over the bump
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Three pieces (top, shorts, and pants) for year‑round wear
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A flattering, modern cut that doesn’t scream “maternity only.”
Why it’s a great coworker gift:
It feels like a luxe treat but is still incredibly practical. You’re essentially gifting her more comfortable evenings and better‑quality rest.
3. Magnesium Body Cream for Tired, Aching Muscles
Many pregnant women experience restless legs, cramps or general muscle tension, especially at night. A pregnancy‑friendly magnesium body cream can become a small but powerful part of her bedtime routine.
Sleepybelly’s Magnesium Body Cream is:
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Developed with naturopath input
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Designed for pregnancy, with a low‑scent formula ideal for sensitive noses
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Created to support muscle relaxation and a calm, wind‑down routine
Magnesium is commonly discussed in relation to muscle function and relaxation; organisations such as Health direct note its role in nerve and muscle health (though any supplementation should always be discussed with a health professional).
Why it works:
It’s an indulgent‑feeling, self‑care style gift that still has a very practical purpose: helping her relax her body at the end of a long day.
4. Maternity Compression Socks for Swollen Feet & Legs
If your coworker has mentioned swollen ankles, heavy legs or lots of standing or sitting at work, maternity compression socks can be an incredibly kind gift.
The Sleepybelly Maternity Compression Socks are:
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ARTG‑listed in Australia, meaning they meet local regulatory standards
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Designed with graduated compression to support circulation
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Made from a soft, bamboo‑rich fabric with anti‑slip soles
Long periods of sitting or standing can contribute to swelling during pregnancy. Australian resources like Pregnancy, birth and baby explain that leg and ankle swelling is common and often related to fluid retention and circulation changes.
Why they’re a strong gift choice:
They’re discreet, medically sensible, and show a genuine understanding of what she might be going through, especially if your workplace involves long shifts, commuting, or time on her feet.
5. A Calm, Non‑Judgemental Pregnancy Book or Journal
If you know she likes reading or reflecting, a gentle, reassuring pregnancy book or a beautifully bound journal can be the best gift for a pregnant coworker who prefers something more personal.
Look for:
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Books that focus on wellbeing, self‑compassion, or realistic expectations
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Journals that prompt her to capture memories, feelings, or milestones
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Neutral, inclusive language that doesn’t push a particular parenting philosophy
Pair it with a handwritten note such as:
“Thought you might like a quiet way to unwind and record this season. No pressure to use it perfectly, just a space for you.”
Why it works:
It’s personal without being invasive, and it recognises that pregnancy is as emotional as it is physical.
6. A Thoughtful Self‑Care or “Wind Down” Pack
If you’re putting together a group gift, a curated self‑care bundle can feel both generous and very considered. You might include:
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A pregnancy‑safe body cream (like Sleepybelly’s Magnesium Body Cream)
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A silk or satin pillowcase
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A gentle candle or essential oil (if you know she’s not scent‑sensitive)
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A soft eye mask for naps
You could even theme it as a “Sleep Ritual Kit” or “Night‑Time Wind‑Down Pack” and present it with a card from the whole team.
Why it works:
It tells her, “We see how hard you’re working, this is just for you.”
7. A Gift Card to a Pregnancy‑Focused Brand
If you’re unsure about sizing, style, or what she already owns, a gift card can still feel highly personal if you choose the right store.
A voucher for a dedicated maternity or pregnancy comfort brand like Sleepybelly lets her choose:
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A pregnancy pillow
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Maternity pyjamas
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Compression socks
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Magnesium cream
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Or even something for after the baby arrives, like an infant sleep product
Include a note such as:
“We wanted you to be able to choose whatever will make pregnancy (and sleep!) a bit easier for you.”
Why it works:
It removes the guesswork but still shows thought and intention.
What to Avoid When Choosing the Best Gift for a Pregnant Coworker
To keep things supportive and professional, it’s usually best to avoid:
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Overly personal clothing items like bras or underwear
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Strongly opinionated parenting or birth books that might feel pushy
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Gifts that focus on “getting your body back”, this can be quite harmful and unnecessary
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Anything medical‑grade that isn’t pregnancy‑specific or recommended (e.g. supplements)
If in doubt, come back to this question:
“Will this help her feel more comfortable, cared for, or understood in this season?”
If the answer is yes, you’re probably on the right track.
How to Give the Gift Without Awkwardness
A lovely gift can be overshadowed if the moment feels uncomfortable. To keep it warm but professional:
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Give it at a natural moment – a team meeting, a casual morning tea, or a one‑on‑one chat if you’re close.
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Keep your message simple and kind – “We’re so happy for you and wanted to get you something to make things a little more comfortable.”
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Respect her privacy – If she’s more private, a quieter handover might be best.
The Bottom Line: Comfort is the Kindest Gift
The best gift for a pregnant coworker isn’t the cutest or the most expensive, it’s the one that genuinely supports her during a physically and emotionally demanding time. Whether it’s a Pregnancy Pillow, Maternity Pyjamas, Magnesium Body Cream, or Maternity Compression Socks, you’re giving more than a product. You’re gifting comfort, rest and a little bit of relief.
She's growing a human while keeping up with spreadsheets and meetings. A gift that helps her sleep better, feel more comfortable, or simply reminds her that someone sees her effort? That's a gift worth giving
Ready to Shop?
If you're looking for pregnancy gifts that combine comfort, style, and genuine wellness benefits, Sleepybelly offers a range of products designed by and for pregnant women, from adjustable pregnancy pillows to maternity pyjamas and magnesium body creams.
