I never thought a friendship could end over a few extra pounds—until I read this story.
You know how people often say, “You find out who your real friends are when things get tough”? Well, if you ever needed proof, look no further than the jaw-dropping recent news about a pregnant maid of honor being kicked out of her friend’s wedding for gaining weight. (Seriously, if you haven’t seen it yet, here’s the full article—grab some tissues, and maybe a stress ball.)
As someone walking their own path to parenthood, this hit close to home. Pregnancy is emotional enough without worrying you’ll lose friends over your changing body. It all made me wonder: What would I do in her shoes? And why does society still shame people for things as natural as pregnancy weight?
The Viral Fallout: When “Best Friends” Turn Into Bullies
Let’s be real for a second: getting asked to be someone’s maid of honor (or best man!) is a huge deal. It means you’re family—chosen family. So, imagine finding yourself disinvited from that role because your body is busy creating literal life, and you don’t look exactly how you “should” in a pastel dress.
That’s what happened to this woman. Her supposed best friend blindsided her, saying she was “too big” to stand next to her at the altar. The twist? The former maid of honor asked for reimbursement for all the dresses and expenses—a move that set the internet on fire. Some people called her petty, but honestly, I’m here for it. Boundaries and receipts, please!
But as entertaining (and infuriating) as the drama is, it gets at something deeper: Why is there still so much shame around how our bodies change on the journey to parenthood?
The Pressure is Real—and It’s Everywhere
If you’ve been trying to grow your family—whether through IVF, at-home insemination, or any other path—you already know how much pressure there is around “doing it perfectly.”
- Is your body ready?
- Are you eating the right things?
- How much weight have you gained?
Scroll your socials and you’ll see it all: #FitMom transformation pics, “bounce-back” challenges, and endless “advice” about how to keep your pre-baby body. But here’s a wild idea—maybe our only job is to take care of ourselves and build each other up.
Alternative Paths—And Support That Actually Supports
This is where communities like Nestful (and brands who get it) make all the difference. Most of us here aren’t on the “traditional” baby journey. Maybe you’re a single parent by choice. Maybe you’re doing at-home insemination with your best friend or your partner. Maybe you’re just starting to think about kids and the pressure is already creeping in.
I remember the anxiety that came with every new phase—wondering if I’d be judged for trying an at-home kit, or for not looking “Instagram-ready” while juggling hormones, hope, and heartbreak. What really helped? Stories from people who’d been there…and practical support from products made for real lives.
For example, companies like MakeAMom’s home insemination kits aren’t just about convenience—they’re about taking control of your journey, your finances, and your privacy. No white-coat pressure. No awkward waiting rooms. Just you, your partner (or donor), and a path that fits your life. The fact that they’re designed for everything from frozen sperm to medical sensitivities shows they actually understand what real people need. (Plus, I love that everything ships discreetly—because who needs more nosy questions?)
What We Can Learn (And How We Can Be Better Friends)
So here’s the tea: what happened in that viral wedding story isn’t just about weddings. It’s about the expectations we put on each other—especially when it comes to bodies, motherhood, and change. If you’re currently on your own path to parenthood, you deserve people who root for you at every size, every step, every stage.
- Check in on your friends (pregnant, trying, adopting, waiting…all of them)
- Don’t tie your love or support to whether they “fit” your aesthetic
- Celebrate their milestones—and their heartbreaks, too
- Spread the word about resources that actually help (hello, at-home kits and safe spaces like this community!)
In the end, what matters most isn’t how you look in a dress—but who’s cheering you on, no matter what life throws at you.
Your Turn: How Has Your Journey Changed Your Friendships?
Have you lost (or gained) friends as you’ve walked your path to parenthood? Did anyone surprise you by showing up—or letting you down? Drop your story in the comments, or join us in the forums. And remember: you are so much more than your body, and so much stronger than you think.
Need info or support on your own fertility journey? Check out resources and real stories for every kind of family. Because here, every journey is worth celebrating.