Aka: Expectant Mothers, Pregnant Women, Unborn Babies, Childbirth, Healthy Pregnancy
What you experience during your pregnancy can vary from woman to woman. There is a range of symptoms like fatigue, nausea, weight gain, increased appetite and food cravings, increased emotional sensitivity and changing sleep patterns just to name a few.
Finding out that you are pregnant can be a joyful and exciting experience, but it can also be a time of concern or worry. The prospect of becoming a parent and bringing new life into the world, of holding a little baby in your arms and watching them grow and develop is incredibly exciting. At the same time, expectant mothers can’t help but worry about all the financial, relationship and health challenges that lay ahead.
Despite these concerns, you know deep down that the joy of bringing a child into the world far outweighs any worries or fears. As the pregnancy progresses, you focus on taking care of yourself and your growing baby, and gradually your concerns are replaced by a growing sense of excitement and anticipation.
It is very important during your pregnancy to get good prenatal care in order to monitor and manage the health of both the mother and the unborn baby. However, during this time of hopefulness and apprehension, the saints are also there for all the expectant mothers and unborn babies, providing intercession for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.
Who is the Patron Saint of Pregnancy
There are several saints for pregnancy but probably the most common Patron Saint of Pregnancy is St. Gerard Majella. The other saints of differing varieties are St. Gianna Beretta Molla, St. Raymond Nonnatus, St. Catherine of Sweden, St. Joseph and of course you can’t exclude the most important expectant mother of all time, the Virgin Mary. However, for those who are hoping to get pregnant, they can look to a Patron Saint of Fertility where there are of course some overlaps.
St. Gerard Majella is widely recognized as the patron saint of expectant mothers and childbirth. He lived in 18th century Italy as a Catholic lay brother and was renowned for his devotion to aiding pregnant women along with his ability to heal. Many women have recounted their successful experiences of praying to St. Gerard for safe deliveries after facing pregnancy complications, or for being able to conceive a child. Catholics worldwide venerate him as a powerful intercessor for those desiring a healthy pregnancy.
St. Gianna Beretta Molla, a devoted Catholic, Italian pediatrician, wife, and mother of four children, lived from 1922 to 1962. During her fourth pregnancy in 1961, she was diagnosed with a uterine tumor. Although medical professionals advised her to have an abortion to save her life, she opted to proceed with carrying her child to term and underwent a risky surgery to remove the tumor.
Despite the operation's successful outcome in eliminating the tumor, Gianna contracted an infection and passed away a week after delivering her daughter, Gianna Emanuela. Her decision to prioritize the life of her unborn child over her own life is viewed as a compelling illustration of selflessness and love. Her life and legacy serve as an inspiration to mothers worldwide, encouraging them to prioritize the well-being of their children and have faith in God's plan for their lives especially those who are having complications during pregnancies.
St. Raymond Nonnatus was born in Catalonia, Spain, in the year 1204 and joined the Order of Mercy (also known as the Mercedarians) at a young age. Raymond was known for his great compassion and dedication to the welfare of others. He was allegedly born after his mother died in childbirth by caesarean section, hence his name Nonnatus, which means "not born" in Latin.
Raymond Nonnatus is said to have performed many miracles, including helping to save many Christians from slavery and punishment. He is remembered as a compassionate and dedicated servant of God who worked tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of others. Today, he is called upon by many expectant mothers for a safe delivery.
St. Catherine of Sweden was born in Sweden in 1331, the daughter of Saint Bridget of Sweden, who was also a Catholic saint. She married at the very early age of 13 but both her and her husband took a vow of chastity. He died shortly after, and she traveled with her mother across Europe ministering to the sick and the poor. It is said she counseled many women during these trips who had suffered a miscarriage or were experiencing complications in their pregnancy. Today she is venerated as a powerful intercessor for those struggling with miscarriages or are praying for a healthy pregnancy.
St. Joseph was a humble carpenter who was chosen by God to be the earthly father of Jesus. He was a righteous man who lived a life of faith and obedience to God, and he played an important role in protecting and providing for his family. By taking Mary as his wife, St. Joseph accepted the life growing in her womb with honor and not despair. He accompanied her on a journey to Bethlehem to register for a census and ensure that the child was recognized as a part of humanity. He then protected the child Jesus from King Herod who threatened the child's life. For all of this, he is seen as a protector and provider for expectant mothers and their unborn children.
The Virgin Mary is often regarded as the mother of God because of her unique and sacred role in giving birth to Jesus Christ, the son of God. Her pregnancy was miraculous, as she conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and she carried and gave birth to the Savior of the world under challenging and humble circumstances. Mary's unwavering faith, trust, and obedience to God's plan for her life make her a model for all expectant mothers to look up to and seek guidance from in times of need. Many women pray to Mary for a safe and healthy pregnancy, a smooth delivery, and the grace to embrace motherhood with love and joy.
Click here for our list of Patron Saints.
Prayers for Pregnancy
Prayer for All Pregnant Women
God of Infinite Goodness, watch over expectant mothers as they await the birth of their child.
Grant these women confidence and strength to dispel their anxiety and fear. Bless them with the courage and faith of Mary, always listening to your will and trusting in your loving care. As they prepare to bring new life into the world, grace them with good health and great joy. We look to you and your Son, Jesus Christ, as a sign of mercy and joy. We ask this through the intercession of the Virgin Mary in the name of your Son, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
Prayer for Pregnant Mother
Dear God, may you watch my sleep as I carry this baby. May your hand be upon this little life as it develops in my womb. May you fill our hearts with joy, and our bodies with peace. May we feel you so close to us as we sense your amazing creativity at work. We rest in you. Amen.
Prayer to St. Joseph for the Unborn and their Mothers
O Holy Joseph, protector and provider of the Holy Family and all families, through your intercession may God grant all expectant mothers the grace to cherish the new life within their wombs. May mothers and fathers realize that their baby is a gift from God and have the courage to choose life for their child. Through the Mystery of Baptism may the parents and newborns become children of God and heirs to eternal life in Christ. Amen.
Related Patron Saint Jewelry and Rosaries
Buy some beautiful St. Gerard Majella, St. Gianna Beretta Molla, St. Raymond Nonnatus, St. Catherine of Sweden, St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary jewelry to keep you or your loved one close to the patron saint of pregnancy and be a symbol of your faith.