'Kinda Pregnant' Movie Is For Women Whose Friends All Have Babies

This is a spoiler-free review.

'Kinda Pregnant' dropped on Netflix on February 5, and if you've come across early reviews, you might have read a lot of negative takes about this film starring American stand-up comedian Amy Schumer. 

Watching the trailer will interest you, especially if you are a parent. The plot is simple: Lainy (Amy Schumer) is a teacher who has always dreamed of becoming a mom. But when her best friend, Kate (Jillian Bell), announces her pregnancy when Lainy was heartbroken, she is jealous and devastated. While shopping for maternity clothes, Lainy straps on a fake bump, and become obsessed with the perks and attention that come with it. Things take a turn when she meets Josh (Will Forte) at a coffee shop and Megan (Brianne Howey) at prenatal yoga, forcing her to keep up the lie.

While critics from The Guardian and The Hollywood Reporter describe the movie as somewhat shallow and disappointing, I would argue that it is, in fact, okay. It addresses subjects that we need to discuss more—pregnancy isolation, postpartum struggles, and friendships that quietly fade due to parenthood.

So is it going to win an Oscar? Probably not. But if you are a parent and you have a friend who's been wondering what it's like to be one, then you can watch this movie together.

'Kinda Pregnant' is a movie for women whose friends all have babies

Here are some of the overlooked realities tackled in the movie, and a love letter to our friends. 

1. Pregnancy can be lonely.

While some women, like Lainy, dream about how magical it is to become a mother, the film explores the truth that getting pregnant isn't all rainbows and butterflies, neither is it the end-all and be-all of womanhood.

Most people would think that being able to conceive is "the greatest blessing" a person could have, but for some, it can be life-threatening. Schumer herself opened up about her struggles with hyperemesis gravidarum (severe morning sickness) and complications after a "scary" Caesarean section because of endometriosis.

When someone is pregnant, everyone looks forward to seeing the baby. No one talks about pre-labor anxiety, the tools your vagina will be poked with, the spinal anesthesia, the waiting, and the wound. Pregnancy can feel lonely, yet women often put on a brave and happy face because society expects them to only be grateful. "It will all be worth it," they say.

To all the best friends of pregnant women, know that we still need you, even if you haven't experienced it yourself.

2. Being in the sidelines is not easy either.

If you're the Lainy to a Kate, you'll understand why she enjoys wearing the fake bump—it's more than just getting a priority seat on the train. Having been pregnant twice, I've realized why some friendships naturally take a step back during this time. When a woman becomes pregnant, it's easy to feel like the other  can no longer relate what with all the jargons, transitions, and unexplainable emotions. 

^{Kate (Jillian Bell) and Lainy (Amy Schumer) from Kinda Pregnant movie (2025)}

Imagine being in a chat with your friend who is pregnant. It's hard to keep up when she talks about her glucose test, how her baby's already the size of a turnip, or how frustrating it is to see a linea negra for real. We know, all of these would be foreign to you. 

The best friend you've known all your life suddenly no longer has time to go on spontaneous trips or drink coffee or alcohol with you. Your ride-or-die isn't able to keep up with your stories because she's caught up with preparing her hospital bag, learning how to use a breast pump, or dealing with her falling hair. 

It's not easy to be pregnant, but we hear you, our friends on the outside. We sincerely hope we can make it up to you. 

3. Postpartum struggles should be shared.

One of the best scenes is when Megan, who is pregnant with her second child, opens up to Lainy about her struggles as a first-time mom. She talks about the importance of finding someone who truly listens and understands. That's why online communities like the Smart Parenting Village thrive. Our shared experiences offer comfort and assurance that we are not alone. When a mom vents at 4 AM, another mom is there to listen. 

To say that postpartum, especially the fourth trimester, is challenging is an understatement. This period of parenthood can make or break you. Losing sleep, questioning your worth, and embracing your new body become your everyday. But having someone with whom you can share all these concerns and hold your hand through your journey? That's priceless. 

To our non-mom friends, we apologize if we take up most of the time yapping about our struggles during our catch-ups. We don't always expect you to have all the answers or even know exactly what we're going through. Just being there is enough. And yes, you are welcome to drop by at home and help babysit, too. Please don't assume that we don't want you in our lives just because we're too busy with our children. We want you here, amid the chaos. We could really use your help.

To our besties, please bear with mamas. You don't have to wear a fake bump to know what it's like. Sometimes, just showing up—whether it's with a meal, a listening ear, or a spontaneous chat—means the world. We may not always have the energy or time for the usual hangouts, but we still treasure your friendship more than you know.

Thank you for being there for us, especially when we're in the thick of it. You matter, and we couldn't do this without you.

Watch Kinda Pregnant on Netflix

Watch the trailer on YouTube