Saint Gerard Majella is the Patron & Protector of Expectant Mothers. The Feast of Saint Gerard is celebrated on October 16. Here is a prayer to St. Gerard which can be used by expectant mothers for a healthy & safe delivery. It can be said either for oneself during pregnancy or for any pregnant woman.
Prayer 1
O great Saint Gerard, beloved servant of Jesus Christ, perfect imitator of thy meek and humble Savior, and devoted child of the Mother of God, enkindle within my heart one spark of that heavenly fire of charity which glowed in thee and made thee a seraph of love.
O glorious Saint Gerard, because when falsely accused of crime, thou didst bear, like thy Divine Master, without murmur or complaint, the calumnies of wicked men, thou hast been raised up by God as the patron and protector of expectant mothers. Preserve me from danger and from the excessive pains accompanying childbirth, and shield the child which I now carry, that it may see the light of day and receive the lustral waters of baptism, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Recite 9 Hail Marys.
Prayer 2
O Almighty and Everlasting God, Who through the operation of the Holy Ghost didst prepare the body and soul of the glorious Virgin Mary to be a worthy dwelling place of Thy Divine Son; and through the operation of the same Holy Ghost didst sanctify St. John the Baptist while still in his mother’s womb, hearken to the prayers of Thy humble servant who implores Thee, through the intercession of St. Gerard to protect me (her) amidst the dangers of childbearing and to watch over the child which Thou hast deigned to bless me (her): that it may be cleansed by the saving water of Baptism, and that, after living a Christian life on earth, both the child and its mother may attain everlasting bliss in Heaven. Amen.