Top 10 things NOT to say to a pregnant woman

Being pregnant is hard enough, let's not make it harder. Let's encourage and empower one another, not break each other down. And if you're just that clueless, here's what not to say and my perspective why.

1) “Really, you’re only X months?”

No I lied to you, I’m actually not pregnant at all. Yes, yes I am… and this is only reinforcing that I feel like a waddling whale. Thanks.

2) "Are you sure you aren’t having twins?”

Yes, the last 12 visits to the doctors in the last 2 months, plus our last 2 ultrasounds all showed one heartbeat and one baby. Appreciate your concern, or rather your rude comments suggesting I’m much larger than I should be. Not helpful.

3) "I know it’s a Boy or Girl. I can tell by X”

Can you? Are you really a baby whisper? Having had 3 girls, I had many people inset I was having a boy, because I carried too low or high, or because I didn’t look pregnant from the back, or some other sneaking suspicion. Don’t give me hope, and don’t insist. The doctors are 99.9% sure these days. Your predictions aren't helpful and frankly I'll likely have a terrible dream about it later - so just save me from it now.

4) “Don’t you think you’re hurting the baby?”

If I did I wouldn’t be doing this. Consider that my standing answer. 

5) “Can I touch your belly?” Or worse - just touching it. 

Can I poke you? No. It's not appropriate to have a stranger rub on my belly. Family/Friends, that’s another story, but creepy people I just meet - I’d rather not. It’s like moving straight to second base. 

6) “You look tired.”

Thanks, genius - I am. I have a basketball size ball of “joy” in my belly, I can’t lay on my back, my side aches from laying that way, I’m up every couple hours to pee, and it won’t stop kicking me! So yes, I’m exhausted, thanks for kindly brining that to my attention.

7) “Get your rest now”

To reiterate from above… I’m not getting any rest now. Who are you kidding? I’m a belly sleeper - how do you think that’s working out for me?

8) “Should you really be doing that?” 

Let me friendly remind you, this isn’t your baby. 

9) “When are you due?”

Let’s be honest, what is a due date anyhow? I went 40+ weeks with all three of my pregnancies, and one of the worst questions I had to answer day in and day was this damn question. I’m past due, or I’m 2 weeks past due… Does it really matter anyhow? Find a new ice breaker.

10) “Should you be eating (or drinking) that?”

Again, not your baby. And who put you in charge, anyhow?

Next time you see a pregnant mom, try one of these perfectly fine sayings:

> Wow, you look amazing!

> You’re doing great!

> What a blessing for your family. 

> Good for you for being out here.

> Wow, good for you for doing that!

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