Seeing a pregnant woman can inspire a variety of comments from a variety of people! But there are just some things that one should never say to a pregnant woman. Especially if that pregnant woman lives in one’s home. So in the spirit of preventing hormonal emotional tears and couch-sleeping for the next several months, let’s get a few things set in stone about what you should never really say to a woman gestating a baby.
Don’t Even Think About Saying These Words to a Pregnant Woman
Don’t! Just.. don’t.
Size references – It’s just as inappropriate to comment on how small someone seems as it is to comment on how large they seem. Either of these two comments can just hurt a woman’s feelings. With excess hormones raging, already feeling overly sensitive and uncomfortable in your own skin, these sorts of comments, even if visibly shrugged off, can lead some women to alter their diet or suffer emotionally. Be polite and try to keep compliments away from her size.
Was Your Baby Planned? – Really? I know some people don’t have brain-to-mouth filters but for what good, non-invasive, reason could you have for asking someone that? It may seem just curious to you but that might be a question best left unsaid to anyone in close relation to the newest baby announcement.
You Shouldn’t Eat/Drink/Do That When You’re Pregnant – Some would say it could be quite dangerous to tell a sensitive pregnant woman what she should or shouldn’t do. There’s always legitimate warnings of course. You shouldn’t sit idly by while a pregnant friend tries to pound down excessive amounts of liquor, but unless you’re a medical professional, you probably shouldn’t make suggestions best left between a lady and her doctor.
Do You Plan on Breastfeeding? – Another ‘why are you asking this’ question if I’ve ever seen one. Not that discussing breastfeeding is taboo. It isn’t. It’s more than natural and is as complex as ‘a baby eating’. So anything you wouldn’t say to a grown person chowing down next to you, you certainly shouldn’t say to a woman who is currently breastfeeding. However, the decision to breastfeed is strictly between a woman, her doctor, her baby and to an extent, her spouse and family, but to no other person on earth. Don’t even ask.
My Labor Was Terrible, You Know it’s Going to Hurt, Right? – Come on, of course she knows there will be some pain and discomfort. A lot of pain and discomfort. She probably took the same 4th grade biology class as you! There’s no reason ever to add extra stress or terrify a pregnant woman just for shock value. Uncool!
Age References – Aren’t you a little too young to have a baby? Aren’t you worried about how old you are and how old your child will be before they finish high school? As we began, so we shall end. Don’t! Just.. don’t. These questions can be hurtful and are really none of your business in the end. Be supportive, be a good, kind caring considerate friend or family member during this time or beat feet and give a pregnant lady room to breathe!
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