If you know or see a pregnant woman, please do not say any of this to her. In fact, as a general rule you shouldn’t say anything unless you have something nice to say. “You’re so cute.” “You’re so tiny.” “You look fantastic.” Those are all acceptable things to say to a pregnant woman.
There are, however, some things you just shouldn’t say. I don’t think I could even make this stuff up. Seriously. I’m pregnant for the third time, you’d think I’d know what to expect. But no. I did not expect this. And I’m not talking about some teenage boy that doesn’t know any better. I’m talking about other women! That have also been pregnant!
So here are 5 things people have really said to me throughout this pregnancy that you should never say to a pregnant woman:
1. No one told me you were pregnant, but you can’t hide that belly from me.
I don’t care if this is baby #3 and you are using that as an excuse, that is just not cool. Any other reason that you know about this pregnancy besides that would be acceptable.
2. Do you feel fat?
Hmm. Do I feel fat? Really? I certainly might feel like I’ve gained weight (because I have), but I’m growing a baby.
3. Your face is puffy. You can tell from your face that you’re really pregnant.
OK, you know I have a cold and maybe that is making my face a little puffy, but NO ONE ELSE THINKS SO! I got confirmation, my face is not puffy. But even if it was, you should keep that thought to yourself.
4. Are you waddling?
Well, I just got done telling you that my back/hips hurt and I can barely walk. So, what do you think?
5. Oh my gosh, you’re twice as big as the last time I saw you (a week ago)!
When the people in the room who have never been pregnant give you the “I can’t believe you just said that” face, you may have crossed the line.
Next time you see a pregnant woman, keep this is mind:
You should only say things about how great she looks. If you can’t do that, don’t say anything.
Bonus tip – today someone laughed at me when they saw me. Also not appropriate.
Ladies, let’s not let people who should know better out-do us on the manners here. We’re doing our best just to grow healthy babies, and you know it’s not easy.