12 Things NOT to say to or ask a Pregnant Woman:

We love going through our archives because we always find something that got buried, lost, moved, etc. This one is from 2016 but still so relevant almost 10 years later:

1. “Are you pregnant?”  

• No matter how sure you are, you still could be wrong.

2. “You’re huge!”  

• Although she’s growing a child inside her, she still doesn’t like being called “huge”…would you?

3. “You probably shouldn’t be eating that.” 

• If she wants to eat it, leave her alone!  She’s already having to sacrifice enough.

4. “You probably shouldn’t be…..exercising, lifting that, standing, working..”

• She’s not ill. She’s with child and she doesn’t want you treating her like she has some sort of weird disease.

5. “How are you feeling?”

• Although you mean well, you are probably the 900^th person who’s asked her that today and you probably don’t want to know the REAL answer to that question. Talk about something else instead.  

6. “Enjoy your last few moments of freedom!”

• Whether she’s excited about having a baby or not, she doesn’t want to feel that she’s just issued herself a prison sentence. Keep it positive instead!

7. “You look tired!”

• Because although she is probably exhausted from carrying a baby in her belly, it’s still not something to be pointed out!

8. “You should….get an epidural, have a natural birth, have your partner film it..” 

• If she wants your advice, she will ask. Her birth plan is personal and her decision.

9. “Will you have more kids?”

• She hasn’t even had this one! And your seemingly innocent questions COULD bring up sensitive issues that you aren’t aware of.

10. “It’s about time!”

• Firstly, you may not even know how long she has been trying to conceive. Secondly, many women are having kids much later in life after a career has been established. It’s better to keep this comment to yourself.

11. “Can I touch your belly?” 

• While asking is better than going in for the belly rub, it still puts the pregnant woman in an uncomfortable position (no matter how well she knows you!). So just don’t ask! Her belly is her personal space, and if she wants you to feel it, she will let you know. How would you like it if someone asked to feel your belly?  

12. “You’re breastfeeding, right?”

• Even if you think you know best, it’s not your business how she will feed her child.  This topic puts immense amounts of pressure on moms, and maybe she can’t breast feed (for reasons that you may not be aware of). You should not judge her decision regardless of her reasoning.