There’s this one lady at work who every time she sees me in the hall will say things that are quite inappropriate. She doesn’t say them in a rude way, but what she says is not something I feel good hearing. Seriously, why would someone say such things to a pregnant woman?
Things you should NEVER say to a pregnant woman
Here’s what I mean:
* You’re due in November? Oh, there’s no way you’ll make it that long as big as you are. [Umm.. so you’re telling me I’ll have a preemie just because I’m big?]
* Are you sure you’re just having one? [Yes, just one, thanks for calling me fat.]
* How much weight have you gained? [SERIOUSLY, WHAT WOMAN ASKS THIS OF ANYONE!!!?????]
* Are you sure you’re having a boy? Did you see a penis on the ultrasound? [OMG since when is my baby’s genitalia any of your business???]
The only acceptable thing to say to a pregnant woman?
Here it is – You. Look. Amazing.
Great. Job. Mama.
That’s it. Don’t say anything else.
Pregnant women are already emotional and some of us are terrified of the reality of our upcoming life changes. Don’t make it worse. Don’t open your mouth and insert foot. Just keep quiet.
Keep your feet planted firmly on the ground and out of your mouth! The pregnant women of the world thank you.
If you’re wondering how to ask a pregnant woman when she is due, wait for her to bring up pregnancy first. Because for all you know, she’s overweight or has a health condition. Do. Not. Assume.
Other thoughts on what not to say to a pregnant woman
I saw this hilarious post on Pregnant Chicken on this very same topic, so I know I’m not alone in receiving such comments.
You might also enjoy this video with things you shouldn’t say to a pregnant woman, and what you should say instead. Seriously. Avoid foot-in-mouth syndrome, please.
Here’s a fun what not to say to a pregnant woman meme.
What not to say to a pregnant woman — and the 1 thing you absolutely should: http://t.co/cDZvbs2HQM pic.twitter.com/oR9opiayFh
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) May 28, 2015
Have any of my readers been on the receiving end of such remarks? Have you received rude comments during pregnancy?
Feel free to share your worst things said to you while pregnant with me in the comments below, I’d love to read them.
Tina says
There were many times I just had to smile and nod to keep from smacking some heads. For the most part, I don’t think people even realize what they are saying 😉
Julie says
Yea I guess you’re right, they don’t really think about what they’re saying, and until you’ve been on the receiving end of those kinds of comments you don’t really realize how weird and inappropriate they are
Angel says
Lol I can so relate to these! I just had my 3rd child and I have heard almost all of these! Thank you for joining in at #throwbackthursday !
Julie says
Oh I can’t imagine continuing to hear this stuff with every pregnancy. People just don’t get it heh.
Erica Loop says
So funny. When I was pregnant I actually had someone (I would say who was more of an acquaintance than a friend) ask to see the stretchy elastic band on the belly of my jeans. Um, no.
Julie says
Woa, well that is a unique way to ask to see the bump skin… or stretch marks, or whatever else she was really trying to get a look at.
Angela says
Haha.. the thing is she probably doesn’t even realize she is being offensive. Some people just don’t get it. She might actually think she’s being funny.
Julie says
Yea she probably does think she’s being friendly and chatty. Some people really don’t get it, you’re so right.
Charlee says
Can you believe the nerve of some people? Sorry you’ve had to deal with those kind of rude, thoughtless comments.
Julie says
Yea some people definitely need a refresher course in manners heh.
Jill @ Do Try This at Home says
You just reminded me how happy I am not to be pregnant! I LOVE not being pregnant!
Veronica says
The thing that drove me crazy was everyone asked “how are you feeling.” Every day, 50 times a day…ok, not 50 but it felt like it! What is a pregnant lady supposed to say to that?! Oh, you know, swollen ankles, back pain, no sleep, constantly have to pee…people don’t want to hear that and I don’t want to tell people about it! Even now that my baby girl is 6 weeks old, I still get worked up thinking about it 😉 Good luck to you 🙂
Julie says
Oh yea, I’m getting “how are you feeling” a lot at work now. How am I supposed to respond? I’m doing fine. That’s why I’m here today heh.
Heather Johnson says
People are jerks. People are dumb. People are dumb jerks.
That’s my motto when dealing with people.
I get similar comments all the time. I have a short torso, so my baby bump really sticks out. I am not due until November, but people like to ask me if I am sure I’m not having twins and tell me that baby will come early. Eye roll.
Julie says
I’m due in November too, we’re bump buddies! Ok so, is that why I get these comments? Because I also have a short torso. Sometimes I can wear petite shirts. I like your motto 😉
Heather Johnson says
I wear maternity pants, but I can still wear most of my regular tops because even regular tops are a bit big on me when I’m not pregnant! 🙂
Michelle Westbrook says
I wouldn’t even ask anyone if they were pregnant unless it was obvious. I had a friend who wasn’t pregnant and someone asked her when she was due! That made her feel really good about herself.. not! People just don’t think before they speak sometimes…
Julie says
Oh wow that is just the worst! I don’t ever ask someone if they’re pregnant. They can volunteer that information if they like, but wow, way to insult someone huh.
Celeste says
I remember those day, sometimes all you can do is laugh, or share them on a great blog post. lol Congrats on the new baby. 🙂
Julie says
Thanks 🙂 Yea it is just amazing the kinds of things people think are OK to say out loud.
Do you have a blog? You didn’t leave a link and I’d love pay a visit 🙂
Celeste says
Yes, I have a homeschool blog would love for you to stop by its The Education Highway. 🙂
Celeste says
I remember those days, sometimes all you can do is laugh it off. Congrats on the new baby. 🙂
Miss Jena says
OMG, my baby is 2.5 months now but all the dumb things people say when you are pregnant! It is like an indentation to touch, prod, poke and make fun of the slow wobbly lady.
Julie says
Yea since when is being pregnant an invitation for people to be rude?
Erin @ The Speckled Palate says
As a fellow pregnant lady, I feel you. I’m still early in my pregnancy, so I haven’t gotten any comments like this, but I know they’re coming… and I’m kind of prepared to rip someone a new one if they ask me these questions because, well, they’re rude. And you’re supposed to make pregnant women feel beautiful and not like a house since you should KNOW she probably feels like one…
People… sigh. I hope it gets better, and I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes along smoothly!
Julie says
Thanks, and I hope your pregnancy goes smoothly as well and you avoid these stupid comments from well meaning people.
MJ @ Daisy & June says
OMG i hate the things that come out of people’s mouths sometimes!
Julie says
Yea, I’ll never understand why people think some things are just okay to say to someone.
Natalie says
Oh my gosh! SO INAPPROPRIATE! I don’t know what it is about being pregnant that makes some people think that they are privy to every single thing about your body. Ugh!
Julie says
Yea it feels like people think once you’re pregnant no topic is off limits. I’ve never had people say things like that to me before.
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
Oh yeah, I remember all of those. MY OWN GRANDMOTHER called me “tubby.” Unreal.
Julie says
Wow, now you would expect better from family! But, well, maybe not. Everyone’s got an opinion and wants to criticize.
Dee says
While I haven’t been preggie to related, but GOODNESS. THOSE ARE TERRIBLE THINGS TO SAY! [CAPS for emphasis on HOW AWFUL THIS LADY IS!] I mean, WHO SAYS THESE THINGS?!?!?! Is she sure she’s got a brain? I didn’t see one!
Ugh. I even hated the “Guess the mommy-to-be’s waist” game and have no idea why people always like that during showers! Yikes.
Julie says
Yea, people don’t seem to use their brains very much. But I hear it gets worse – everyone judges people’s parenting techniques. That game is so common though that I guess it isn’t so bad, but yea not too polite since you’re having people call you big lol.
Kita says
If people would just mind their own business my gosh people have no filter. People who have so much to say don’t have enough going on their lives lol
Julie says
You know, I think you really have a point there. I’ve got more important things to do than get my nose up in people’s business. But clearly some people don’t, so they make observations and rude comments.
Michelle says
After having 4 kiddos, I’ve heard all of those and more…I think people just lack filter when they fell they’re better friends with you than you are with them. You’re handling it beautifully, laughing it off! 🙂
Julie says
I like how you put that – when they think they’re better friends with you than you are with them. So true!