10 things not to say and do to a pregnant woman...

I read a post on Seeded Buzz by Perfectly Happy Mum, called "Please Stop Asking, I Do Not Want a Girl" and it reminded me that I really wanted to get a few things off my own chest... and since I haven't done a top ten list in a while... I thought I'd combine them and include some additional things...

I learned with my last pregnancy that there is a large portion of the population that forget that there are both manners and personal space when they find out you're pregnant... especially when you are far enough along to be waddling... and some of the worst things come out of their mouths... it's like my belly is a beacon for foot in mouth syndrome...

I appreciate their support as much as the next person, but please... mind the list... especially if I don't know you from Adam...

10. It's natural to be curious about what I'm having, but don't sigh and be disappointed when I tell you that I'm having a boy ... I can't change the gender of my child, I don't want to... and I AM HAPPY!

9. Follow up to 10 - don't ask if I wish it was a girl, I just want a healthy baby... again, referencing number ten - even if I wasn't pleased about the gender of my child, it's a little late to be worrying at this stage...

8. Press for a name, it's ok to ask if he will have one, all babies are named, eventually, but when I tell you that we're not sharing it, please let it drop... don't whine... it's not becoming ... and besides - even E's own grandparents don't know the name we've chosen for him... so why would we tell you, a stranger, first?

7. Don't ask about my due date and then act shocked when I tell you it's still a month away... yes, I know that I look big, this little guy likes his real estate... and since I was showing at barely 8 weeks, I figure it's par for the course that he's measuring two weeks ahead right now...

6. Follow up to 7 - Don't remark on my weight gain, even though I look big... gaining weight is normal in pregnancy and yes, I started out plus sized to begin with, but by eating healthy and watching myself, I have only gained about 15 lbs so far... which my doctor and I agree is NORMAL - so telling me that it looks like I've gained 50 ... not a good thing people...

5. Additonal follow up... once I've said "HE'S due in 5 weeks" don't follow up with "Are you sure you're not having twins?"  Trust me on this... I am very sure (based on multiple ultrasounds and my own doctor that I am carrying one real estate obsessed child...

4. Don't make fun of my waddle... it's normal for pregnant women, especially in their last trimester to have some balance displacement issues... and walk a little slower and with a strange gait... our center of gravity has shifted significantly and we want to be comfortable... It will get worse before it gets better people... he's dropping daily and will eventually be engaged and pressing on my pelvis waiting to meet the world.. you try having something with a minimum 12 inch circumference pressing down on your pelvis, bladder and other organs...

3. Don't ask me if I'm in labor because I'm touching my belly... E kicks, wiggles, hiccups and performs complex mathematical equations in my body... and I like to connect with him... so I rub my tummy

2. Don't treat me like I'm an invalid... I know my limitations thank you... I know when my body is telling me not to pick up the 35 pound 4 year old, but sometimes I have to make the choice between carrying him and chasing him.. and at least if I'm carrying him I get some control of the situation... if he's running away or getting himself into a dangerous situation, it's unlikely that I'll be much good... so occasionally I pick him up... it saves wear and tear in the long run - and I am careful!  So, berating me for doing it - not so smart...

1. Do not rub my belly without permission!!!! It's still my body and my skin... and besides, who says you - a not so well known person to me will be able to get that close to my new child once he's born... HANDS OFF PEOPLE!

Do you have any pregnancy related pet peeves about dealing with the world at large?  Have I missed something?  Add your two cents in the comments section...

I'm also hopping around to:





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Comments (13)

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Well said I can relate to so many of these from when I was pregnant!!! May God bless you and the baby!!
Tori http://thriftytori.blogspot.com
Amen! lol I do not want people touching my belly either. My other pet peeve is that people around you don't seem to think that maybe you need some extra space to get by...like when you're shopping and people bump into you or won't move over when they see you walking to the door. It's like you have a target that says "Be rude to me."
My recent post They Wanna Put That WHERE
Ha! I love it and couldn't agree more! It's amazing how people can just be so dense sometimes. You will have to print this out on a post card to distribute. Lol!
My recent post All Foam- No Beer
C'mon,,,what's the name you picked out? You can tell me!

LOL!
My recent post Top Ten Cool Things about Aspergers
Stopping by from Sensational Saturday!! GFC follower and Facebook Fan (brett m)
www.mamalovesherbargains.com
"I know when my body is telling me not to pick up the 35 pound 4 year old, but sometimes I have to make the choice between carrying him and chasing him.. "

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL! I guess people don't really know what else to talk about. They fall back on the most obvious (and annoying) conversation topics. Look at the bright side... it's worse when people attempt these topics with a woman who is actually NOT pregnant!

Cheers,
Neyland D. Catt
My recent post Please allow me to re-introduce myself
Good advice! I'm going to add your Thirsty for Comments button to my Linky List :)
My recent post Another Flower Delivery Mystery
Hilarious! I hated when people touched my belly before I was even showing. It was just my regular stomach! Gross!
My recent post Wordless Wednesday- Yummy on my face-y
Wow, you sure have met some rude people in your life! The only thing I got was "You're having a boy, oh your husband must be thrilled!" Actually, we both always saw ourselves with a little girl, but we had lots of time to adjust to it and now can't even imagine life without our beautiful son.

My recent post The Only Favor I Have Ever Asked You For
Visiting from The Saturday Sampling. People sure do treat pregnant women oddly!!

I thankfully received very few belly rubs in my day!
My recent post Wordless Wednesday - Hat Rap
Bouncing over from Saturday Sampling!

The worst comment I ever received was the following:

"I have never seen a pregnant person as big as you."

Nice.
I must admit that when we've reached lo these many years beyond childbearing - your list bears repeating. I'm afraid that the urge to feel involved in your experience is uncontrollable for some. Not for me, of course, but I do now recognize the overwhelming urge. We-who-have-had-our-turn need to be reminded. Unless we are totally heartless, we appreciate your reminder. Great link for Saturday Sampling!

My contribution to Saturday Sampling is from my resurrected original blogspot. I'm hoping to gain some followers. I'm #15 - Hearten Soul For You
My recent post Thank God for Laughter

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