I’ve been pregnant twice and my second pregnancy is totally different from the first one. The first one was more physically challenging. I was sick almost every day for the first four months, couldn’t eat much, got gestational diabetes. It was pretty horrible. With the second pregnancy, I didn’t get morning sickness at all. I was eating like crazy because I didn’t get gestational diabetes. But I was extremely extremely emotional. Every little thing could make me upset for the whole day. When I found out my friend was leaving the country for good, I was crying the whole day. Same thing when I found out I was having another boy, I was crying the whole day….at work!! Luckily I hid it pretty well….at least up until now no one was asking me. Now he’s so beautiful, I won’t trade him for anything in the world :). I also got upset when people looked at me pity on how big I was
Anyway, I thought it would be fun to tell people (especially to those who have never been pregnant before) what not to do or say to a pregnant woman. You just never know how emotional those preggo moms are. Of course it is more tolerable if the pregnant woman know you personally.
1. Never comment on their size
You’re so big! So small! Are you carrying twins? Are you sure you’re only (whatever) months? Are you sure your doctor is right? These comments are so annoying you won’t even believe it! I’m only 5′ tall, not mentioning short-waisted. I’ve always looked big when pregnant even though my belly was just the right size. When I was pregnant with my first child, I didn’t mind those comments at all. With the second one I absolutely hated it! I did have much higher tolerance when I know those people. But one time, a random guy came up to me and asked if I was carrying twins. Without even looking, I simply said no and just walked away. I also had a woman came up to me while I was shopping with such an awe expression on her face and asked, “OMG…are you about to pop?” I swear to God I almost punched her right on her face. Again, I just said no without even looking and walked away. If you can’t help making comments to your pregnant friends, just don’t do it to strangers. Big no no!!
2. Never ask if you can touch their belly… or even worse…touching it without asking!
I never ask any pregnant strangers if I can touch their belly. I just thought it’s a little weird to do such thing when you don’t know that person. I have been asked both times, luckily with people I know. Although I’m not a big fan, I had a hard time saying no. Again, keep your hands to yourself!
3. Once the baby comes out, your pregnant friend will still look pregnant
Our belly got stretched out for 9 months, so it takes time to go back to its normal size. Even though the baby is out of the belly, we still look like we’re pregnant.
Being pregnant is physically and emotionally draining. Negative comments or behavior, even though it’s not intentionally, is definitely not helping.
Tags: motherhood, pregnancy and motherhood, women and pregnancy
