Between pregnancy hormones, morning sickness and fatigue, it seems unfair that moms-to-be must endure questions and comments that make them cringe as well. If you have a friend who’s always sticking her foot in her mouth, you may want to share this one with her. You can thank us later.
Horror stories
Save scary stories for Halloween. Preparing for birth is no time to take in accounts of a birth gone wrong. Sure, there will always be stories of women who’ve had a rough go in the delivery room, but heed this advice from legendary midwife Ina May Gaskin: “It is important to keep in mind that our bodies must work pretty well, or there wouldn’t be so many humans on the planet.” Keep your scary stories to yourself and instead encourage confidence in your pal by surrounding her with positive birth stories. There are plenty of them to be found.
Are you having twins?
No woman wants to hear that her stomach is so large you can’t imagine there’s only one baby in there. File this under “things we shouldn’t have to tell you.” Pregnant women feel insecure enough, what with fluctuating hormones and that growing bump. Play it safe and don’t comment on her body, unless it’s to remark on how good she looks.
Will you get an epidural?
The epidural is to pregnant women and seasoned moms as politics and religion are to family dinners – that’s to say, don’t ever bring it up. Whether a woman will choose a medicated or natural birth is none of your business, and it’s polarizing enough to spark a friendship divide.
No baby yet?
If you see your pregnant friend past her due date, do yourself a favor and don’t make a joke about whether her little one has arrived yet. Trust us, she’s already heard it and you don’t want to be on the receiving end of an overdue woman’s annoyance. Instead, offer to take her out for a movie or manicure – anything to pass the time and take her mind off her baby’s arrival.
You look ready to pop!
See point No. 2 above. It’s never OK to comment on a woman’s body, especially if you’re going to compare her to an overfilled water balloon.
Have you been on the receiving end of one of these lines? Share your experience in the comments.