I can’t believe how fast my little one is growing! Around this time last year, I found out I was pregnant with her. So, that made me reflect on my pregnancy.
Don’t get me wrong, pregnancy is a beautiful time in a woman’s life. But there are also things that aren’t so glorious about it.
The people that surround a pregnant woman during those nine months can really impact her experience.
Here are a few things you probably should or shouldn’t say or do to a pregnant woman (in no particular order):
10. Don’t – ask how she’s feeling.
I know you’re trying to be polite. You might even genuinely care. But trust me, you don’t wanna hear the truth.
It would go a little something like this:
I feel awful!
I don’t recognize my body anymore.
So many odors make me wanna vomit.
I’m actually nauseous right now and currently trying not to throw up on you.
I’m exhausted. My body is constantly doing the same amount of work as a marathon runner. I just want to stay in bed until it’s time to push this baby out.
I can’t see my feet.
There are strange smells coming from places I shouldn’t mention…
Shall I go on?
Do – ask if there’s anything you can do to make her more comfortable. And if there is, do it to the best of your ability!
9. Don’t – randomly come up to her and rub her belly.
I personally didn’t mind this.
However, some women HATE it.
Do – ask first or don’t do it at all.
8. Don’t – spontaneously tell her horror stories about your own or someone else’s pregnancy/labor experience.
She’s currently pregnant and soon about to birth a baby. She does NOT want to hear about how you were in so much pain that you wanted to die.
Unless she asked you…
Then, by all means, tell her every nitty gritty detail, because she really does want to know.
Do – encourage her! Let her know that she’s doing a great job with her pregnancy and that she can get through the labor and birth of her beautiful baby.
7. Don’t – tell her “It’s okay, it’ll be over soon and you’ll have a precious baby at the end, so it’ll all be worth it.”
Just don’t. “Soon” isn’t right now so it’s not helpful. Depending on her stage of pregnancy, she’s most likely super ready for it to all be over and is on the verge of tears at any given moment.
Do – tell her you’ll be there for moral support, emotional support, and physical support every step of the way.
6. Don’t – ask when she’s gonna have another one.
She might want another, she might not.
She probably doesn’t even know yet.
She definitely doesn’t wanna talk about it while currently pregnant. You’ll find out if/when she’s ready for you to know.
Do – mind your business. 🙂
5. Don’t – Treat her like she can’t do anything.
She’s pregnant, not an invalid.
Do – give her freedom to do things by herself that she would normally do before she became pregnant (within reason, if safe).
4. Don’t – Get annoyed when she asks for help with something, no matter how small. She can’t do everything she used to do, and many simple tasks are downright exhausting now.
(Yes, this contradicts the previous point. We’re complicated beings because of the being(s) we’re creating. Deal with it.)
Do – help her out without complaint.
3. Don’t – Ask how many babies she’s having and if she’s sure.
I’ve seen multiple friends of mine post statuses saying that a random person asked them how many babies they’re having, and when answered the person further asked “Are you sure?!”
Whether joking or not, I’m sure I don’t have to explain what’s wrong with that.
Some women carry better than others. One woman at 15 weeks might look how another does at 30 weeks, it doesn’t mean she’s having multiple babies. Don’t be rude.
Do – not ever say something like that to a pregnant woman.
2. Don’t – Say she doesn’t look that bad for a pregnant woman.
*heavy sigh*
Do – compliment how good we look pregnant; because we’re all a smidge extra self conscious.
1. Don’t – Constantly ask if she’s in labor yet. Please. Please. PLEASE. Just don’t. She’ll probably calmly respond but inside she’ll be screaming unpleasant things at you. It’s beyond annoying. No woman who is close to her delivery date wants to constantly be harassed about her labor progression. She could be 3cm dilated for days or weeks. Don’t keep asking “Is the baby here yet?” “Is it time?!” Or anything of that nature.
Do – wait patiently for the announcement of the baby’s birth. I promise you, if Mom can wait, so can you.
Overall, just be kind to pregnant women. They need and deserve it. 🙂
Love,
Meg
P.S. This isn’t meant to be a personal attack on anyone who might have inadvertently done any number of these things to me or to any other pregnant woman. It’s just helpful information for those who might not understand how much of a rollercoaster pregnancy is and offers a few ways to support the pregnant momma through it all.
