I honestly think this is the tactless pregnancy comment that annoys me the most (#1). I once had a male say this to me in front of a large and attentive group of people, and I was not happy! Not only is You look HUGE! implied, but the other assumption is that women can only get to a certain size in pregnancy before the baby will burst forth out of necessity. This is totally not scientific - it's the ladies who don't gain enough weight that are most at risk for premature deliveries.
Here is the rest of my top ten countdown of comments I have personally heard:
# 2. Are you having twins? I've only heard this once, but why on earth would you ask that? Chances are, the mom will tell you if she is having multiples if you start any sort of baby-related conversation with her.
#3. You must be miserable! Yes, some ladies have very challenging pregnancies, but many of us actually enjoy the miracle of nurturing a new life in such an intimate way. Don't assume we'd rather not be doing that. Frankly, there isn't much more special in this life.
#4. I bet you are hoping baby comes early. I'm patient. And I get more sleep at 40 weeks pregnant than I do with a newborn. :)
#5. Hmm, I bet your due date is _____. There is NO good reason to guess someone's due date. Ever. The chances of that working out well for you are slim to none.
#6. When is your due date? Oh...I would have guessed much earlier than THAT! The time I specifically remember hearing this one was when a husband unsuccessfully tried to stop his wife from opening her mouth for the second half of this statement. Shouldn't females who have gone through this before know better?!?
#7. You're still here? When I saw you 2 weeks ago, you looked like you were ready to pop! This was said to me by a middle-aged male customer at a store I worked at. I forgave him quickly. His wife and mother obviously failed in teaching him interpersonal skills.
#8. You're still here? (Even before due date.) How long will your doctor let you go? There are women who jump at the chance to get delivery over with, but this particular one believes adamantly that it is best for mommy and baby if labor comes on its own. My midwife does not tell me when baby will come - my body and baby decide that! End of discussion. :)
#9. You look so big! When my niece/daughter/cousin's best friend's mail carrier was pregnant, she didn't even need maternity clothes at 9 months. Every female's body carries babies differently, and moms can even carry babies differently in subsequent pregnancies. I pop straight out and need maternity clothes well before the end of the 1st trimester (and did even with Reagan), but I'm a healthy mom and keep my weight gain within a good range for my body.
#10. You must be hoping for a boy. Will you be disappointed if you get another girl? Children are a heritage from the Lord. They are always blessings - not something to be penciled into your calendar according to your specific preferences. If God gives us 10 girls and no boys, we will remain 100% satisfied with our family. And, by the way, I happen to LOVE raising girls, thank you very much!
I'm sure the minute I hit "Publish Post", I will think of something way better to add to this list, so stay posted for updates! As a sidenote, my friends are very much in agreement that having strangers rub their bellies is the most annoying thing that happens to a pregnant woman. I have actually NEVER had this happen to me! I must look too big to touch. Or maybe it's that herniated belly button sticking out already at 14 weeks that screams, Don't do it! :)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment