Things you should never say to a pregnant woman

Pregnancy is usually tough enough, adding insensitive comments only makes things even harder for expectant mothers.  While you may mean well with your comments, some of them may end up hurting a pregnant woman. Therefore, as much as you mean well, make sure whatever you say, does not include the following utterances.

You look big

When a woman is pregnant, her body will go through various changes as her bump grows bigger. You reminding her, every now and then, that she is growing big makes her self conscious. In fact, it is a form of body shaming that could break a pregnant woman’s spirit. She may still be trying to get used to her new body and therefore, adding to her troubles does not help.

May I touch your stomach

Keep your hands to yourself. I bet you would not like it if anyone touched you anyhow, it means pregnant women don’t like it either. It is very intrusive to caress a woman’s stomach in the name of making acquaintances with the unborn baby.

I know how you feel

No, you do not! Even if you have been pregnant a couple of times, pregnancies are unique. Therefore, you most likely have no idea what someone’s pregnancy is putting them through. As a result, don’t tell anyone you know how they feel because you will look like you are trying to make light of their problem. Instead, find out what you can do to help.

Image: Today’s parent

You are not of the appropriate age

Unless you are dealing with your teenage daughter, you are not qualified to decide when anyone should have kids.  A woman should have her children at her discretion. Besides, many factors influence a woman’s choice to have a child, and most of the time you are not aware of these factors.

ALSO READ: Ways to navigate your relationship after having a baby

You are going to wish you never had a baby

Everybody’s experience with parenting is different. Therefore, the fact that your experience was not pleasant does not mean that it will be the same for every other woman. Besides,  you can be sure that before any woman decides they want to have a baby they have thought well into the future.  Therefore, making her feel like she is not ready to have a baby is something we should refrain from.

Another one!

Once again, you are not the president of her life. If she wants to have more than one baby so be it. If she wants none at all, it should not bother you at all. Pregnancy should be celebrated not judged for it presents a very special time in a woman’s life.

The world is a miserable place to bring a child into

The world has always been a miserable place but the human race always finds a way to thrive. A woman should be allowed to choose what to do with her body and not instructed what to do according to how others feel about the weather.

Pregnancy is an out-of-the-ordinary experience, especially for first-time mothers. Therefore, watch what you say around them.  If you are not sure what to say, stick to congratulations and other words of encouragement. If this proves difficult too, nodding and agreeing with her is an option as well.