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Pregnancy is a beautiful, yet challenging time, and every individual experiences it differently. While people often mean well, certain comments can be intrusive, uncomfortable, or even hurtful. Whether it's about their body, lifestyle choices, or the baby's future, some phrases can create unnecessary stress or pressure.
Click on to learn the things you should never say to someone who is pregnant.
It may make them question their readiness and could add unnecessary stress during an already emotional time.
Commenting on someone's size can be hurtful, especially since pregnancy affects everyone differently.
While meant to be positive, it can make some feel self-conscious, especially if they're experiencing pregnancy-related discomforts.
This can remind them of their fatigue and discomfort, making them feel like they can't handle it.
Though often well-meaning, this can feel controlling or judgmental, as the pregnant person is already making choices based on their health.
Some people may not care about the baby's gender and simply want a healthy baby. This question can create unnecessary pressure to have a preference or share expectations.
This can make someone feel like their pregnancy isn't important, only the baby's birth.
This can be seen as judgmental and dismissive, especially if they have been planning for the pregnancy.
Pregnancy diets are personal, and this comment could imply that they aren’t taking care of themselves.
This can make them feel insecure about their body's changes or worry they aren't showing enough.
This comment might make them feel anxious or self-conscious about the physical changes they will undergo.
Commenting on their appetite can lead to guilt or body image concerns, especially when it’s often out of their control.
It can feel dismissive to their intelligence, as this phrase can belittle any forgetfulness or lack of focus during pregnancy.
While meant to be playful, it can create unnecessary pressure around food intake and body image issues.
Birth preferences are personal, and asking about it can make someone feel judged for their choices, whether they plan for an epidural, C-section, or unmedicated birth.
This can imply that their choice to start a family over focusing on career is invalid, and it may cause guilt.
Commenting on the timing or situation of their pregnancy may undermine their personal choice and make them feel unsupported.
This can be dismissive of their exhaustion or challenges, suggesting that pregnancy is an easy pass from responsibilities.
Comparing their pregnancy to someone else's experience can minimize their struggles or challenges and may make them feel like their experience isn't valid.
Making assumptions about family planning can make them feel judged or self-conscious about their choices.
This may feel intrusive or judgmental if they have different plans for feeding their baby.
Asking to touch someone's belly can feel invasive and uncomfortable, as not everyone is comfortable with physical contact during pregnancy.
This can be intrusive and may imply that their choice to continue working or stay home is being judged. It's a personal decision and should be respected.
While intended to be humorous, this can be discouraging and may make them anxious about the challenges ahead. Every new parent's experience with sleep is different.
This implies that life after having a baby will be difficult or less enjoyable, which can add unnecessary pressure and make them feel anxious about the future.
This statement can feel dismissive, as it focuses on a technical detail rather than acknowledging the person's experience. It might come across as trivializing the pregnancy journey.
This can be hurtful and judgmental, especially if their pregnancy was unexpected or if they've since changed their mind. It questions their current situation without understanding their personal journey.
Asking about the nature of the pregnancy can be sensitive, as it may bring up personal or private details the individual is not ready or willing to share, making them feel uncomfortable.
This can be uncomfortable and discouraging, especially if the person has been pregnant for a longer time than expected. It may imply impatience or that they should have already given birth.
Sources: (Healthline) (Stylist) (BBC)
See also: Pregnancy myths people still believe
Things you should never say to someone pregnant
Some things are better left unsaid
LIFESTYLE Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a beautiful, yet challenging time, and every individual experiences it differently. While people often mean well, certain comments can be intrusive, uncomfortable, or even hurtful. Whether it's about their body, lifestyle choices, or the baby's future, some phrases can create unnecessary stress or pressure.
Click on to learn the things you should never say to someone who is pregnant.