PSA FROM EVERY PREGNANT WOMAN EVERYWHERE
By: 8-month pregnant, Blair
It has come to my attention that people could use a lesson when it comes to talking to a pregnant woman. So here are a few lessons from this pregnant lady...
If you feel like commenting on our size or shape in anyway - RETHINK YOUR THOUGHT - and just DON'T SAY ANYTHING. I know this may seem like common sense, but you would be surprised just how many people feel the need to say mean things to you during this time in your life.
DO NOT SAY:
Are you sure there is JUST ONE baby in there?
Whoa! You REALLY GREW over the weekend.
*Looks over judgingly* I bet you'll come early!
You're Huge! (or other variations of this word)
You would think that I am making these up ^ - but these are all phrases I HAVE BEEN TOLD PERSONALLY. And I still have 8 weeks left to go until my due date. And guess what, they made me cry. (Probably due to hormones mainly - but you do not help, random strangers.)
First of all, you wouldn't comment on the weight of a "regular" person, so WHY would you think saying something about our weight/size is appropriate? We have VERY little control over what happens to our bodies & GUESS WHAT - do not need reminders of this fact from you.
Secondly, while growing a human is an amazing miracle to be a part of, it is also really hard. You do NOT know what some women have gone through to get to this point. So why would you say ANYTHING negative to them??
Even if we do look "Huge" - KEEP THE COMMENTS TO YOURSELF.
Personally, I have had a great pregnancy with minimal problems - but I also have very little control over what I look like. I am 5' 3" and have limited torso space for a baby - thus it must grow outward. I eat healthy, go on walks, and have gained a healthy amount of weight for my size. And yet, here were are after experiencing several mean comments in the span of one week.
Now this is not a plea for compliments or attention. I just want random strangers to learn a lesson on etiquette & kindness.
Also while on the general topic, DO NOT tell us the horror stories your friends, neighbors, family members or co-workers have gone through during pregnancy. Not everyone goes through the same things. DO NOT SCARE US with terrible pregnancy side effects, or issues you know of. I do not care about your cousin's hairdresser's niece - whose labor lasted 500 hours. I may exaggerate a little, but you get the point. My body is different than hers and my experiences will be and have been different.
The thought of labor is terrifying enough without you adding your two cents or worst-case scenario stories. JUST BE POSITIVE & SUPPORTIVE.
*Tell those stories to teenagers you do not want to have children. Because, yikes!* LOL
So...
If you feel like saying anything, here is a list of appropriate phrases you MAY use:
You look beautiful.
(Or nothing at all.)
Sincerely,
Pregnant Women Everywhere
