What NOT to say to a pregnant woman

Things you should never say to a pregnant woman:

“You look ready to POP!”

“Are you sure there isn’t more than one in there?”

“You really shouldn’t be working.”

“You’re getting bigger. You’ve put on some pounds!”

“Should you be exercising? Should you be standing? Shouldn’t you be in bed?”

The list goes on and on and on.

I’ve heard it all, but especially as I near the end of my pregnancy. I know people mean no harm, but the comments are things women never should have put up with.

Here’s the thing—pregnant women are pretty incredible. In the words of my daughter, we’re “Superheroes”. Not only do we grow and nurture another human within us, we’re strong and resilient as our bodies make the necessary changes to become a mother.

We go through exhaustion, morning sickness, weight gain, plus plenty of pregnancy scares and we often don’t complain. Even though we may feel like we’ve been run over by a bus, life doesn’t stop for us because we’re pregnant.

Many of us have families to care for, children to shuttle around, and we spend 40 hours a week working, knowing that our families rely on our paychecks to help with the bills.

Yes, you may see me standing at work, and you may see me on the elliptical at the gym, but there’s no need to comment and question what pregnant women should and shouldn’t do. I work out to stay healthy and active, knowing that recovering from childbirth at 40 is much more difficult than in my early 30’s. I still work because I don’t have the luxury of taking a year long sabbatical. But, I have a career where I am able to take it easy, to rest and slow down as the weeks creep closer to my delivery date.

If I may be so blunt and speak for other pregnant women, there’s no need to comment on our growing bellies. We know we are getting bigger, and yes, we may feel like a beached whale, but we don’t need others reminding us of the challenges we face as we bring another human into this world. Instead of pointing out the obvious, how about a simple “Congratulations”!

I’ll gladly take the swollen feet, the sleepless nights and the 30lbs of extra weight, knowing that with each heartbeat and kick, my child is safe. The miracle of life is absolutely incredible, and us women are “superheroes” because of it.

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