Pregnancy is great at times, but sometimes well-meaning people say some pretty uncalled for things. While you might think you're giving solid advice or even a compliment, there are some things that your pregnant friend doesn't need to hear.
If you know someone who's pregnant, never say these 10 things to her:
1. It's so hard to lose that baby weight
Your body goes through so many changes when you're pregnant, and it's hard to return to your normal weight after you give birth. It takes time, and some women never get there. Your pregnant friend is already self conscious about her changing body, and you don't need to remind her of it.
2. "When I gave birth" horror stories
The last thing you want to hear when you're pregnant are stories of women who were in labor for 32 hours or having an epidural that didn't work or last-minute C-sections. Birthing a child is scary to think about, so don't make it worse by planting irrational fears in your friend's mind.
3. Wow you're huge!
Your pregnant friend KNOWS she's huge. And she probably has three more months to go. Don't remind her!
4. You look way further along than 20 weeks
This goes right along with telling her she's huge. If she's only 20 weeks along, believe her and tell her she looks fabulous.
5. You're sure it's not twins?
Your pregnant friend has been through all the ultrasounds. If she tells you there's just one baby in there, believe her.
6. Enjoy life now because it'll never be the same
Having a baby is an emotional experience, but nothing compares to the love a mother has for her child. Although things will be completely different once that sweet baby comes, she wouldn't want it any other way.
7. Did you plan on this pregnancy?
It doesn't matter whether the pregnancy was completely planned or a total accident. What matters is that you're excited and happy for her.
8. I hope you're going to breastfeed
PLEASE don't tell an expecting mother how to feed her child. She's read the pros and cons all over the internet, and she doesn't even know if she'll be able to breastfeed yet. She's the mom, and she knows what's best for her and her baby.
9. Finally ... it took you long enough
Again, the most important thing you can do is be happy for your friend when she announces her pregnancy. Don't make her feel like she should have had a baby sooner or that she wasted any time. Whether she struggled to get pregnant or waited until she was ready for a few extra years, she'll appreciate your excitement regardless of how long it took her to get pregnant.
10. I bet your baby will come at least a week late
Being pregnant for another weeks is the last thing a new mom wants. First, she's sick of being pregnant. Second, she just wants to meet her sweet, new baby. Don't make any assumptions on when the baby will come, because there's no way you (or anyone) can really know. That baby will come when he or she is ready!
If you're guilty of saying any of these things to a pregnant woman, don't worry. She probably forgave you and moved on, but now you know what not to say in the future. If you're pregnant or have been pregnant before, what phrases did you absolutely hate? Let us know in the comments section!
