Guide to What Not to Say to a Pregnant Woman

At some point in your life, odds are you will come into contact with a pregnant woman. This can be a family member, a co-worker or a neighbor. The following is a list of things that every pregnant woman has had to deal with and hated it. All of us are guilty of doing at least one.

-What is it about pregnant women that says please touch my stomach? Don't touch her stomach. Now, this rule doesn't apply to everyone. If you are close to her and she allows it, by all means. However, if you've known her for five minutes then keep your hands to yourself. At the very least ask first. This particular etiquette flub has spawned many types of funny shirts that say "hands off" or "no touching".

-"So, how much do you weigh now?" Really? Does it matter? What happened to not asking a lady's weight? Why does a baby automatically void that rule? Last but not least, why do you think you need to be privy to that information? Pregnant women can be very sensitive about their weight. Either they may have gained too much or too little. They could be upset about stretch marks and blame weight on that.

-Unsolicited advice is one of the worst. You can trust me when I say, if this is her first child, she's done some studying. She's asked her doctor questions. She has books. She has googled many a time. My coworker was about 8 months pregnant. The new guy, barely employed for a week, started giving her breastfeeding advice. She was absolutely horrified.

-"Well, when I was pregnant..." Every pregnancy is different. I don't need to know about how you ran two miles and mowed your lawn when you were 8 months pregnant. Oh, so you actually lost weight being pregnant. Well, good for you. I've gained 30 lbs.

-"Oh, my birthday is on have the baby then". Oh well, since you asked nicely. Let me have a talk with mother nature and we'll see what we can arrange.

-"Oh, is a great name for a baby." You know, I was going to name my son after his father, but since you are so obviously right here, let's name it after you.

Think before you speak and put yourself in her shoes. If you were pregnant would you want it said or done to you?