Terrible Things You Should Never Say to a Pregnant Woman
On May 14, 2021 by Megan FolsomSometimes, people who have very good intentions say things to pregnant moms that can be very hurtful. Usually, they don’t even realize it or just don’t really think through things before opening their mouths.
It’s natural for people to be curious, but that doesn’t really mean you’re entitled to know all of someone else’s business. Sometimes, some things just don’t need to be discussed. If you are very close, they may bring things up to you themselves, if they’d like advice or to rant.
As a general rule of thumb, I’d say almost any comments about how she looks physically are pretty much off-limits. The only ones that are pretty safe are probably ones that without a doubt have a good connotation. For example, words like cute, radiating, shining, etc.
However any words about size or shape are definitely a solid NO. While you might things it’s a compliment to comment on someone’s small size, there are many pregnant woman who are actually very sensitive about that. Some may be struggling to gain weight, feeling very sick or just plain tired of people asking if they are actually pregnant.
Further, any comments telling pregnant moms things that will only cause them to dread the future are also a NO. Whether it’s scary stories you have heard or personally experienced about birth or all the negative sides about the newborn like, just don’t. We are stressed enough as is, we don’t need to add yours, too.
What Not to Say to a Pregnant Mom:
- Are you sure you’re pregnant?
- Are you sure there aren’t twins in there?
- Wow! You’ve gotten so huge!
- How is your baby feeling in there? OR Is your baby feeling ready to come out yet?
- Oh, you think you’re tired now?! Enjoy your sleep while you can! Once that baby gets here, you’ll never sleep again!
- I/my sister/my friend had it so much worse than you.
- Any bad or scary birthing story…
- Oh, you’re planning to try giving birth without any pain medication? Good luck! Once you feel those contractions, you’ll end up getting an epidural.
- It looks like you’re going to have a BIG baby!
- You’re ONLY _____ weeks pregnant?!
- Poor thing! You look so exhausted!
- Maybe you shouldn’t eat that/eat so much.
- What are you going to name them?
- You should breastfeed!
- You’re still pregnant? Feels like you’ve been pregnant forever!
- Enjoy your life while you can still do stuff!
- You look like you’re ready to pop! I would’ve thought you were due way sooner.
- Was it planned or an accident?
What You CAN Say to a Pregnant Woman Instead:
- ASK ABOUT SOMETHING OTHER THAN PREGNANCY. (This is my biggest tip. Sometimes, when you’re pregnant, it feels like everyone has forgotten about you. Most people seem to only ask about the baby and pregnancy, and it starts to feel like that’s the only important thing about you. She exists outside of being a pregnant woman.)
- Your bump is so cute!
- You’re glowing!
- I’m so excited for you!
- I’m here if you ever need to talk, vent or ask questions.
- I’m bringing you dinner.
- If you ever have any cravings, I’d love to pick something up for you! (Especially if she’s feeling pretty sick.)
- Is someone throwing you a baby shower?
- Recommend a product that helped you if she tells you something that’s been difficult for her.
- Have you picked a theme for the nursery?
- Again, treat her like a regular person. Her pregnancy doesn’t define her and I’m sure she’d love to feel like she’s still the same person as before!
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for an expecting mom friend, check out the 8 Things You Need to Survive Your Pregnancy. Most people only think about getting the baby gifts, so I’m sure she would appreciate any gift on the list and feel so loved.
For my other favorite products and tons of discount codes on other gift ideas for moms, see my Favorites tab above.
*Disclaimer: Some of the links on my website are affiliate links. This means that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Sign-up for exclusive deals and more mom tips!