Are YOU pregnant? No?? Then SHUT IT !

Here's my "rant" for today folks -- since becoming pregnant, I have had to make lots of adjustments in my every day life. I can't walk as fast as I used to, I go to bed earlier, I eat a lot more, I can't sit in the same position for extended periods of time because of aches and pains and forget about my sleep quality! For those who think that just your belly grows during pregnancy and it's "cute" I would like to say that you are soooooo wrong! Women have been doing this (and making it look easy) for years but that does not mean it is easy. Carrying a baby changes everything about you physically, mentally and emotionally. It seems silly to think that on top of all these changes, a pregnant woman has to deal with yet another annoyance- inappropriate comments by "friends" "co-workers" and at times just "random" people on the street. People say such bizarre things to pregnant women... I am part of a birth club on Babycenter.com for women due around the same time as me and we basically share stories and advice about what we are going through. The comments many of these women have had to deal with just blow me away! And yes, I too have endured many comments myself.

Everything from "Wow you look huge" to "Wow you look tiny" and "I wouldn't do that if I was pregnant" (one of my favorites) has been said to me. Ohhh and I loved one I got from a friend-- "you can control your emotions when pregnant April". REALLY? I'm sorry, are you pregnant? Have you had the experience of an emotional roller-coaster because hormones are surging through your body and not just screwing with your emotions but making you snore loudly and making your hair grow in random places??!

I learned early on in my life being from a large family where babies were being born all the time NEVER to judge a pregnant woman. Just smile and tell her she looks great... and don't be such a baby and hold everything she does against her. It's not personal!! She is the one bringing a child into this world, the least you can do is swallow your darn pride, get off the "ME" train and show some compassion!

I am done ranting :) Thanks for reading my faithful reader :) Below is an article I read online this morning that has a pretty good list - THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER SAY to a pregnant woman. Here is the link to the actual article. Study this, pass it on to your friends and enjoy!

"I Feel Pregnant, Too!"

Unless you are actually carrying a child in your uterus as well, then no you don't feel pregnant.

"You're Huge."

Maybe she is looking a little large, but she doesn't need to hear it. Would it be appropriate to comment on someone's weight if they were not expecting? No! Same common sense rules apply to pregnant women, too.

"You Really Shouldn't . . . "

Exercise. Pick up that box. Stand up. Pregnant women are not ill, they are merely with child and making them feel like they have a serious condition only alienates them.

"I Don't Think You Should . . ."

Get an epidural. Have a natural birth. Have your mother in the birthing room. A pregnant mama's personal birth plan is just that: personal. If she want's your opinion, she'll ask.

"Enjoy Your Last Few Months of Freedom."

Having a baby is exciting and the last thing any expectant mom wants to hear is that she has just issued her personal life a death sentence. Negative comments about child rearing shouldn't be spoken of.

"You Probably Shouldn't Eat That."

Pregnant women are pretty tuned in to what they can and can't eat — as well as what they want and don't want to eat. If she's going for it, then by all means, let her enjoy.

"Your Baby Is Going to Be Huge/Tiny."

What's on the mind of nearly every pregnant woman? How baby is getting out. Doctors looking at ultrasounds are the only ones ever allowed to estimate how big baby is going to be — and even then, anything less or more than normal is bound to set off a mommy-to-be.

"What If Your Baby . . ."

Is a hermaphrodite? Has a cleft lip? Is deaf? Mamas-to-be spend a great deal of downtime thinking of their own "what ifs" and they don't need anyone else adding fuel to the fire.

"You Look Tired."

Carrying a baby for nine months is hard work. Chances are if she looks tired, she is. However, the last thing she needs is anyone reminding her how exhausted she feels or looks. Nothing short of, "You look fantastic," should be said to a pregnant woman about her appearance.

"Anything Yet?"

If you haven't received word that her baby's been born, then chances are that she is not holding out any information. Everyone is eager to welcome the pending bundle of joy into the world, but none so much as an expectant mama. Asking her if anything has happened yet only reminds her that she's still very, very pregnant