Truth be told, while you're expecting, you may come across (overly) well-meaning folks who may blurb inappropriate comments in your face. It's pretty normal, yet can make some of us cringe or cry. Here are some of the worst things we've heard being said to pregnant mums. Be sure you never make such boo-boos!
#1: "Wah, you put on a lot of weight already hor? How heavy are you now?"
Now now... weight has always been one of the most sensitive topics for women, and now you're asking a pregnant lady about her weight and size? Good luck.
#2: "Congratulations on your pregnancy! Are you happy?"
Errr... what kind of answer are they expecting? Perhaps, you should respond with a sob story. "No, I am miserable. My life is at a dead end because I'm going to be a mother. It's the end to all my travel plans, I will never be able to wear designer clothes again without worrying it's going to be messed up, I will have to give up my study room for the child..."
#3: "Do you want a boy or a girl?"
You mean we can choose ah?
#4: "Your nose looks bigger - I'm sure you're having a boy."
Thank you for insulting my looks when I'm already feeling like a bloated cow and having a hard time dealing with these unsightly rashes!
#5: "Oh, it's a girl? Are you going to try for a boy next?"
What does it matter to you whether I have a boy or a girl? And yes, I can totally choose the gender of my child, Einstein.
#6: "Why do you seem like you're having such a hard time? I was exercising, shopping and working till the moment I popped!"
Every pregnancy is different, woman! I'm also sure you were somersaulting, bungy-jumping and skiing till you delivered.
#7: "Your dress looks tight; why are you wearing such restrictive clothing? It affects your baby's growth and your baby will not be able to grow normally."
My baby is lying comfortably in my womb, protected by amniotic fluid, which has plenty of cushioning followed by my flesh and 7 layers of skin. And yes, I love suffocating myself so that I can turn blue while wearing my too-tight-for-comfort dress. I am so uncomfortable right now. Thanks for the observation.
#8: "Your feet/boobs/face look bigger than when I last saw you."
Duh. I'm just stuffing myself silly so I can upsize myself the next time we meet. Hope you're enjoying the view.
#9: "Now that you're pregnant you should eat for two. Be less choosy with food and just eat everything! And my sister says that eating more of those will make your child's eyes bigger."
We've probably all heard this from the smart aleck in our social circle. Yes smarty, I'm on a strict diet because I want to maintain my figure. And eating more of those will guarantee large eyes? I'm so glad you're not a school teacher.
#10: "Why are you on sick leave again? You're pregnant only what. Not like it's a terminal disease."
OUCH. This is a common one to come from employers. Well, if they don't mind you running to the washroom to puke your guts out every time you smell that packet of food a colleague opens, then great. Or if you need to lie down on the office sofa because your baby's kicking at your ribs... cool.
Be sensitive to expecting mums and don't say anything you wouldn't like being said to you if you were pregnant.
So, what kind of questions are suitable? Ask open-ended (and considerate) questions like, "How has it been?" or "How are the preparations coming along?"
Ladies, what are some of the worst things to say to pregnant mums? Share them with us below!