Written by Sarah Bourne Perillo for CTWorkingMoms.com
I've been pregnant for thirty of the past fifty-seven months, or approximately 53 percent of the time. If I were a baseball player, my batting average would shatter all records and clearly make me MVP. In addition to being pregnant for thirty months, I've breastfed for twenty months. So, since December 2007, I've had my body all to myself for a total of SEVEN months! I feel that entitles me to the right to complain about a few things, so here I go...
My family and friends have been very supportive and loving during my pregnancies, but there are some things I have heard (even from those I love most) that you really should never say to a pregnant woman:
Wow, you're pregnant again, did you PLAN this?
Wow, what a rude question, and guess what... even if I didn't plan it, I would never tell you, or actually admit out loud that this was a mistake!
Your boobs are huge!
Really! I hadn't noticed the two cantaloupes hanging from the front of my body that emerge from every camisole, tank top, sports bra, fitted top and corset known to man! They're big? Maybe that explains why I'm in pain every time I MOVE. Guess what, I have no control over it, so enjoy them while they last. And as a side note, it is not socially more acceptable to comment on someone's boobs than it is to comment on the size of one's ass, despite what people think. So the next time you tell me my boobs are big, be prepared for me to tell you your ass is.
You are definitely having a girl, look how you are carrying all over.
Ok, so you basically just said I was all-around fat. Thanks. There is a 50% chance you are wrong and I'm having a boy. If that's the case, will you then say to me, "Guess those were just love handles?"
You must be due any day now!
Or in two months, but thank you!
You look EXHAUSTED, you should get some rest.
Thank you for pointing out that I look like hell, but I have a toddler, a preschooler and a job. You try putting your feet up and resting with that amount of responsibility... HA!
Your belly is getting so BIG!
I'm pregnant, it's suppose to be growing. Enough said.
Are you staying cool in this heat?
My mascara is running down my face and my pit stains have now become flank stains, is that really an appropriate question to ask?
Are those maternity pants you are wearing?
Nah, they are just some other synthetic, stretchy waist pants in a horrible print that I got on clearance at Target.
Do you think that you will have another baby?
Right now I'm just trying to survive.
Well, you are just a lot bigger than she is normally.
Yes, this the response my husband gave me when I asked how I looked compared to another pregnant friend of ours. Guys out there reading this: it's NEVER okay to say this. Don't ever forget it!
To all the pregnant, working Mamas out there trying to survive this awful heat, let me know the obnoxious, rude and hysterical things you've been told or asked. I'm sending you all lots of baby love. Keep up the good work, it's worth it!
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1. Did you use fertility treatments? Are you sure you weren't taking anything?
2. You are going to be HUGE!
3. Having twins? You need a sympathy card!
4. You look good today. Some days you don't.
5. Turn around let me see if your back has spread.
6. Not so big today (with look of disappointment).
7. How old are you? Are you sure you didn't take anything.
8. What does your husband think?
9. What are you going to do?
10. You aren't going to try and breastfeed are you? Did you breastfeed the last one?
11. I had a feeling you were pregnant since your waistline is gone.
And more to come....I am just approaching my second trimester.
1. Are you married?
2. Is he going to marry you?
3. Are you gong to ask for child support?
4. Does your husband know it's not his?
5. Does your boyfriend know it's not his?
6. Why didn't you use birth control?
7. Are you going to get an abortion?
8. Will you be going on Welfare?
9. Will you be moving in with your Mother?
10.Who's going to watch the kid while you're at work?”
To a pregnant friend: "you look lovely, I hope you're feeling okay."
1. Really taking advantage of that FMLA, aren't you?
2. Don't worry, single mothers are accepted nowadays.
3. Yah, I'm sure you'll be able to lose that weight.
4. Lucky...now you don't have to work for months.
5. I wish I could take time off for a child...but I have a career.
6. The girls are getting together for Martinis tonight !
7. Wasn't your first child a special needs kid?
8. My boyfriend just got us a caribbean vacation...I'm bikini shopping later. Join?
9. Oh...are you catholic or something?
10. Oh, unplanned babies are such a blessing !
She could have gotten her boss' blessing beforehand. You don't know.
Is placing things on shelves while sitting on a stool more disrespectful than placing things on shelves while crouching?
Those men were being disrespectful, because it wasn't their place to comment in the first place.
Of course, if you know the lady, play to her sense of humor. If not, just stick to "Congratulations."
1. Are you married?
2. Is he going to marry you?
3. Are you gong to ask for child support?
4. Does your husband know it's not his?
5. Does your boyfriend know it's not his?
6. Why didn't you use birth control?
7. Are you going to get an abortion?
8. Will you be going on Welfare?
9. Will you be moving in with your Mother?
10.Who's going to watch the kid while you're at work?
My usual response? 'No, I'm not sure. My doctor and my ultrasound must be wrong. And you must be right. Thanks for letting me know!" Lol.