By: Emma Green
Updated: Jan. 15, 2021
Originally Published: June 3, 2016
Upon discovering you’re expecting, it’s common to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. Brace yourself, though, because this newfound status often leads to unsolicited opinions and intrusive inquiries from complete strangers. Individuals who previously wouldn’t even make eye contact with you at the grocery store now feel entitled to offer parenting advice in the pet food aisle. You might even find yourself subjected to unsolicited belly rubs from enthusiastic passersby.
It’s perplexing how societal norms shift when pregnancy enters the conversation. Imagine strolling through the deli section and turning to a random woman, complimenting her outfit, only to begin rubbing her stomach. The potential responses range from shock to outrage, and she would undoubtedly think you were out of your mind. Yet, for some reason, this behavior becomes acceptable when someone is pregnant.
Fortunately, I tend to project a “do not engage” aura, especially during my second pregnancy when I was clearly exhausted and less inclined to entertain conversations. While I did have a few encounters with overly friendly individuals at the library, most people took the hint.
Then there are the relentless questions. During pregnancy, you’ll find yourself spending the majority of your time responding to inquiries, with little time left to relax on the couch with your favorite show—oh, how I miss those Netflix binges. Once your little one arrives, you might hope that the awkward conversations will subside, but instead, they simply evolve into new topics of discussion.
Post-baby, my body felt unrecognizable. I could only relate to Santa Claus—while my arms and legs returned to their previous shape, my midsection remained “jolly.” I now understood why Santa always wore that signature red suit; finding clothes that fit comfortably became quite the challenge. However, the postpartum period is universally awkward, regardless of how you choose to acknowledge it.
Allow me to share a recent experience that exemplifies the absurdity of it all. While at work in a healthcare center, I overheard a nurse, whom I appreciated for her dry humor, exclaim, “Are you already on baby number three? Trying to break a record?” As I felt my face flush, I attempted to clarify, “Not pregnant, just carrying a few extra pounds. Haha.” Unfortunately, she didn’t catch my response and continued to speculate about my supposed pregnancy, leaving me scrambling for a graceful exit.
The postpartum struggles are real; I received congratulations for being pregnant on at least 30 occasions in the year following the birth of my second child. Thus, I’ve compiled a few humorous responses for when someone mistakenly assumes you’re expecting:
- Them: “When is your due date?”
You: “I’m due for some self-care at 9 a.m.” - Them: “How many months along are you?”
You: “I’m 360 months old!” - Them: “Congratulations!”
You: “Thanks! I wasn’t sure I’d finish that burrito, but I managed!” - Them: “Is it a boy or a girl?”
You: “It’s a gluten intolerance I developed from two years of pregnancy. So, enjoy that.”
The silver lining is that these lighthearted moments make the physical and emotional challenges of motherhood worthwhile. Each laugh shared is a reminder of the joy that comes with raising children, even in the face of awkwardness.
In a world where mothers often feel pressured to hide the evidence of their journey, I embrace the marks of motherhood as badges of honor. After all, I brought two incredible beings into this world, and I have earned the right to be proud of that.
For further insights into the pregnancy journey, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy. If you’re interested in learning more about starting your own family, this piece on couples’ fertility journeys is a great read. Additionally, consider exploring fertility supplements to support your journey.
Summary
This article discusses the unexpected interactions that arise from pregnancy and postpartum experiences, offering humorous responses to common misconceptions about body changes. It encourages embracing the journey of motherhood and the physical changes that accompany it, while providing resources for those exploring their own family-building journey.
SEO Metadata
Keyphrase: Navigating Pregnancy Assumptions
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]