Every year, as April Fools’ Day approaches, we are reminded of the troubling trend of fake pregnancy announcements circulating on social media. While many may see this as harmless humor, it can be devastating for those who have experienced pregnancy loss or are struggling with infertility. This so-called joke can inflict deep emotional pain on those who are already navigating their own heartache.
One mother, Sarah Thompson, shared her personal story of loss just days before April Fools’ last year, aiming to highlight the insensitivity of these jokes. Her heartfelt post quickly gained traction online, resonating with many who have faced similar struggles. “This is why your April Fools’ joke isn’t funny. This is why it’s not okay to joke about being pregnant. This is what it looks like to experience a miscarriage,” she wrote, accompanied by a poignant photo of herself holding a pregnancy test, visibly distraught.
Sarah recounted how she began spotting a week prior and, despite hoping for the best, realized that this time was different. “I dread lying down at night because the moment I do, I’m left alone with my thoughts. My mind finally confronts the painful reality, and all I can do is cry,” she expressed. “My eyes swell, revealing a pain deeper than just a broken heart. Crying so intensely that I feel numb and empty.”
Through her words, Sarah conveyed the indescribable grief of losing a child never met. “It’s a struggle to feel joy that your baby never knew anything but love while simultaneously missing someone you never got to hold. It’s a pain that’s hard to articulate. How can you grieve someone you never met?” she pondered. “Please think twice before sharing that April Fools’ joke. What seems like a fleeting laugh for you can leave a permanent scar on someone else.”
Her message is clear: joking about pregnancy is never appropriate. If someone wishes to play a light-hearted prank on a partner—provided it’s within the confines of privacy—it may be harmless. However, when such jokes appear on social media, they can cut deep for friends who are grieving a loss or battling infertility. There are countless other subjects we can joke about, so let’s be mindful and avoid causing unnecessary pain to others.
Fortunately, Sarah recently shared that she is now 30 weeks pregnant with a baby girl. Despite her excitement, she acknowledges that the pain of her previous loss will always remain. “Every trip to the bathroom fills me with anxiety, bracing myself for the blood. Every single time,” she revealed. Speaking to a parenting platform, she noted that her post resonated with thousands of women who reached out to share their own stories.
“Don’t suffer in silence; reach out to someone, even if that someone is me,” she advises. “Though the ache may linger, it does get better, I promise.”
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In summary, April Fools’ Day pregnancy jokes can be incredibly hurtful. They can reopen wounds for those who have faced loss or are struggling with infertility. Let’s be thoughtful in our humor and consider the feelings of others before hitting “post.”