10 Things NOT to Say to a Pregnant Woman Past Her Due Date

I just checked out the Bower Power Blog to see how Katie was doing and see if there was any news on the arrival of Baby Bower #2. As you may know we have a huge pool with some prizes going on. So, Katie is now 2 days past her due date, and I had been thinking about contacting them to see if there was an update. But let’s be honest, what exactly can you ask an expectant mother who is past her due date? And after reading her post here, I’m glad I didn’t ask.

I’m sure Katie, like other expectant mothers, has gotten the usual text messages, e-mails and in-person questions: How’s it going? Any contractions yet? When do you think the baby will come? Will you induce?? etc. etc.

Obviously, I’ve never been pregnant, but I know my wife had the usual questions and comments as she got closer and closer to her due date. With both of our  kids, they were a little early. With Kyler, the doctor ordered an induction because Ashley’s blood pressure was shooting up (after being high for months). With Ella, she starting having serious contractions early and they helped her along with some medication. I know some people would argue against medical intervention, but that’s a discussion for another time. Now, I just want to list a few things you should never say to a pregnant woman past her due date:

10. I know you’re ready to pop!

Yes. She has a human being growing inside her body. It’s been over 280 days now. She literally feels like she will pop any second, but she doesn’t want to hear about it … Don’t say that.

9. Now when was your due date again??

If you don’t know it – don’t ask. At this point, she’s heard this question a few trillion times. Besides, you should be participating in her baby guessing game on WhatsInMyBelly.com and you can check there. (Sorry, had to do it!)

8. Any news yet?

When you’re waiting on a baby, that’s pretty significant news. Children kind of change your life a little bit. So, you (and everyone) will know when there is any significant news. That’s why daddy-to-be has a cell phone. He’ll be calling/texting/e-mailing/Facebooking as soon as there is something to say. And (assuming everything goes well), mommy will be doing the same. You’ll know when you know. Enjoy the wait.

7. Wow, your belly is huge!

Keep this one in your head. Always. Not just after the due date. Always. Trust me.

6. Are you sure it isn’t twins?

Re-read #7.

5. The baby will come when he/she is ready

I know. You’re trying to say something that might make mommy-to-be feel a little better. This isn’t it.

4. You should do some jumping jacks

By week 39, Ashley had already starting taking walks and doing any safe activity she could to move things along. I’m no doctor, but these things don’t do much of anything to bring a child into the world any earlier than normal. Play it safe, and just keep your clever baby-birthing suggestions to yourself.

3. When will you be induced?

Most doctors won’t induce until 42 weeks. Before that, there would have to be a medical reason. So, that question is answered, and you don’t need to ask it.

2. At least you’re getting a few more days of rest

If you make this comment, you obviously haven’t spent the night beside a pregnant woman. By this point, she’s not getting much rest. She’s in constant discomfort because a human being is growing inside her body. And even if that weren’t the case, she’s ready to meet her new child and would gladly sacrifice a few days of rest to be done with the pregnancy.

1. Are you sure the baby is ok? My friend was past her due date and (insert horror story)

The other questions so far have been annoying. This one is annoying and frightening. Mom (and dad) to-be have already had nightmares of the 1 in a million chance of their story being the bad one. Every parent goes through that. Don’t add to it.

 

So, with that, I do have one thing to say. To Katie, and any other pregnant ladies out there who are past their due date, we are thinking about you and praying for you and we wish you the best. We are all excited for you and can’t wait to meet the baby!

 

 

Tags: Bower Power Blog, due date, pregnancy, what not to say