4 Things NOT To Say To An Overdue Pregnant Woman

There is something extra special about pregnancy that we just don’t talk about enough… Pregnancy has a tendency to eliminate all filters. The filter on the pregnant mama herself and the filter on everyone she comes in contact with! Random strangers (and even people you know!) are willing to say the most inappropriate things when they realize a woman is pregnant. And in case you weren’t aware, it gets even worse when pregnant mama becomes an overdue pregnant mama.

I have a 100% track record of being an overdue pregnant woman and have heard my fair share of inappropriate comments. So with that in mind, here are a few things I recommend NOT saying to a mama-to-be as she approaches the 40-week mark and beyond.

Still no baby?

Oh didn’t you hear? I had her a few days ago. It is just fun to stuff a pillow in my shirt and keep the baby at home to mess with people!

I know people are just trying to make conversation. And it seems like such a simple statement, but as soon as that 40 week of pregnancy mark comes and goes, it becomes a stabbing little remark. One that should probably not be vocalized. Especially since it is VERY obvious that I have not yet had the baby.

Have you tried {insert all the things here}?

Yes. I’ve tried all of the things. And here’s the kicker- unless my body is truly ready to go into labor, no amount of sex, spicy foods, or curb walking will suddenly induce labor.

I know that people are just trying to be helpful. But, in the day and age of Google, chances are every overdue pregnant woman with a smartphone has already looked up every method of naturally inducing labor and tried most of them. Maybe even all of them! (I have always drawn the line at castor oil. No way, no how!)

You’re huge!!

Never ok. Like, never ever ok. And while we’re at it, let’s eliminate all variations of this! I don’t need to hear that I look like I’m about to pop. I’m not a bubble. No popping will be happening here. I don’t need any comments on my size or readiness to deliver. Tell me I’m beautiful and buy me pretty things.

I can’t believe your doctor is letting you go late!

I might be the only person that finds this annoying, but only because my doctor isn’t “letting” me do anything! I’ve done the research. I’ve discussed the situation with my midwife. My baby and I are both being monitored and we are both healthy. By waiting and let my body do it’s thing naturally, I have been blessed with very easy deliveries and recoveries. Trust that I am taking good care of myself and my baby. And for the record, 38-42 weeks is a totally normal range for babies to be born.

Being pregnant is hard. Being overdue is really hard. But as hard as it is, I am so grateful that I waited it out and let my babies come on their time instead of mine.

To my mamas who are overdue… my heart goes out to you! I know those final weeks of waiting feel so difficult. You are beyond ready to be done with the aches and pains. Ready to meet the sweet baby you have carried for now TEN months. But, I can promise you that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And when you look into the eyes of your newborn baby for the first time, it is 100% worth every minute of the wait.

 

Looking for some post-40-week mark birth stories? I’ve got some good ones for you! Read Turner’s 41+6 birth story here and Lincoln’s 41+5 birth story here!

**Special thanks to Lauren Iwen of Lauren Iwen Photography for helping me out with these fun photographs!**