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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to think you don't ask women if they are pregnant

36 replies

Wellfedandfedup · 19/01/2023 16:06

I know this might come across as precious but it's more of an awareness post. I've been guilty of asking invasive questions in the past too, it wasn't until I had struggles with conceiving my second that I realised.

I've been asked twice in the space of a few months if I'm pregnant. I'm nearly overweight according to BMI, carry weight on tummy and breasts anyway and also have a fibroid. Both times were in front of other people. I've laughed it off but it's embarrassing and invasive. So please if you think a woman is pregnant, don't risk asking. Don't draw attention to us and force us to talk about our bodies. She may have even suffered a recent loss which she is keeping private. I know people mean well most of the time but what seems like an innocent question can actually really hurt.

I guess I'd better work harder at losing the baby weight too from DC2. It's hard for me as I always was thin and it's not coming off easily this time.

OP posts:
jtaeapa · 19/01/2023 18:11

It's rude AF

OutFortheBirds · 19/01/2023 18:15

YANBU
I could really cringe at my younger self asking people in the past and I’m still hurt by occasions when a family member asked me if I was pregs when I was 15 (I was vomiting due period sickness) and another one a few years later when I’d got beautifully dress up for an occasion, but had put on a bit of weight. It dragged me right down.

im pregnant now and don’t like people asking. Just leave me alone and stop surveying my body. I think about women who have non viable pregnancies which they are carrying. Those who might have to give the child up. Those who have uterine issues or can’t have kids. Those who just have round tummies. Leave them alone.

It’s an absolute NO way. You don’t know what the circumstances are for the person. Just mind your own business until the info is offered.

Applecottagetree · 19/01/2023 18:17

I was asked when I was due 1 week post partum while pushing my very tiny obviously newborn twins in a pram. Was a very odd conversation.

FTHC · 19/01/2023 19:38

Didn't someone once say
I'd rather see a pregnant lady stand, than make a fat lady cry...

Veenah · 19/01/2023 19:49

I was asked this in a work meeting a few days after miscarrying after IVF. When I said no, she tried to justify it by saying well you've been married a while, which upset me more. When I got visibly upset and said it wasn't a good time to have this conversation. She said "I didn't mean you've put on weight". Absolutely oblivious.

Wellfedandfedup · 19/01/2023 19:53

@Veenah I'm so sorry. What an insensitive person.

OP posts:
FTHC · 19/01/2023 20:18

Oh Veenah that's awful

BloodAndFire · 19/01/2023 22:36

Veenah · 19/01/2023 19:49

I was asked this in a work meeting a few days after miscarrying after IVF. When I said no, she tried to justify it by saying well you've been married a while, which upset me more. When I got visibly upset and said it wasn't a good time to have this conversation. She said "I didn't mean you've put on weight". Absolutely oblivious.

What an awful, insensitive, cruel comment. Sorry you had to deal with that at work.

readingismycardio · 20/01/2023 08:39

This is a question only stupid people ask.
Same for "when are you having a baby?". It's rude, unnecessary and can be hurtful. YANBU.

ChubbyMorticia · 20/01/2023 08:43

Unless you’re someone’s health care provider, their uterine occupancy status is none of your business.

TheGoogleMum · 20/01/2023 09:41

I am currently pregnant, I don't mind people realising when I am pregnant but agree it's awful if you aren't!
This time I looked very pregnant from a relatively early stage - I even had a stranger ask me what medication she could have with a cold seeing me in that aisle becuase she could see I am pregnant (I was around 5 or 6 months to be fair!). I thought it must have been very obvious to risk saying it to a stranger.

Once when buying a new car I mentioned I was on maternity leave and the salesman asked when the baby was due. I thought how stupid most of mat leave is after the baby why would he assume that? It was indeed after I'd had the baby so I wasn't very impressed

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