Does anyone else feel like this is their life all day every day at the moment? I just needed a proper rant to expel some of the pent up frustration. Is it just me? Or do 90% of people love to make pregnant women feel bad?
It’s rude to comment on other people’s weight. It is not necessary to do so, and it might upset them, so we don’t do it.
So answer me this: why did I (and thousands of other women) become fair game the moment I became pregnant? You wouldn’t dream of telling a woman you knew that she’d gained a few pounds. But a pregnant woman? They frickin’ love that stuff! Knock yourself out!
Just in case you’re not hearing the frustration and sarcasm in my words – we don’t. I’ve had enough of strangers passing comment on my size.
Here’s a round up of just some of the comments I’ve had since it became evident I was expecting again.
“How long have you got left? Are you sure? Have you perhaps got your dates mixed up? You’re huge!”
“You look bigger every time I see you!”
“Stand back everyone! She’s not going to fit through otherwise!” snigger
“Are you sure there’s not two in there?”
Interestingly, I have told strangers on a few occasions that I am indeed expecting twins (I’m not) and I’m met each time with the same response. It’s a sort of disappointed “oh, right”, which sort of proves that the person making the comment wanted you to say “no, just one” so that they could make you feel bad for being so huge.
Now believe me, I am fully aware that I have a huge bump. My midwife has confirmed that my bump measures well above the 90th percentile. I have a mirror. I’m not an idiot. I looked exactly like this the first time I was pregnant. My mum says she did too. It’s just genetics.
Last time it took me ten days to lose the weight I’d gained in pregnancy. This time around, I’ve actually gained a little less weight. I honestly can’t help the way my body decides to make the next little miracle to arrive on this planet – I’m just pointing out, I suppose, that it’s not my fault. (I’ve just realised I’m defending myself, and that perhaps makes a point in itself – if I need to explain why I’m getting rounder, that perhaps indicates I’ve received one too many negative comments).
Sorry about the rant – I just needed to vent. I’m so totally sick of every conversation I have being about how monstrously big I am. It’s monotonous and tiresome and rude.
To sum up I’ll paraphrase Bridget Jones: you seem to go out of your way to make me feel like a complete whale. And you really needn't bother: I already feel like a whale most of the time anyway.
drops mic