There has been a recent survey looking at how we make decisions, both big and small and whether men and women tackle the process differently. It highlighted some interesting findings.

The study of 2,000 people found that men were more likely to rush in and make a decision straight away without asking advice. Whereas women were more likely to consider the opinions of friends and took their time. With this extra thought before making decisions however it led to many women thinking about their decisions again later and are more likely to regret their choice.

A quarter of those surveyed found it easier to make big decisions than small ones, relying on their gut instinct for life changing decisions such as buying a house but agonising over buying shoes.

This may explain why so many of us think that we know we have met ‘the one’ within minutes of a first encounter.

1. Was it planned?

Does it really matter? Whether it was planned or not, she’s obviously sharing the news because she’s happy and excited about expecting a baby  and not because she wants to answer to nosy people. Questioning her decision-making is unnecessary (and kind of rude). What to say instead: “Congratulations, kids are great!”

2. You look like you’re ready to pop!

The last thing a woman who is very pregnant wants to hear is how big she looks. She’s already frustrated and tired of being pregnant and reminding her of this isn’t good for anyone. What to say instead: “How are you feeling?”

3. Can I touch your belly?

What she’s thinking: I don’t even know you!) Unless you’re a close relative or friend, this is just awkward for her. Just because a woman is pregnant doesn’t make her belly community property. What to say instead: “Wow, you look great! What a cute belly!”

4. You shouldn’t be eating/drinking that!

(What she’s thinking: Thanks Dr. Stranger, but I’ll eat and drink whatever I please and if you get in the way, you may lose a finger.) Pregnant women are well aware of their new dietary recommendations and restrictions and if you don’t trust she’s making wise decisions, keep it to yourself.What to say instead: “Boy, does that look delicious!”

5. I never had morning sickness!

All pregnancies are different, so bragging to a mother who is sick as a dog about your lack of pregnancy symptoms is downright insensitive. What to say instead: “How have you been feeling? Any morning sickness?”  This is a personal favourite no no of mine as I was so so sick!!!

 6. I was ripped from end to end!

This falls into the horror story category. Like pregnancy, giving birth is different for every woman. And the fact is, most women don’t end up “ripped from end-to-end” — one bad experience shouldn’t set off panic in the mind of a new mother! What to say instead: “I had a rough experience, but not all women go through what I did.”

7. Get an Epidural

Deciding how and where to give birth is extremely personal — it’s about what she wants, not what other people think she should want. Though hospital settings and epidurals are mainstream, not every mother chooses to go that route. Questioning her decision to do something you didn’t gives her zero credit for making an educated decision. What to say instead: “I decided to get an epidural because…but everyone is different.”

8. Are you still with the father?

But may think it but don’t ask unless the information is volunteered.

9. Unkind Comment

“I was about 8 months pregnant when a co-worker said to me: ‘Wow, Can you even see your feet anymore?’ Thanks. And, no I couldn’t see them anymore. I was crushed.”

10. And there are just some things you don’t say!

“I had someone tell me that they couldn’t picture me as the mother of a girl. How do you even respond to that?”