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?”

Although pregnancy and weight gain DO go hand in hand, it is STILL hard for many of us to watch the numbers go up on the scales and to see our weight increasing to numbers that we haven’t seen on the scales previously.

Of course it’s absolutely imperative that we DO gain weight to support a healthy baby, however there ARE things that we can do now to minimise our unnecessary weight gain during pregnancy.

In other words, consume what’s necessary for both you and your baby, but do so in a smart way. Don’t just give in to your cravings and eat whatever you want, whenever you want. TAKE CHARGE of your weight by learning HOW to expend MORE calories in your day.

The key is to eat SMALLER, more frequent meals throughout the day!

Why, because it allows for…

1) a slow steady burn of calories;

2) it reduces your overall appetite, cravings and binges during your pregnancy;

3) it speeds up your metabolism via the thermic effect of food; and

4) it’s a great help for indigestion because you’re now eating throughout the day and NOT eating a HUGE late night dinner which is a massive indigestion AND fat trap)!

As strange as it sounds, the MORE times a day you eat, the MORE you will boost your metabolism, deliver nutrients to your baby and avoid unhealthy food cravings!

Try eating half of a sandwich, cup of soup or a yogurt and fresh fruit for a snack. Remember your objective is to RE-FUEL as often as possible.

Aim to eat every 2 to 3 hours and you’ll definitely increase your calorie burning potential whilst pregnant and soon re gain your pre-pregnacy weight and body once your baby is born..