9 months

This is an informational post, a public service announcement if you will, for anyone who has never been pregnant.

As the 9th month of pregnancy approaches, something happens to a woman's phyche. We know that we are getting closer to delivery. The actual date is an unknown and out of our control. And we are achy and tired, really, really tired.

Because of these physical and mental challenges that we are up against, there are some things that people should just not say to or around pregnant woman at this stage.

1. Do not complain about your minor aches and pains. We are carrying around extra weight, we are swollen, we have a small human pushing at our internal organs, and we haven't slept a full night in weeks. Your headache may stink- but it doesn't compare to labor, so suck it up.

2. Do not stop and talk to us on our way to the restroom and expect to have a pleasant conversation. If we are entering a building or have just been in the car - get out of the way.

3. Never say, "You are getting so big!" or "You look like you are going to pop!" or "Your clothes are barely fitting!" (I actually got this one from a lady at church). These are completely inappropriate for this stage in pregnancy. We don't feel attractive, so just leave us alone.

4. Never say, "You are so tiny, I bet you'll go past your due date" (I got this one at church on the same day as the previous comment). Really?? Really?? This is what your are going to tell someone who is anxiously awaiting the day when they will meet their baby and start to feel human again?

5. Never say, "Oh, you've dropped, I'm sure you'll deliver any day now." I got this one at about 8.5 months. Um, not so much lady.

6. Never tell an expectant mother, especially before their first, "Your life will never be the same," and then shake your head. Hello, we have had 9 months to contemplate this, we are already anxious about the change.  Stick to the positive please.

7. Do not ask us how much weight we've gained as we are sitting down with a plate of dessert (Yes, the ladies at my church are ruthless).

Basically you are safer talking about your dog, football, work, the weather (actually leave that one out too - it can be a sore subject for those of us suffering through summer pregnancies), anything that doesn't have to do with our changing bodies and lives.

And if you must make a comment, stick with this one, "Wow, you look amazing." You really can't go wrong with that. Hope you have found this helpful and that the pregnant ladies in your lives will greatly appreciate your smart word choices!