For many of us who are or have been pregnant, it can feel like a unique moment in life where you’re treated like a star. Strangers beam at you, hold doors open, and in dire bathroom situations, you can skip the line! But similar to celebrities facing their own set of challenges (looking at you, Taylor Swift!), pregnant individuals also encounter a range of common annoyances — primarily from other people. Here’s a rundown of the ten most bothersome types you might meet:
- The Pregnancy Detective: This individual has an uncanny knack for spotting a baby bump from a mile away. If you’re still trying to keep your pregnancy under wraps, avoid dining out with a Pregnancy Detective. Whether you skip the wine or ask for your steak well-done, they’re bound to loudly interrogate you about your baby status.
- The Celebrity Due Date Twin: You’ll never meet them, but their presence in tabloids is inescapable. This is the glamorous actress or singer who shares your due date, and you’ll see her everywhere, flaunting her “perfect” post-baby body just weeks after giving birth. It’s a constant reminder that, in the celebrity world, everything seems effortless.
- The Chill Pill Distributor: These folks just want you to relax and enjoy the ride. They downplay any concerns about things like alcohol consumption or food safety. “Have a drink! I did, and everything turned out fine!” they insist, blissfully ignoring your need for caution. Conversely, there are those who have memorized every detail from pregnancy manuals. Avoid ordering a cup of coffee around them unless you want a lecture on caffeine.
- The Name Claimant: This is often your least favorite friend who plans to name her future kid something you might consider. “Don’t you dare name your baby Ava! That’s our name!” she insists. Even if you weren’t planning on that name, just wait for the fireworks if you tell her you might use it.
- The Belly Toucher: You know this person all too well! They can’t resist the urge to rub your baby bump, regardless of how well they know you. If you wouldn’t hug them normally, don’t touch the belly! If you don’t even remember their name, hands off!
- The Gender Predictor: By merely looking at you, they’re convinced they can determine the sex of your baby. They’ll base their guess on everything from your glow to how you’re carrying. They love to brag about their supposed accuracy, which is only right half the time.
- The Gloomy Gus: You might recall the character from Saturday Night Live — a perfect description of those who love to share horror stories about pregnancy and childbirth. Be prepared to hear about every nightmare scenario that could happen while you’re pregnant.
- The Inquisitive Interrogator: They bombard you with personal questions: “How much weight have you gained?” “Was this planned?” “Are you going to breastfeed?” These queries can be invasive and leave you feeling vulnerable.
- The Twin Teaser: “Are you sure you’re not having twins?” is a classic annoying question. It’s often asked by well-meaning folks who think they’re being funny. This question ranks high on the list of irritating pregnancy comments, especially when it suggests you’re larger than expected.
- The Oblivious Bystander: If you’re trying to keep your pregnancy under wraps during your first trimester, you might encounter people who can’t help but comment on how you look. Whether you’re feeling sick, tired, or just off, their cluelessness can be the most exasperating of all.
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In summary, while pregnancy can feel like a time of celebration, it often comes with a cast of characters that can test your patience. From those who pry into your personal life to those who think they know everything about your baby, navigating these interactions can be a challenge. Embrace the journey, and remember you’re not alone in this experience!