Stop the Conversation About Your Body During Pregnancy

“The moment you get pregnant, everyone becomes a medical professional and suddenly your body is a public discussion.” This is the reality many pregnant people face. Pregnancy is a deeply personal experience, yet it often turns into a public event where strangers, family, and coworkers feel entitled to comment, advise, and judge. This post explores why pregnancy should never become public property and how to handle unsolicited opinions about your body.

Welcome back to The Waddling Truth, where we remind you that growing a human does not make you community property.

When Pregnancy Became Public Property

Pregnancy seems to erase boundaries. Suddenly, your body is no longer just yours. Strangers feel free to comment on your belly size or shape. Family members track your growth like a weather report, and coworkers ask invasive questions about your medical history. All you did was get pregnant — you didn’t sign up for a TED Talk about your body.

This intrusion can feel overwhelming. People often forget that pregnancy is a private journey, not a public spectacle. The constant commentary can make you feel exposed and judged, even by those closest to you.

Things People Say That Should Have Stayed Thoughts

Some comments are so common they almost become clichés, but that doesn’t make them any less frustrating. Here are a few examples that many pregnant people hear repeatedly:

• “Are you sure you’re not having twins?”

• “Wow, you’re tiny!” or “Wow, you’re huge!” (both somehow wrong)

• “Just wait.”

• “When I was pregnant…”

• “That’s not how I did it.”

  
  

These remarks often come with an unspoken judgment or expectation. They don’t offer support or understanding — they just add pressure. The truth is, congratulations, you win absolutely nothing for enduring these comments.

Unsolicited Advice Hall of Fame

Pregnancy advice is rarely requested and never short. You might hear:

• “Don’t drink coffee.”

• “Drink more coffee.”

• “Sleep now.”

• “You should be enjoying this.”

• “Your body knows what to do.”

  
  

If your body really knew what to do, you wouldn’t be up at 2 a.m. Googling symptoms or worrying about every little change. Advice like this can feel dismissive or confusing, especially when it contradicts itself. It’s important to remember that no one knows your body better than you do.

Pregnant person sitting quietly on a park bench, surrounded by nature

The Body Comments

Pregnancy changes your body fast, and hearing constant commentary makes it harder to embrace those changes. People say you’re too big, too small, too tired, or too emotional. These comments can chip away at your confidence and make you feel like your body is on display for judgment.

Here’s the truth: No one gets to comment on your body — pregnant or not. You don’t owe anyone reassurance or explanations. Your body is yours, and it deserves respect and kindness, especially during pregnancy.

What We Wish People Would Say Instead

Instead of unsolicited opinions and advice, imagine hearing supportive and thoughtful words like:

• “How are you really feeling?”

• “Can I help you with anything?”

• “You’re doing a great job.”

• “I’m here if you need to vent.”

  
  

Sometimes, the kindest thing someone can do is simply listen or offer silence. Respecting boundaries and offering genuine support can make a huge difference in a pregnant person’s experience.

The Waddling Truth Moment

The waddling truth is this: You are allowed to set boundaries. You are allowed to say no to unwanted questions and comments. You are allowed to protect your body and your experience from public scrutiny.

Pregnancy is a time to focus on your health and well-being, not to endure endless commentary. Remember, your body is not public property — it’s your home for growing a new life.