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Message of the day: it’s not appropriate to comment on a woman’s body, at any point, EVER. For today’s
purposes, I want to talk about women who are pregnant (thread…)
purposes, I want to talk about women who are pregnant (thread…)
Some women show quickly, others don’t. Some babies carry low, others sit high. Some pregnancies cause a lot of weight gain, others don’t, but that extra weight is essential, no matter how much it is, to keep baby healthy.
Saying things like “wow, baby is big!”, “are you having twins?” or “you’re showing so much already” are
harmful. A woman’s body is already undergoing major changes, hormone levels are all over the map,
and you want to add to that stress by having the mom-to-be question how big
harmful. A woman’s body is already undergoing major changes, hormone levels are all over the map,
and you want to add to that stress by having the mom-to-be question how big
she is? NOT OKAY. Comments like “you don’t look pregnant” and “baby is so tiny” have the same effect. Now there’s concern that something may be wrong with the baby because she’s “not big enough”. Again, NOT OKAY.
One of the worst parts is who the comments come from. A 2019 study published in Social Science and Medicine found that the media, strangers and family members account for the top three sources pregnant women experience weight-related stigma from.
Read here for more: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/beauty-sick/201910/the-damaging-effect-commenting-pregnant-women-s-bodies
As a member of the media, this is extremely disconcerting to me. I’m equally, if not more concerned, about next two. Strangers that have the audacity to comment on a woman’s body WHO THEY DON’T KNOW. And family, who are supposed to be the biggest supporters, ranks third.
There’s opportunity for everyone to do better. I’ll never forget something my wife said to me years ago that’s especially applicable here: IMPACT is more important than INTENT.
Many people aren’t being hurtful or trying to cause more stress on purpose, but a lot of the time, that is the result. “Congratulations!” and asking how a mom-to-be is feeling are both appropriate responses. Any comment about her size is not.
And for the love of all that is holy, do not, under any circumstances, touch her stomach WITHOUT ASKING HER PERMISSION (end thread)
