How To Deal With Weight Comments During Pregnancy
Whether you’re pregnant or have been in the past, you most likely agree that people love commenting on how pregnant women look.
From “You’re glowing!” to “You look great for being six months pregnant!”, we can only hope that people make these comments to encourage pregnant women and make them feel good.
While you’d probably prefer that the comments didn’t happen at all, there are a few approaches you can take to fend off people who just can’t help themselves.
In this post, we’re sharing some of the responses and ways you can react to unwarranted comments about your weight during pregnancy.
Respond with Humor
If you’re in a good mood or feeling silly, responding with humor is a great way to deflect and keep the conversation moving away from your weight and appearance.
“You’re so big — You must be carrying twins.”
Response: “Nope, there’s only one in there. But you should see me eat — I’m eating for at least 5!”
“Stand up so I can see how big you’ve gotten!”
Response: “OK, and then you can do the same so that we can compare weight gains.”
“Let me touch that big belly!”
Response: “Only if I can touch yours, too!”
Related post: Sharp & Nice Comebacks For Childfree Comments and Questions
Be Snarky Right Back
A little snark never hurts anybody, especially those commenting on your weight as you work hard to grow a human. They’re asking for it!
“You’re so big!” or “You’re so small!”
Response: “So are you, and I’m actually growing a human being! What’s your excuse?”
“Oh, it looks like you’ve started gaining weight. The baby must be healthy!”
Response: “I’ve never heard you comment on my weight before my pregnancy. Why are you suddenly so interested?”
“You should be careful with your weight gain. It can affect your baby’s health.”
Response: “How embarrassing for you to have just said that.”
Related post: Funny Comebacks For Parents When Someone Says You Look Tired
Stay Calm, Mom
When you’re feeling patient and understanding, you can try responses like these and even explain why comments about a woman’s weight are never acceptable during pregnancy (or ever).
“You really should try to watch how much weight you gain during pregnancy.”
Response: “I hope you’re trying to be helpful, but it actually makes me feel really bad when you comment on my appearance.”
“Look at that belly! You’re huge.”
Response: “Thanks for commenting on my appearance! My doctor is fine with how I look, and so am I.”
“You look so swollen and uncomfortable — you must be due soon.”
Response: “Thanks for caring about how I’m feeling. How are you doing?”
Related post: Savage Comebacks For Rude Pregnancy Comments
How To Make Dealing With Weight Comments Easier
No pregnant person should be subjected to comments on how they look while they’re growing a baby. There’s enough challenges during pregnancy without dealing with this kind of criticism. To make weight comments easier on you, here are a few ways to approach those unwanted conversations.
Change the subject.
As soon as you feel the conversation may be going towards your appearance, try to change the subject quickly. If you feel comfortable, be stern about not needing anyone’s opinion on your body, positive or not.
Lean on your partner.
If you’ve already been on the receiving end of weight comments and been hurt by them, ask your partner to help pivot the conversations when they come up. Maybe you’re less comfortable with his side of the family, so he can easily step in and change the subject.
Don’t acknowledge them.
Sometimes, you simply won’t have the energy or desire to engage with those who choose to comment on your body. This is completely fair and normal.
If it’s taboo to comment on someone’s weight in general, pregnancy shouldn’t make it any more acceptable. Feel free to either ignore the person entirely (this usually works best with strangers in public settings) or don’t even acknowledge any comments about your appearance. Hopefully, they will take the hint!
Related post: Comebacks For Unsolicited Parenting Advice
Wrap Up – How To Deal With Weight Comments During Pregnancy
Pregnant women should never feel like their weight or appearance matters, especially in the form of other people’s opinions.
Remember that you are beautiful, powerful, and capable of anything, no matter how you approach unwarranted comments on your weight. How you choose to respond to these rude and unnecessary statements is entirely up to you. Snark, humor, or any other response style is valid and well-deserved.
Whether it’s your mother-in-law or a stranger at Target, stand up for yourself and take pride in how powerful and adaptable your body is. Your body is doing something amazing and natural; how you look during the process is beside the point.
Find more tips on: How To Respond To Unwanted Parenting Advices
More comeback ideas: Funny Ways To Say You Aren’t Pregnant