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08-2-2009 - You're So Small!!

My mood while writing this blog: Ok

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We were all chatting about this the other day in the chatroom...

You’re So Small!

So I have received lots of (mostly unsolicited) advice since becoming pregnant. And I usually let it roll off my back. However, there is one comment I have frequently heard that is the equivalent of nails across a chalkboard. And that comment is:

“YOU’RE SO SMALL!”

Then I am molested with belly rubs that I do not want.

One of the reasons I take this so personally is because I infer people are telling me that my baby is a runt and I’m not giving him proper nutrition. Furthermore, I have gained almost 40 pounds and I certainly do not FEEL small.

I've learned that a pregnant woman can carbo-load and the baby won't necessarily gain weight. A fetus needs protein and other nutrients too. So a woman could have gained 70 pounds, but still have a small baby. Therefore, weight gain or lack thereof is no indication of the health or size of the baby.

I guess common sense just goes out the window when there is a pregnant woman around. For example, people also feel free to tell me every horror story they've ever heard about labor and childbirth. Sheesh. BUT, they'll leave me to struggle with my bag when I'm flying on an airplane or not give up a seat for me on the employee bus. Why am I invisible at those times when I really need help?!!! Where are the touchy-feely, grabby hands then?

What is it about pregnancy that people feel they have the right to comment on our weights? I would never make a comment (to someone’s face) about their girth, pregnant or not!!!

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7 Comments on You're So Small!!


lyssie - Wednesday, 4 Mar
I hate when people comment on our weight! I gained 42 pounds last time and I had a friend who actually called me fat! She would say it all the time and all different sorts of rude ways! AHHH so rude! I was small preprego so I guess she was just so shocked to see me with a belly and, yes, some fat too. Leave me alone!

preggiebelly - Sunday, 15 Feb
Oh.... I certainly understand. I get the same comment all the time.
People ask "When are you due?"..... I tell them and then the responses are always the same:
"NO WAY!", "YOU CAN"T BE THAT CLOSE... YOU"RE SO TINY", "YOUR BABY MUST BE TINY!"
It's all very annoying.
I suppose I'd rather people tease me about being small though than make jokes about me being really big. The comments have been aggrivating all along but now that I'm nearing the end.... I think I might actually miss them. ??
But.... I think I'll be much happier seeing people staring at my baby rather than my belly. :)

stargazer530 - Friday, 13 Feb
Reverse that (OMG you're huge!) and I know exactly how you feel. I have yet to understand the whole a woman is pregnant so every aspect of her appearance, life, medical status, etc is open to the general public to question and comment on. Everyone keeps telling me that I just don't understand, that it's just how people are and everyone gets excited over a baby. And I keep refusing to accept that explanation. People suck and are seriously rude and thoughtless is my explanation. And I don't think you're small...or huge...you look just right to me!

FireDancer254 - Monday, 9 Feb
Haha! I have the exact opposite problem you do! I am only 5'2 and I have a short torso, so all I hear is "OMG how many babies are in there!?!?" People just don't get that when you are short like I am there is only just so much room in there for the baby to go, so out it is, hence the big belly :-P Luckily I haven't had too many strangers try and rub my belly....I've found that when someone stops me and asks me about it I usually make a concious effort to put my own hands on my stomach, that way I can kinda block them from reaching out! haha! Anyways, you look great in all your pictures, so you gotta just learn to ignore all those weirdos : )

As for the horror storries I haven't gotten too much of that, only if that person has had a baby themselves then they always have to tell you how long they were in labor and whether they were early or late, etc. and I just kinda nod along like I'm interested. I've gotten more of the "advice" than anything. Ya know, the same old "don't buy so many clothes they outgrow them so fast" kind of stuff! I know they mean well, but after you hear it like the 1000th time, you kind of just want to pull your hair out! I've made myself take a vow that when I have someone I know who is pregnant, I will not give them any advice, suggestions, stories, etc. unless they specifically ask me for them!

knocketup - Monday, 9 Feb
You are so right that weight gain doesn't determine the baby's size. I gained 28 with my first and he was 8'11, gained 40 with my daughter and she was 6'11. I have gained 18 so far with this one so I will probably end up with a 12 pound baby!

klo0426 - Monday, 9 Feb
These comments are coming from ignorant people. Most people are so use to pregnant women turning into "waddleing blimps". If these people had common sense then they would realize not every woman is built the same, so of course they aren't going to show the same. As long as you and your baby are healthy that's all that matters.

prettypenny - Sunday, 8 Feb
Amen sister!