Becoming a mother is an unforgettable, life-changing experience. Expectant mothers are excited to meet their bundle of joy and can’t wait to embark on this new journey.

Though pregnancy can be a joyous time for most, it can also be a sensitive period where certain comments can unknowingly cause discomfort or harm. Here are ten comments that you should keep to yourself around an expecting mother.

1. “Wow, you are huge!”

This comment might seem like a harmless observation, but it can make an expecting mother feel self-conscious or uncomfortable. Pregnancy brings many physical and hormonal changes that can affect a woman’s appearance.

Commenting on the size of someone’s baby bump can come off as insensitive and even be hurtful.

2. “Are you sure you’re not having twins?”

Similar to the previous comment, asking an expecting mother if she’s having twins can be hurtful. Women who are carrying multiples often feel more self-conscious about their appearance.

Commenting on the possibility of twins can come off as insensitive, especially if the mother is only carrying one baby.

3. “You look tired.”

Being pregnant comes with various sleep disturbances. Expecting mothers may experience trouble sleeping, waking up several times a night, or bouts of insomnia. It’s no surprise that they might look tired during their pregnancy.

However, commenting on it might make them feel like they look unappealing, which could lead to low self-esteem and anxiety.

4. “Are you sure you’re eating enough?”

Expecting mothers need to watch what they eat, but more importantly, they must avoid eating certain foods that might harm their baby. Commenting on their diet can come off as nagging or judgmental.

Many women already feel guilty about not eating enough or indulging in their cravings, so making comments about their eating habits can be hurtful.

5. “You shouldn’t be lifting that!”

Most people know that pregnant women should avoid lifting heavy objects, but some expectant mothers have little choice due to circumstances like living alone or requiring additional assistance.

Telling someone what they should or shouldn’t do can come off as belittling and make them feel like they’re incapable or incompetent.

6. “Are you going to have a natural birth?”

Childbirth is a highly personal decision for mothers, and everyone has different preferences and limitations. Many women aim to have natural childbirth, while others might opt for a c-section.

Asking about a mother’s preferred method can bring up feelings of anxiety or inadequacy if they’re not considering a natural birth.

7. “You look like you’re about to pop!”

Commenting on a woman’s appearance again not only makes them feel self-conscious about their body but also implies that they are almost done with pregnancy.

In most cases, women have a few weeks left until their due date, meaning that comments about popping can be insensitive or distressing.

8. “You should try this!”

During pregnancy, women receive plenty of advice on what to do and how to do it. The truth is, everyone’s pregnancy journey is different and may require specific recommendations from a doctor.

Offering unsolicited advice can be overwhelming and add to an expecting mother’s anxiety or stress levels.

9. “Sleep now, while you still can!”

This comment is another well-intentioned statement that can backfire on the speaker. Expecting mothers know that sleep is critical to their health and that of their unborn child. However, many factors can disrupt sleep patterns during pregnancy.

Telling someone to sleep while they still can, can be perceived as insensitive or even sarcastic.

10. “You want a natural birth? Good luck with that.”

Childbirth isn’t easy, but it doesn’t warrant belittling a mother’s choice. Expecting mothers need support and encouragement from loved ones, not sarcastic commentary.

Making negative remarks about someone’s preference can be detrimental to their well-being and cause unnecessary stress leading up to their delivery.