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“Let me see your bump!” “Can’t wait to see your bump,” or “Look at that bump!” are phrases that will sound familiar if you’re pregnant or recall your own pregnancy journey.
It’s an exhilarating time, and as soon as you start showing, there’s a tangible excitement. Initially, a positive test result or early symptoms might be all that confirms your pregnancy. But when your belly finally starts to show, it’s undeniable evidence—proof, before the baby’s kicks and detailed scans, that there’s truly a new life growing inside.
However, showing also opens the door to comments, often from strangers or casual acquaintances, who seem ready to offer opinions on your changing body shape.
There’s really no other situation where unsolicited remarks on a woman’s body are so freely given—generally, people refrain from telling others they’ve gained weight (although weight loss often garners praise). Yet, during pregnancy, it seems like everyone has something to say about your body, even those who barely know you.
A quick survey among friends confirmed this: many women experience comments on their size and shape from around 15-40 weeks, typically either remarking on how “HUGE” or “TINY” they look.
“You hardly look seven months pregnant!” one friend was told, while another heard, “Wow, that bump is huge—are you sure you’re not having twins? Ha ha!” Ha ha, indeed.
Yes, some of us enjoy the extra attention and care that often come with pregnancy, and that’s wonderful. But for many women, body image is sensitive territory, and constant commentary on size from others can feel overwhelming.
And it’s not just casual observers—sometimes, fellow moms are the most frequent commentators. Perhaps they didn’t mind the remarks when they were pregnant, or maybe they’ve forgotten how it felt.
Many women express feeling judged, questioning their choices based on comments from others. If everyone says you look “enormous,” that breakfast muffin might suddenly seem like a misstep. Conversely, if you’re told you’re “tiny,” there can be a nagging sense of inadequacy. Then there’s the looming presence of online articles discussing the pressures of “bouncing back” after birth.
It’s wonderful when people want to share in your joy about the baby on the way. But it would be even better if they could resist passing judgment on every pregnant body—they’re already adjusting to a host of changes.
Each body is unique: some petite women appear larger simply because of their small frame, while many average-sized individuals don’t show much until around 25 weeks, especially with their first pregnancy. Commenting on size, regardless, often amplifies self-consciousness, adding to the mix of valid concerns pregnant women already navigate, from birth plans to maternity leave.
So, let’s try to be more considerate about size. It would mean a lot.
