Dealing with Unsolicited Pregnancy Advice

So the test is pink, it has two lines or some other equally significant “YOU’RE PREGNANT!” indicator. You read every book you can, you Google all of the pregnancy issues imaginable and start thinking about how your life is getting ready to change.

Once you reach that comfortable time in your pregnancy (many people wait until the 10-12 weeks mark), you want to tell the world! Having a baby is exciting, especially when it’s your first. But you soon realize that the more people that know, the closer your every move is watched. I like to refer to these people as the Pregnancy Police.
You know the ones – they can’t keep their opinions to themselves, they’re confident that they know what’s best for you and they shoot you those extremely disappointed glances.

Early on in my pregnancy, a woman once told me that is was bad for the baby if I

had any carbonated drinks during my pregnancy. Much to my surprise, when I told my doctor that I was having a hard time getting through the effects of morning sickness, he recommended I drink a carbonated beverage like ginger ale!
It’s very important to do some in-depth research of your own on the do’s and don’ts of pregnancy. If you depend on other moms and dads for your information, you will get varying “facts.” Your best friend may tell you that you must avoid any and all alcohol, while your mother-in-law swears that a glass of wine a week will make for a happier and healthier pregnancy.

The best source of information – your doctor. Obstetricians have spent years studying pregnancy, staying up-to-date on the most recent medical information and most of all, dealing with a lot of nervous moms-to-be. Reading up on articles and books written by other medical doctors is also a good idea.

The most effective way to ward off the Pregnancy Police is to be informed. When that well-meaning co-worker disapproves of your cup of coffee in the morning, it will feel good to say, “Actually, my doctor says it’s fine for me to have a cup of coffee in the morning as long as I limit my caffeine intake throughout the day.” If it’s someone you like or respect, you may want to follow that with, “but thank you very much for your concern.” If not, give the politest smile you can muster and walk away.

An important thing to remember is not to agree with someone just to get them to stop hassling you. The opposite will occur and it will only make them feel welcome to give you more advice the next time they see you. A good response to something you’re not absolutely sure about is “Hmm, I haven’t heard that before. I will check with my doctor when I go see him next week.”

Always keep in mind that this is ultimately your pregnancy and your baby. The needs of mommy and baby need to be balanced. A healthy and happy mommy makes for a healthy and happy baby!