You’ve got through the first trimester and announced your exciting news to family, friends and colleagues.
But, chances are, you’re feeling vulnerable and still trying to get your head around the prospect of impending parenthood. And that’s when the questions begin.
Be prepared for: The five most intrusive things you’ll be asked during pregnancy. Here's a handy list so you can prep your best retorts ahead of schedule:
1. “Was it planned?”
Most likely to be asked by: The girl who sits beside you at work.
This one will floor you for its stratospheric levels of inappropriateness. Your own mother probably wouldn’t ask you that question so pointedly. It’ll most likely be said with a concerned hand on the arm, beside the office kettle, lobbed into a conversation about last night’s Great British Bake Off, hoping you might be stunned into confiding in her.
Your response should be: “What did you say about that soufflé?” Ignoring this one is probably the best policy.
2. “Have you thought about the birth at all?”
Most likely to be asked by: Your best friend, who’s known you since you were 12.
Your friend means well but you’re still trying to get your head around telling people your news and all you want from your oldest pal is an excited squeal, a hug and massive congratulations. You don’t want your bubble burst by terrifying reality.
Your response should be: “Only all the time. But let’s not talk about that yet.” She’ll understand your honesty.
3. “What names are you thinking?”
Most likely to be asked by: Your sister
Your sister knows you better than anyone. But don’t forget that potential baby names are a shared idea between you and your partner. Your sister may laugh uproariously when you say that you want to call your child Sailor, not knowing that it has special significance to your partner and their family.
Your response should be: “We don’t want to say yet. It’ll be a surprise.” Your other half will thank you for keeping this one to yourself.
4. “Are you getting him or her Christened?”
Most likely to be asked by: One of your parents
In the past, it was just assumed that children in Ireland would automatically be baptised, but with more and more people turning away from the Church, it’s an intensely personal choice about what you decide for your child.
Your response should be: “We haven’t talked about that yet.” Put the emphasis on the ‘we’ and they should get the message.
5. “Have you put their name down for a crèche or school yet?”
Most likely to be asked by: The wife of your partner’s colleague
It’s more likely to come from someone who already has kids. They think they’re doing you a favour by giving you an insight into the ever-competitive world of parenting when you’ve only just announced that you’re expecting. But again, this is your decision and something you and your partner need to arrive at together.
Your response should be: “We were thinking of home schooling, actually.” They won’t know how to take that one.
What rather rude questions were put to you during your pregnancy? Let us know on Twitter @HerFamilydotie.
