9 annoying things people do when you are pregnant or a new mum

9 annoying things people do when you're pregnant or a new mum

Pregnancy can be a stressful period for any expectant mum - never mind those who are experiencing it for the first time.

As well as the changes to your body, cravings, morning sickness and all those additional hormones floating around - plus the fact you've got a new life to look after - things other people do can add to your stress.

1. Bump touching

"Did I say you could touch my stomach? If I weren't pregnant, would you think you could invade my personal space? No? It's still not ok."

2. Back-handed compliments

You know the ones - those helpful, 'friendly' tips such as "you look tired, make sure you're getting enough sleep" and exclamations on the size of the bump - "you look huge for how far along you are" and "are you sure you're not carrying twins?"

You know they mean well, but it's not what you want to hear when you already feel huge, exhausted and over-emotional.

3. Terrifying labor stories

Yes, you know a human has got to come out of you. Yes, you know it will hurt. You really don't need to hear horror stories right before you live through it - it will only make you more nervous.

4. People giving your secret away

You opt for a soft drink instead of wine and suddenly your friends are loudly asking: "Why aren't you drinking? Are you PREGNANT?"

Cue an interrogation you have to lie your way out of.

5. Questions about cravings

Apparently this is something we get asked a LOT when we're expecting.

"Are you craving anything yet?", "Had any weird cravings?", "I used to eat gherkins all the time when I was pregnant!"

6. Questions about baby names

"What are you going to call the baby? You know, don't you? You're just not telling me... Oh, come on tell me, I won't tell anyone!"

7. Unsolicited advice

As soon as you tell people you're pregnant, they greet you with congratulations followed by a list of advice you didn't ask for and most probably already heard from the last person you told you were pregnant.

Sleep when the baby sleeps", "Are you looking after yourself?", "Are you taking vitamins?"

8. Early visitors

You've just given birth, you look a mess, haven't slept for two nights, your house is upside down and you've got piles of washing everywhere - which is when your second cousin decides to "pop in" to visit the baby.

Cue the frantic tidy-up around her while she does her best to wake up the newborn you've just got to sleep with her loud cooing.

9. Childless friends having social lives

Having a baby? Say goodbye to those friends who don't have kids and are still partying like they're students. You probably won't see them much anymore.

When your whole life revolves around a feeding and napping, you suddenly have much less in common with anyone who doesn't have babies.