What Not to Say to a Pregnant Woman

I don't know why I'm surprised -- maybe because I'm from Minnesota and we are, to a fault, careful not to say things that might possibly offend someone -- but I do find myself astounded at the lack of filter between people's minds and their mouths when conversing with a very pregnant woman.

I'm not mad, I promise.  I actually find it funny and am not offended in the least.  However, I really do not recommend asking a clearly uncomfortable and almost-there pregnant woman if she's having twins.  Or giggling when she says no, and then suggesting that maybe it's triplets instead.  Because at any minute, the raging pregnancy hormones could kick in, and laughter might not be her first response.  And even if I'm not offended, it really is kind of rude.  Do you think I don't look in the mirror every day and see how huge I am?  Or just look down and try to remember the last time I could see my feet without bending forward (which, by the way, is quite challenging at this point)?  Or notice that I have to practically take a running leap to get enough momentum to get myself into the truck? I am well aware that I am huge, but thank you for so pleasantly reminding me.

Another person also said to me, "Vai ser um bebé muito grande!"  That is, basically, "You're going to have a huge baby!"  While my doctor seems to agree with her (we'll know better after the upcoming ultrasound), it's still not anything I would ever say to any pregnant woman. 

What I find most comical is that, with the exception of one person, the WOMEN who have made these lovely comments/declarations all have children.  Ah, how easily we forget! 

I know these are not the worst comments I could receive.  I am well aware that some friends and family have experienced worse.  I am simply making the point that a little etiquette when speaking with a pregnant lady is definitely a good thing. 

Ironically, being in Portuguese class with a group of men since January has been just wonderful.  They never once complained about me setting the classroom thermostat at 65 degrees, always encouraged me to get plenty of rest, brought me cookies, offered advice on the most useful and most useless baby products, and told kind, understanding stories about their wives and kids.  Perhaps we women have a little something to learn men in this regard???!!!

P.S. In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit that I have received myriad supportive and caring comments from women in my life.  It's mostly women I don't know well (or at all) that have felt obliged to make the comments described above.