Pregnant Woman Told By Colleague She Would Look 'Unprofessional' At Work Event Because Of Her Bump | HuffPost Life

😳

By

Life editor at HuffPost UK

A pregnant woman has shared her shock after a colleague commented that it would be “unprofessional” for her to attend a work event because she was expecting.

Mumsnet user Crapuccino, who is 25 weeks pregnant but “already looks ready to drop”, was having “general chit chat” with her colleague at work.

She explained that she had been invited to an “extremely prestigious” work event and was really nervous.

The exchange went: “Colleague: ‘Erm, you’re going to go?”, Me: ‘Sure, why?’

“Colleague: ‘Well you’re pregnant. Won’t it look a bit unprofessional?’”

The pregnant woman said she then “scarpered, wondering WTF just happened”.

“Anyone else had any really weird comments whilst pregnant?” she asked.

Yuri_Arcurs via Getty Images

Mumsnet

Mumsnet users were shocked at the comments the mum had received.

“People are just weird and often rude when you’re pregnant,” one person wrote. “I think they assume you’re public property.

“I remember in a pub having lunch I went to the bar and ordered two pints, wine and a cola and got raised eyebrows from the barmaid and she said: ‘You know you shouldn’t be drinking’. The cola was mine.”

Another wrote: “Unprofessional? How weird of her. You pregnant ladies should all be hidden away, why are you even at work? Haha, not.

“When I started telling people I was pregnant, three separate people asked me whose baby it was, despite the fact I’ve been with the same man for many years.”

Many mums commented on the post sharing their experiences of weird things people have said.

“I’ve been asked if we forgot to use contraception or did it just fail,” one person wrote.

Another wrote: “My mother said: ‘You can’t go out now you’re showing because everyone will know what you’ve been doing.’”

Another commented: “When a guy in my team at work heard the news, the first words of out his mouth were: ‘Wow how does your partner feel about it?’”

One mum added: “I’ve only had comments from GPs (more than one) along the lines of: ‘Is it the same dad as your daughter?’

“I hate the assumption that it’s not and I’m not sure I see the need to know either way.”

Did you get any strange comments when you were pregnant? Let us know in the comments below.

Before You Go

Pregnancy worries and words of comfort

I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)

You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )

I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)

This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )

I'll lose the baby(03 of10)

It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )

My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)

It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )

I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)

You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )

I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)

If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )

I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)

There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )

Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)

You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )

I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)

No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )

I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)

You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )

Suggest a correction

|