Dealing with Unsolicited Advice and Opinion During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the stage where a woman's entire life as well as her body is changing. Not only is her body experiencing various changes in a short period of time but the realization and thoughts that her life will never be the same began to set in as well, per Very Well Family. Consequently, many expectant moms may doubt and question their abilities as a parent or begin to wonder if they have what it takes.

Such self-questioning can establish high levels of anxiety particularly if they are being bombarded with suggestions, information, and ideas on almost everything from breastfeeding and cloth diapers to what to eat and what to avoid and whether they should stay at home.

As an outcome, it is not surprising that while sometimes well-intentioned, the unsolicited pregnancy advice that others give without carefully thinking can start to make an expectant mom's head spin. Thus, if you find yourself in a similar situation, rest assured that you are not the only one experiencing these things as an almost pregnant mom has experienced some unsolicited advice at least once during her pregnancy.

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Why do some people give unsolicited advice?

Ignoring the barrage of unsolicited advice and opinions you receive from others is hard to ignore particularly when there's a tone of judgment or shaming in certain remarks. In today's digital era where the internet became an outlet for mom-shaming and soon become a sport, an expectant mom is usually bombarded with trends and tips as soon she surfs the internet and opens her browser. Rather than being surrounded by a supportive and loving community of family and friends, pregnant moms are drowning in a deluge of voices suggesting tips on Dos and Don't during pregnancy.

It's as if those people sometimes forget that there is also a person with emotions attached to that protruding belly. Sadly, many feel it is their right to give certain comments on almost everything from a mom-to-be's weight, shape, gender of the baby, and even the size of the baby bump. Many also feel that it is just right to laugh on such matters as they consider those acceptable, thus, they make jokes and would ask you totally inappropriate questions you think won't ever make sense. However, it's worth remembering that the main key to dealing with all of this unsolicited advice and opinions is to remind yourself where it is all actually coming from.

Debbie Thompson, pediatric nurse practitioner and a neonatal specialist at Children's Medical Center, Dallas, told WebMD that there are many people who want to direct you on how to be a good mother but remember that every child is unique.

Some just want to share their experience

Expectant moms must also know to distinguish helpful advice and unsolicited advice Thompson noted that there are tips and advice that would be helpful for an expectant mom, hence, know when the difference between the two. Further, many just want to share their experience so bear in mind, most women enjoy remembering what it was like for them and only want to share their journey with you.

However, some people seem to know it all and would appear controlling or experts in their own minds. On the other hand, having a support system of helpful and loving loved ones can make pregnancy run a lot smoother. If similar situations happen to you, try to tell discuss your feelings regarding their suggestions especially if the person giving unsolicited advice is the one you're close with.

Vice reminds expectant moms that both pregnancy and giving birth is a deeply personal experiences and they could appear both scary and joyful.

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