What NOT to Say to a Woman the Week of Her Due Date

The final week leading up to a woman’s due date can be filled with excitement, anxiety, and anticipation. During this time, a pregnant woman’s emotions are heightened, and what may seem like a casual comment can easily trigger stress, frustration, or hurt feelings. Family, friends, and even well-meaning strangers may not realise that their words—though often meant to offer support—can sometimes cause discomfort or anxiety. In this article, we’ll explore what NOT to say to a woman the week of her due date and why it’s crucial to be mindful of your words during this sensitive time. We’ll also touch on important antenatal considerations, the role of antenatal support, and how to provide encouragement as she nears the finish line of pregnancy.

Common Things to Avoid Saying the Week of Her Due Date

1. “Have you had the baby yet?”

This is possibly one of the most common questions a pregnant woman receives in her final weeks. While people are usually just excited for the baby’s arrival, this question can become repetitive and stressful, especially if she’s already feeling anxious about going past her due date. Pregnancy, especially in the final days, is full of uncertainty, and there’s no guarantee that labour will start on or before the estimated due date. Constantly asking if the baby has arrived can increase stress and make a woman feel like she’s being rushed.

2. “You’re still pregnant?”

Hearing “You’re still pregnant?” can feel like an unkind reminder that the woman is nearing or possibly even past her due date. Instead of offering comfort, it can highlight her discomfort and the possibility of going beyond her expected timeline. This remark may even make her feel like her pregnancy is dragging on more than it already is. In most cases, healthcare providers will closely monitor the pregnancy during the final weeks, often through antenatal appointments. It’s perfectly normal for babies to arrive up to two weeks past their due date.

3. “You look ready to pop!”

Comments about a woman’s appearance in late pregnancy can be especially unwelcome. While the phrase “ready to pop” is often intended as a light-hearted joke, it draws attention to how physically uncomfortable or large she may feel. Many pregnant women are already feeling self-conscious about their bodies, and such comments can add to those insecurities. Instead of commenting on her physical state, offer words of encouragement. Remind her of the strength she has shown during her antenatal care journey and that she’s in the home stretch now.

4. “Just relax, the baby will come when it’s ready.”

Though true, this statement can be unhelpful. Women nearing their due date are often dealing with a range of emotions, from excitement to fear, and “just relax” can sound dismissive. Moreover, the physical and emotional toll of pregnancy can make relaxation difficult, especially when she’s already feeling overwhelmed by the weight of anticipation. Offering practical suggestions, such as antenatal yoga or prenatal massage, can be far more supportive. These activities help reduce tension, promote relaxation during pregnancy, and provide valuable techniques to ease the discomforts of late pregnancy.

5. “Enjoy your sleep now, because you won’t get any after the baby comes!”

This comment may seem light-hearted, but it implies that the sleeplessness ahead will be unbearable. Many pregnant women are already experiencing disrupted sleep due to physical discomfort, frequent bathroom trips, or anxiety about childbirth. Highlighting future sleep deprivation is not the most compassionate thing to say when she is likely already struggling with rest. Offering her options like pregnancy yoga classes or antenatal fitness routines might provide some relief and help her sleep better as she nears her due date.

How to Be Supportive in the Final Week

Understanding what not to say is important, but knowing what to say and how to offer genuine support is equally vital. Here are some ways you can offer positive encouragement to a woman nearing her due date:

1. Offer Encouragement and Positivity

Instead of asking if she’s had the baby yet, offer words of encouragement. You could say, “You’re doing amazing!” or “You’ve come so far and are so close now.” These phrases show support and help boost her confidence as she approaches labour.

2. Acknowledge Her Strength

Acknowledging the physical and emotional journey she’s been on throughout her pregnancy care can go a long way. You could say, “I know it’s been a long road, but you’ve handled it with so much strength and grace.” This helps validate her experience and reminds her of her resilience.

3. Offer Help or a Distraction

If you want to be helpful, offer to do something for her. Whether it’s bringing over a meal, taking care of some errands, or just spending time with her as a distraction, practical support can be incredibly valuable during this time. These small acts of kindness can alleviate stress and remind her that she has a solid support system. You could also suggest activities like a gentle antenatal massage to help her relax and relieve any tension she’s feeling as she prepares for the birth.

The Importance of Antenatal Support and Education

During the final weeks of pregnancy, proper antenatal support is essential for both physical and emotional well-being. Whether it’s through regular antenatal appointments, education classes, or participating in antenatal yoga, preparing for labour and birth requires a holistic approach. Antenatal classes near me can be an excellent resource for women who want to feel empowered and informed as they approach their due date. These classes often cover labour techniques, pain management, and what to expect in the postpartum period. Additionally, engaging in prenatal care that focuses on mental and physical wellness can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Similarly, antenatal scans and pregnancy clinic visits during the final weeks offer crucial insights into the baby’s development and the health of the mother. These antenatal checkups allow healthcare providers to monitor the pregnancy closely, ensuring both the baby and mother are healthy as labour approaches.The final week of pregnancy is a sensitive time filled with anticipation, excitement, and sometimes anxiety. It’s essential to be mindful of your words and offer genuine support to a woman nearing her due date. Avoid comments that could unintentionally add to her stress, and instead focus on offering encouragement, positivity, and practical help. By understanding what not to say and how to provide meaningful support, you can help make the final days before labour more manageable. Remember that antenatal care plays a vital role in preparing for labour, and ensuring she feels supported both physically and emotionally will make all the difference in her experience.