5 Ways to Respond to Comments *No* Pregnant Woman Wants to Hear

The Top Trending Baby Names

Andie

This cute name, from the Greek name Andreas, means "strong" or "manly" but I also think it makes a great feminine name (Andie MacDowell, anyone?).

Apple

Apple Martin's debut in Paris may have sparked baby name buzz inspired by the symbol of love, beauty, and wisdom.

Arlette

This combo of French words meaning "lion" and "of God" conveys something fierce, as well as divine protection.

Arthur

Arthur has multiple meanings, including "bear-like" (cute), "of honor," and "strong man."

Aurora

This mystical name means "dawn" in Latin. It also has Sleeping Beauty vibes.

Beckam

"Beck" means "brook" while "ham" means "home." Either way, it's a strong name from soccer + Spice Girls fame.

Billie

Billie Holiday or Billie Eilish, you've got good role models covered. This British and German name means "protection," and it's short for William or Wilhelmina.

Boden

Bode comes from the Old Saxon word bodo meaning "messenger."

Bodhi

This very spiritual name means "final enlightenment," or your way to Nirvaṇa.

Caitlin

This popular name, thanks to WNBA player Caitlin Clark, is derived from the Gaelic term caith, meaning "pure."

Carmen

Wine lovers? This name means "garden" or "vineyard."

Casey

"Brave" and "vigilant" are words that make up the gender-neutral name Casey.

Chappell

Chappell was an Old English name meaning “one who works at the chapel," but it can also mean a safe space for friends and family.

Circe

For those who loved the book Circe, the origins of this name make sense: a feminine name of Greek origin meaning "to secure with rings" and a symbol of feminine strength and individuality.

Cove

This sensory name can mean "bold" and "courageous." It's a great one for coastal lovers!

Crew

The name Crew signifies unity and collective strength.

Edgar

Edgar comes from the Anglo-Saxon words meaning "rich or prosperous" and "spear."

Eclipse

Astrology lovers might lean into this name that signifies seeking change and ushering in evolution.

Elodie

This French name means "wealthy" or "riches."

Emir

Emir comes from an Arabic word for "commander" or "prince."

Emrys

This gender-neutral Welsh name means "immortal."

George/Georgia

These classic names comes from the Greek word georgos, or earth worker, and are inspired by the dragon-slaying knight Saint George.

Goldie

Goldie means "gold" and cues visions of the lovable actress Goldie Hawn.

Hallie

A variant of the name "Hayley," this actually ancient name is short for the word "Hallelujah."

Hazel

In Celtic lore, Hazel is associated with "wisdom" and "inspiration."

Holden

This Anglo-Saxon name means "deep valley," and may have originated from places with the same name around England.

Hollis

This gender-neutral name from medieval England translates to "near the holly" or "one who lives by the holly tree." Might be fun to plant a holly tree when they're born!

Hugo

This Germanic name means "mind," "intellect," "thought," and "heart." All good things.

Isaiah

This masculine Hebrew name means "salvation of the Lord."

Ivy

A simple three-letter name, this name implies fidelity (so v. loyal) and eternal life because of the plant's gorgeous green color.

Johanna

This name has origins in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin and means "God is gracious."

Jolie

This sweet French names comes from the word joli, which means “pretty” or “agreeable.”

Juniper

Juniper, or Juni for short, represents "hope" and "warmth."

Juno

Hailing from the Latins, Juno means "queen of the gods" and "youthful," and was the inspiration for naming the month of June. Due date, anyone?

Kai

In Hawaiian, Kai means "sea."

Kendrick

From Old English words meaning "bold" or "brave", Kendrick can mean "bold ruler."

Kira

The feminine form of the name Kir, means "mistress" or "ruler" and the masculine form means "a beam of light."

Kit

Kit actually derives from the names Christopher and Katherine and means “bearing Christ,” or "pure."

Lorelai

Gilmore Girls fans will love this Germanic name meaning "alluring" and "enchantress" or "sorceress."

Lottie

This English name means "free."

Louise/Louis

The name Louise means "famous warrior" and is the feminine version of the name Louis.

Luna

Meaning "moon" in Spanish, Luna is often associated with mystery, beauty, and femininity.

Margot

Mateo

This Spanish name, a version of the English Matthew, means "gift of God."

Miller

Miller means someone who grinds grain and operates a mill, but it's also very cute.

Nash

I also love Dash, but this name of English origin means "by the ash tree."

Nova

Inspired by the astronomical event that causes the sudden appearance of a bright light, this name can mean "new" star.

Opal

This gem is a symbol of hope, purity, and truth.

Otis

Music lovers, this masculine name means "wealthy" and can be associated with prosperity.

Otto

Otto is a masculine name of German origin that means "wealth" or "prosperity."

Ozzy

Ozzy is a shortened version of names like Oswald or Osborne, and has a connection to a deity or divine entity.

Palmer

Palmer is a name meaning palm bearer or pilgrim, inspired by Christian pilgrims who traditionally carried the palms.

Paloma

The Spanish word for dove, Paloma is associated with peace, love, and spirituality.

Raphael

This classic name of Hebrew origin means "God has healed."

Rain

Rain can mean life, growth, and renewal, but it can also represent sadness, loss, and despair. Let's go with the positive association.;)

Remi

Meaning "rower" derived from Latin, this name can also mean "God comforts me."

Riley

"Courageous and "valiant" are words that come to mind for Riley.

Ripley

For The Talented Mr. Ripley (AKA Jude Law) fans, this gender-neutral name means "meadow" or "clearing" and it goes back as far as the 12th century!

Rocky

Cue the Rocky theme song, this name is often associated with strength, resilience, and a steadfast nature.

Sabrina

The Celtic word "saber" means "water," which may be the origin of this name.

Saoirse (pronounced "SEER-shə" or "SUR-shə")

Made popular in places other than Ireland by Saoirse Ronan, the Irish female name means "freedom" or "liberty".

Santiago

This name combines the Spanish words santo, meaning "saint", and Iago, a variation of the name James.

Scottie

This Scottish name literally means "from Scotland" or "Gaelic speaker".

Sol/Soleil

Stone

Cool, calm, and collected (like a rock) is the essence of this British name.

Tate

Happy baby! This English name means "cheerful" and it's gender-neutral.

Teddy

This masculine name of French origin means "wealthy protector" or "God's gift." (I'm seeing a trend here.)

Travis

Our girl's favorite guy is getting baby-name popular with this Old French word meaning "to traverse" or "to cross".

Van

From the Old Dutch word van, this cool baby name means "from the marsh."

Veda

This girl's name of Sanskrit origin means "knowledge" or "wisdom".

Viviana

This Italian name means "alive" or "full of life." Vivi for short!

Warren

Warren can mean "to protect" or "guard."

Walton

This masculine name of English origin means "town of walls" or "city of streams or wood."

Wesley

This English name means "western meadow".

Wilder

Wild child? This name means "untamed" or "wild," and also eager or enthusiastic. I can totally picture Wilder climbing everything!

Zaida

This Arabic name, generally for girls, means "fortunate," "prosperous," and "abundant."

Zara

This pretty name means "blooming flower" or "radiance."

Zephyr

This gender-neutral name comes from the Greek word zephyros, which means "gentle breeze".

1. "Wow, you’re huge!" or "Are you sure it’s not twins?"

Comments about size or weight, whether the person is “too big” or “too small,” can be hurtful. Every pregnancy looks different so put any thoughts about physical attributes to bed.

2. "Should you be eating/drinking that?"

Policing someone’s food or drink choices is invasive and unnecessary. Trust that they’re capable of making informed decisions, with their OB/GYN's support, about themselves and their baby.

3. "Was it planned?" or "How long did it take?"

4. "What are you going to name the baby?"

Many couples want to keep the name private until the baby is born and I'll explain why. Because when you do share, people have their own associations with the name and are not afraid to share what they think, even with just a look on their face. We decided to stop telling people we were naming our baby Matilda because we got negative comments. Now all people say when they meet her is how much they love the name. It's all about the person, not the name!

5. "Are you returning to work?"

This is a decision a woman can make with her partner and family without the need to share or decide during the pregnancy stage. I decided three months in, after returning to work, that I couldn't manage a new baby and a demanding job and thought my only option was to leave. Turns out, my boss was very accommodating and allowed me to work from home my first year as a new mom. This is a private decision but also so much changes once the baby arrives.

6. "Are you hoping for a boy/girl?"

Talking about gender can put unnecessary pressure on the idea of gender preference when the health of the baby is what truly matters.

7. "You look tired."

Pregnancy is exhausting, especially during that first trimester. Pointing it out doesn’t help and might make expecting moms feel self-conscious. "Glowing" and "beautiful" are better words for mama-to-be to hear!

8. "You’ll sleep when the baby sleeps."

Actually, you won't because mom has so many other things to take care of, including herself, when the baby is sleeping. Instead, offer to help watch the baby so she can get some sleep or offer to help run errands. This is so much better than advice that is just not practical!

9. "You're going to have your hands full!"

Pregnancy and parenthood come with plenty of changes, but fear-mongering or negativity isn’t helpful. Everyone’s experience is unique, and making blanket statements like this one is just not useful to new moms.

10. "Enjoy your freedom while it lasts."

Parenthood may change things, but it’s not helpful to imply life ends once the baby arrives. The first year and beyond are so rewarding and can even bring you and your partner even closer. Yes, it's challenging in terms of having free time, but you find so many moments of joy too that you don't really want to be away from your baby!

11. "Can I touch your belly?" (or worse, touching without asking)

12. Do you plan to breastfeed?

This is such a personal choice and the question itself comes off as judgmental. Also, some women who plan to breastfeed can't so this is a question better left unasked.

13. "How much weight have you gained?"

Weight-related comments are intrusive and can be offensive. See question one!

14. "You’re going to bounce back, right?"

Recovery is personal, and this type of comment pressures new moms to meet unrealistic expectations.

15. "Is the baby here yet?"

I was a few days late and had several people check in maybe a little too often. I wanted to say, 'You'll know when I know!" Late in pregnancy, this can be frustrating and annoying. We're already counting the days and don’t need reminders!

1. Maybe I Do (2023) — On Hulu

When people ask me what my least favorite movie is, this one always tops the list. The film follows a nearly-engaged Michelle (Emma Roberts) and Allen (Luke Bracey), who introduce their parents to one another...and realize both couples (Diane Keaton, Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, and William H. Macy) have been cheating on their spouses with each other. It's so messy and cynical and left me feeling hopeless instead of hopeful. And based on the 31 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and 5/10 IMDb rating, I'm not the only one.

2. Down To You (2000) — On Paramount+

College students Al (Freddie Prinze Jr.) and Imogen (Julia Stiles) fall hard for each other when they meet, but it wouldn't be a rom-com without some random conflict trying to keep them apart. And in Down to You, that includes a porn star (Selma Blair) who's trying to get some quality alone time with Al. I love Julia, but considering this movie only has a 3 percent RT rating and a 5/10 IMDb score, this is probably one you can skip.

3. Because I Said So (2007) — On Starz

Despite the fact this cast is incredible, Because I Said So is one of the worst rom-coms ever. Daphne (Diane Keaton) loves her three daughters more than anything. But when her youngest Milly (Mandy Moore) brings home the wrong guy again, Daphne gets in the middle and sends out a personal ad on Milly's behalf. Not even costars Lauren Graham and Piper Perabo can save this movie, which has a 3 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 5.6/10 on IMDb.

4. Gigli (2003) — Rent on Amazon Prime

After Gigli's (Ben Affleck) plans to kidnap a young man get messed up, he meets gangster Ricki (Jennifer Lopez), who's there to help. And, of course, romance makes this movie messier than it already is. This movie might have introduced Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, but it makes our worst rom-com list thanks to its 6 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and 2.6/10 IMDb rating.

5. Mother of the Bride (2024) — On Netflix

This new Netflix rom-com follows mother-daughter duo Lana (Brooke Shields) and Emma (Miranda Cosgrove), who travel to Thailand for Emma's wedding. While the nuptials are enough of a surprise, Lana is totally unprepared for Emma's future father-in-law to be the man who broke her heart all those years ago. Sorry, y'all, it's giving Rufus & Lily and Dan & Serena dating at the same time, just...tropical. Mother of the Bridehas a 4.8/10 on IMDb and a 13 percent on RT.

6. The Merry Gentlemen (2024) — On Netflix

While we're on the Netflix train, let's talk about The Merry Gentlemen. I know this isn't The Worst Christmas Movies Ever, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to talk about this wild movie. When Ashley (Britt Robertson) learns her parents' restaurant is closing, she orchestrates a male dance revue to bring in some extra cash. But based on the 4.8/10 IMDb rating and 41 percent RT score, it doesn't quite capture the Magic Mike of it all. Nonetheless, I'll watch anything with Chad Michael Murray.

7. Mr. Wrong (1996) — Rent On Amazon Prime

Martha (Ellen DeGeneres) really wants to get married, and it looks like Whitman's (Bill Pullman) the perfect man. But the more Martha learns about him, the more she wants to break up with him. Unfortunately he won't take no for an answer. This flick has a 7 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes and 3.6/10 on IMDb.

8. New Year's Eve (2011) — Rent on Amazon Prime

I'm dreaming of the day we have another ensemble rom-com like New Year's Day, which stars Jon Bon Jovi, Katherine Heigl, Lea Michele, Ashton Kutcher, Halle Berry, Robert De Niro, Jessica Biel, Abigail Breslin, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Zac Efron. Unfortunately, not even the cast could save this from our worst rom-coms list, thanks to its 7 percent RT score and 5.6/10 IMDb rating.

9. First Daughter (2004) — Rent on YouTube

Ouch, this one hurts a little bit because I love this movie! But the facts don't lie. First Daughter follows the president's daughter Samantha (Katie Holmes) as she tries to have a normal college existence, and winds up falling for James (Mark Blucas), who she doesn't realize is actually an undercover agent. Somehow this only has an 8 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and a 5.2/10 IMDb rating.

10. Sex and the City 2 (2010) — Stream on Max

Sex and the City might be one of the most iconic TV shows of all time. Unfortunately this movie, which finds Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Samantha (Kim Cattrall), Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) in Abu Dhabi, isn't. The movie only has a 16 percent RT score and 4.5/10 IMDb rating.

11. Crossroads (2002) — Stream on Netflix

Three childhood BFF's, Lucy (Britney Spears), Kit (Zoe Saldana), and Mimi (Taryn Manning), go on a roadtrip to breathe life into their friendship, and reconnect with their dreams. But with its 3.8/10 IMDb rating and 15 percent RT score, a lot of people feel like the movie sucks the life out of viewers instead.

12. Cinderella (2021) — Stream on Prime Video

My oh my. Will we ever run out of Cinderella adaptations? Viewers did not like this new musical version, which reimagines Ella as a future fashion designer, and the 4.4/10 IMDb rating and 41 percent RT score prove it. Camila Cabello stars as the title role opposite Nicholas Galitzine, Billy Porter, and Idina Menzel.

13. Material Girls (2006)

This riches-to-rags story follows two sisters (Hilary Duff & Haylie Duff) who have to save their father's cosmetics company when a huge scandal threatens to destroy everything. Material Girls might be loosely based on Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, but judging by the 4 percent RT score and 4/10 IMDb rating, it has a lot less wit. It's not currently streaming, but maybe that's not actually a bad thing.

14. From Justin to Kelly (2003) — Rent on Amazon Prime

Justin (Justin Guarini) and his friends set off for spring break in Fort Lauderdale, where he immediately falls for Kelly (Kelly Clarkson). The only problem? Kelly's friend Alexa (Katherine Bailess) is doing everything she can to keep them apart. Oh, did I mention it's a musical? If that's not a warning sign, the movie's 1.9/10 IMDb rating and 8 percent Rotten Tomatoes score definitely is.