When I think back on my pregnancy I honestly can't tell you that there were too many moments I explicitly enjoyed. I mean, finding out I was pregnant and telling friends and family and feeling my son hiccup or kick was magical, but mostly I just remember feeling so sick and very uncomfortable and painfully constipated and I couldn't sleep and, well, it wasn't fun. I didn't love being pregnant, but I will say that hearing the compliments every pregnant woman wants to hear definitely helped me navigate my 40 weeks in the best possible mood I could manage.
It can be difficult to compliment a pregnant woman in a way that doesn't come off as subtly judgmental or rude or even body-shaming. Unfortunately, a pregnant woman's body (much like any woman's body) is scrutinized constantly, held up against some fictitious standard that is not only unrealistic, but usually unhealthy. Random strangers also feel somewhat entitled to comment on a pregnant woman's body, which can be passed off as a "compliment" when it's really just creepy and highly inappropriate. Lastly, a pregnant woman is going through so many changes and her hormones are fickle and her mood changes day-to-day, so it can be difficult to "read the room," and offer up a compliment that doesn't upset her or set her off. Trust me, I was her. My partner and my friends and my family members offered up a slew of compliments when I was pregnant, and I can honestly say that it depended on the day and my mood and how I was feeling as to whether or not that compliment was taken well, or just left me feeling worse than I already felt.
So, when complimenting a pregnant woman, take the time to listen to hear and establish how she is feeling before you offer up any run-of-the-mill accolade. Every woman is different; Every pregnancy is different; Every compliment won't come across as sincere and genuine because hormones are evil, but if you pull from the following list I boldly guarantee you that at least one (or all) will make the day of any pregnant woman in your life.