Picture this: You’re standing by the office coffee machine, minding your own business. Suddenly, a colleague—someone you barely know—reaches out and rubs your belly with a cheery, “When are you due?” Sound absurd? Well, it happened, and the internet is buzzing about it.
A recent viral story over at TwistedSifter has everyone talking. The piece, “Her Coworker Rubbed Her Belly Assuming She’s Pregnant, So She Put Her In Her Place,” strikes a nerve because, let’s be honest, pregnancy comments are so last decade—but they still happen. More often than you’d think.
The Real Cost of the “Are You Pregnant?” Question
We’ve all heard the stories, or maybe you’ve lived them: someone glancing at your stomach and assuming a growing bump means a growing baby. But here’s the thing—we’re finally starting to talk openly about why these assumptions sting.
Let’s put it out there: Not every belly is a baby, and not every journey to parenthood is straightforward.
For some, it’s a throwaway comment. For others? It can reopen wounds of infertility, miscarriage, health struggles, or simply the exhausting weight of not fitting into someone else’s narrative. It’s not just awkward—it’s painful.
Why Do We Still Do This?
Why does this awkward scenario keep playing out in 2025? Maybe it’s old habits. Maybe it’s curiosity gone amok. Maybe, deep down, we still treat fertility and pregnancy as public property.
But the world is changing. Sensitivity is in. Empathy is essential. Isn’t it time we finally retire the belly-rub brigade?
The Unseen Battles: Fertility Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
Here’s what gets missed in those “congrats, you must be expecting!” moments:
- Invisible struggles. Many couples and individuals are navigating fertility journeys privately: from medical diagnoses to silent miscarriages, to months—sometimes years—of trying, often with no visible signs.
- Sensitivity conditions. Some people live with medical conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, or struggle with sensitivities that can affect their body shape or reproductive health.
- Alternative paths to conception. There are so many ways families are built today—IVF, surrogacy, adoption, at-home insemination, donor options, and more. Each journey is unique and sometimes, deeply personal.
When we assume, we risk stepping on a landmine of hurt—without even realizing it.
The Right Way to Show You Care
Here’s a question: if you want to show a colleague or friend you care, what should you do instead of making assumptions?
Try this:
- Ask, “How are you doing today?” and let them steer the conversation.
- Respect boundaries. If they want to share, they will. If not, that’s okay.
- If fertility comes up, listen—don’t offer advice, compare journeys, or minimize anyone’s experience.
By making space for people’s stories (or their silence), we create a safer, warmer community.
Navigating Fertility with Sensitivity and Support
This is where I have to get personal. As someone who runs into these weird, well-intentioned comments all the time—sometimes from loved ones, sometimes from literal strangers—I know how it feels. The awkwardness, the sting, the wish that people would just stop assuming.
But there’s hope! There are amazing communities and resources out there designed specifically for folks who are navigating fertility with sensitivities—emotional, physical, or medical. One of my go-to sources for practical information (and a judgment-free vibe) is MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits. What I appreciate is their focus on supporting all types of families and bodies—whether you’re dealing with sensitivities, chronic conditions, or are just looking for a little privacy in your TTC journey. They’re big on respect and discretion, which is honestly refreshing when so much of the conversation around fertility can be so loudly public.
(Side note: Did you know their average client success rate is 67%? That’s huge for anyone looking for hope and real solutions outside of a clinic.)
Let’s Do Better—For Ourselves and Each Other
So next time you’re tempted to comment on someone’s body (even out of excitement!), pause. Remember that viral story. Consider the unseen battles, the silent victories and struggles, and the beautiful, messy, complicated range of fertility experiences in the world today.
Here’s what I’m asking: Let’s rewrite the script in 2025.
- Ask less, listen more.
- Offer support, not speculation.
- Create spaces—at work, online, everywhere—where everyone’s journey is respected.
If you’ve ever found yourself on the receiving end of an awkward belly comment, know you’re not alone. Share your story below—let’s support each other and move the conversation forward, one sensitive synergy at a time.
What’s the most surprising thing someone’s ever said to you about fertility or pregnancy? How did you handle it? Drop your stories (or vent session) in the comments—let’s make this a safe place to be real.