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Things to Say (and Not Say) to Well-Meaning Family

Family drama meets pregnancy hormones — a spicy combo.

So you’ve made it to the second trimester. Your energy’s (mostly) back, your cravings have gotten oddly specific (hot chips + ice cream, anyone?), and your bump is popping like a proud little peach. Everything’s going great—until Cousin Cheryl says something like, “You’re really going to eat that?”

Welcome to the unsolicited advice Olympics, where well-meaning family members say the darndest things, and your hormonal brain turns every comment into a potential crime scene. It’s not that they’re trying to be awful (well, most of them aren’t)—it’s just that your growing belly apparently gives everyone a VIP pass to share, comment, and critique.

Hormones + unsolicited advice = a recipe for drama, darling.

What *Not* to Say to a Pregnant Person (But They Do Anyway)

If you’re pregnant, chances are you’ve already heard one or more of these classic hits. Sometimes they come from a place of love. Other times they come from someone who clearly hasn’t had a snack in a while. Either way, they hit differently when you’re busy building a human and trying not to snap.

  • “You’re huge!” — Thank you, I am growing a literal person. What’s your excuse?
  • “You look tired.” — Wow, I had no idea. Thank you for the medical update, Dr. Obvious.
  • “Should you be lifting that?” — It’s a pillow, Karen.
  • “Back in my day…” — And yet here we are, with science, maternity leggings, and options. We’re good, thanks!
  • “You’ll never sleep again.” — Cool, cool, cool. Just what I needed—existential dread served with my prenatal vitamins.

Newsflash: Just because I’m pregnant doesn’t mean I asked for your pregnancy TED Talk.

How to Handle the Fam With Sass (and Class)

Look, we know you can’t just clap back at Grandma mid-

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roast dinner. But that doesn’t mean you can’t defend your peace and still keep the family photos civil. Here’s how to stay fierce and friendly—without needing bail money:
  • The Classic Redirect: “Oh wow, that’s an interesting take! Have you tried this pavlova?”
  • The Subtle Shade: “That’s such a wild opinion. You should put it in a blog... and never send it to me.”
  • The Boundaries Queen: “Hey, I know you care, but that topic’s off-limits for now. Let’s keep it light.”
  • The Laugh + Shut It Down: “Ha! That’s cute. Anyway, I’m going to waddle this bump into another room now.”

You don’t need to explain, justify, or absorb other people’s projections. Your pregnancy, your rules. Period.

Boundaries are the bump’s best accessory.

When You’re the One Who Feels Extra… Everything

Let’s be honest: it’s not just your family. Sometimes it’s you. One moment you’re a goddess in control, the next you’re crying over a cat commercial while rage-eating pickles. And when someone hits you with the wrong comment at the wrong time? Whew. Things can go from zero to soap opera in seconds.

That’s totally okay. Your hormones are doing the Macarena on your nervous system. Your body’s changing faster than you can Google “is this normal?” and your patience might be thinner than your old jeans.

Pro tip: create your own personal cool-down ritual. It could be stepping outside, texting your BFF for a laugh, or slipping into your comfiest maternity leggings and blasting Beyoncé until your rage turns into a shimmy.

Emotional rollercoasters are included in the price of admission. Buckle up and bring snacks.

The Power of the Pregnant Comeback

Not al

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l family drama is preventable, but having a few go-to comebacks can make you feel a little more in control (and a lot more fabulous). Here’s your cheat sheet for those family gatherings:
  • "You’re glowing!” — “Thanks! It’s sweat, but I’ll take it.”
  • "Are you planning a natural birth?" — “Planning to survive it, mainly.”
  • "You sure you’re not having twins?” — “You sure you want to keep talking?”
  • "You’ll bounce back, don’t worry." — “Bounce forward, actually. New body, new rules.”

Use humor to diffuse, sarcasm to entertain, and your Emamaco leggings to help you feel like the unbothered queen you are.

Speaking of Emamaco—if you haven’t tried their maternity shorts and leggings, now’s the time. They’re like a hug for your bump, without the awkward small talk. Breathable, buttery-soft, and absolutely made for second-trimester sass attacks.

Confidence is the comeback. Comfort is the mic drop.

How to Keep the Peace (When You’d Rather Throw Mashed Potatoes)

Sometimes the drama isn’t even about what’s said—it’s the tone, the side-eyes, the lingering judgement about your birthing plans, feeding choices, or whether your baby’s room is Pinterest-worthy yet.

Take a breath. Remember, people project their ow

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n fears, experiences, and baggage. Their comments say more about them than they do about you. You’re not here to win everyone’s approval. You’re here to protect your energy, grow your baby, and rock your own damn journey.

And hey—if all else fails, play the pregnancy card and excuse yourself for a nap. Works every time.

  • “I’m too pregnant for this convo.”
  • “Gotta pee—again. Bye!”
  • “My uterus said no.”

You’re not dramatic. You’re just done explaining yourself. And that’s a flex.

Final Thoughts: Your Pregnancy, Your Energy, Your Voice

Pregnancy doesn’t mean becoming a passive sponge for other people’s noise. It means stepping into your power in ways you’ve never had to before. It means protecting your peace, honouring your boundaries, and doing what’s right for you—even when it ruffles a few feathers.

So next time Aunt Judy questions your baby name, or Uncle Rob makes a joke about how your life is “over,” smile sweetly… then mentally hit them with your Emamaco-clad booty as you sashay away.

Stay spicy, stay unbothered, and never forget: you’re the main character here. Everyone else is just in the blooper reel.
Wink, wave, and keep it moving.

Xoxo,
The Emamaco Team

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