Brain, Child had an amusing log of letters from readers on the backhanded comments they received during pregnancy. For example, nosy people who asked a pregnant woman how much weight she gained or if the baby was planned. (I cannot imagine receiving the last question. Who are these people?)

Anyways, here are a couple letters that hit home:

I am a Youth Services Librarian. I was twenty-eight when I was pregnant, and by the end I was no longer able to wear my wedding ring. I was standing in the non-fiction looking for a book when a little old lady spied me and my pregnant belly. She leaned over to congratulate me and then looked a little worried and asked me, "You're not a teenager, are you?"

Nope! But thanks for the compliment!

--Aimee Wolsko
Clinton, NJ

During month six of pregnancy, from a guest at a baby shower for a friend who was also pregnant: "You mean that she is due before you are? That's strange. You are so much bigger than she is." (This is the first time anyone has directly told me that I am fatter than someone else.)

During seventh month of pregnancy, from a stranger in the grocery store: "Wow! You are huge! You must be having twins!" (No. Just one. In two more months. But thanks.)

During eighth month of pregnancy, from a stranger in an elevator: "I bet you'll be happy when this is all over: You must be so uncomfortable." (Now that you mention it...)

Days before birth, from a colleague at work: "Are you gaining weight? Ha ha. Get it? Gaining weight? You're pregnant. Of course you're gaining weight!" (Withering look.)

--Tera Schreiber
Seattle, WA

Can I just say I hated comments related to weight like, "You look too small to be 8 months," or "Are you having twins?" I was paranoid about miscarrying since I had had two miscarriages that I did not need any additional doubts in my head.

What were some of your least favorite backhanded comments during pregnancy or the adoption process?