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The Internet’s Unwanted Advice for Expecting Mothers
by Jessica Marshall
Updated: March 29, 2023
Originally Published: March 29, 2023
When a woman becomes pregnant, she anticipates certain physical changes like fatigue, nausea, and swelling. She expects to be emotional and to admire cute baby clothes. However, what she may not be prepared for is the overwhelming influx of unsolicited advice from strangers. This was the case for reality TV personality Emily Carter, who found herself unexpectedly criticized after sharing a few Instagram posts during her pregnancy journey.
Carter, a former reality show contestant and host of a popular home renovation series, revealed her pregnancy three weeks ago. Since then, she has been inundated with advice and warnings from well-meaning followers. Recently, she posted a picture of herself enjoying her morning coffee, followed by another coffee-related photo later in the day. Unfortunately, this led to a barrage of comments regarding her caffeine consumption and even her fashion choices.
“Careful with the coffee,” one user cautioned, while another commented, “Hope that’s just herbal tea,” accompanied by sad emojis. Some followers urged her to switch to decaffeinated options, while others speculated that her choice of oranges meant she was expecting a girl (eyeroll). One particularly critical commenter questioned her clothing, writing, “I can’t believe you can still wear those tight pants while pregnant! Aren’t they uncomfortable?”
Seriously, folks? Take a step back.
Carter ultimately responded to her critics, clarifying her commitment to her health and her baby’s well-being. In her reply to the comments, she stated, “I know that this won’t be the last time I have to address this, but here’s the deal: 1. I appreciate that the advice comes from a caring place, so thank you. 2. I’m well aware of the dos and don’ts of pregnancy and will take excellent care of myself and my baby. 3. Regarding caffeine, my doctor has actually advised that a cup or two a day is fine—yes, I consult my doctor! 4. I love coffee, and I switch to decaf after my morning cup, but you can’t tell just by looking at a photo!”
Carter shared with a parenting magazine that since announcing her pregnancy, she’s received comments on everything from her diet to her hair color. While she tries to remain composed, she, like many expectant mothers, finds it incredibly frustrating. “I’ve stopped drinking alcohol, I don’t party anymore, and I’ve even quit Botox. I’m an adult and I know what’s best for me,” she emphasized.
This experience highlights a universal sentiment among pregnant women; unsolicited opinions about their bodies and choices are often overwhelming. The internet exacerbates this issue, where individuals, despite having good intentions, can contribute to a stressful environment for expectant mothers. Pregnancy can bring about physical discomfort and emotional upheaval, but it does not diminish a woman’s ability to make informed decisions about her own body. Instead of offering unsolicited advice, a simple affirmation of support can go a long way.
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Summary:
Pregnant women often face an overwhelming amount of unsolicited advice from strangers, which can be frustrating and intrusive. Emily Carter, a TV personality, recently shared her experience with critics on social media after posting about her caffeine consumption. She responded to the criticism by affirming her knowledge and commitment to her health and that of her baby. The internet amplifies the unsolicited advice problem, but it’s essential to remember that pregnant women are capable of making informed choices regarding their bodies.