All too often, we women who could not have babies experience difficulty conversing with women who are expecting. One reason is that it just hurts us too much. We just end up crying our eyes out when we are alone.

Another reason is that the expectant mother, in her joy (understandably so!) talks so much about her impending birth that we have nothing to contribute.

My question is this: Would it be ok to have a conversation with a pg woman and NOT acknowledge her pregnancy and just talk to her woman to woman?

We do not want to come across as rude or unfeeling, but it's just so uncomfortable that we usually avoid such conversations.

I hope this is an ok questions to ask. But I figured that the authorities here (mothers) might be able to shed some light.

Your heart-felt replies are so appreciated.

Pregnancy is a joyous occasion. To share someone's joy is to "share" someone's joy.

And, please don't think you do not have anything to contribute to any conversation with a pregnant woman either, Di. The state of emotions a pregnant woman goes through swings from one end to another. Certain aspects of her health would not be dissimilar to another's e.g. nausea, bloated feeling, all that comes with weight gain, hair loss, calcium deficiency and many more which you can discuss with her and probably, even help her with. She may also have fears about the general state of global issues. You can discuss that as well. And if I were pregnant, I will surely appreciate that you're in the soap business and we can discuss where your products may be of benefit to me and my unborn child e.g. the shea butter. There are so many more to bring into a conversation despite circumstances. But, foremost, I was taught that the art of conversation is in listening. So, as Hannelore says, listen to the joy of the other. Joy is what is being shared.

Di, I think that's perfectly fine. Some pregnant women may prefer to speak about something else for a change.

Interesting Lola. Since I do the Farmers/Craft market here twice weekly, whenever I see a pg woman, I oftentimes say "What you are using for stretch marks?"

Thanks for these honest replies. Please keep them coming. It think it's important to hear 'from the other side'.

I'll be "snipping" these replies into my board, of course deleted your names. It'd be good to hear what mothers think of this.

I'd love to hear more!

I belong to many large groups of people and come in contact with younger pregnant women. Sometimes advice is asked for and I give it but I never start the conversation, I never refer to a womans condition, first. To me that would be like saying oh, your black, or oh, your Lesbian, or your fat/skinny, how's that working for you? I treat every single woman with respect and interest, but never bring up a personal topic. I always wait until they do.

And Di, just talk, no need to talk differently to a woman because she is with child!!! Talk soap, or the weather, world hunger, fashion, anything. You're an intelligent lady you must be able to speak about many topics.

Friendliness is the key, a nice big sincere smile works every time, even if you're not talking at all ...!