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It has been said that pregnant women are assisting God with a miracle. As you may be aware, assisting with miracles is a tremendous undertaking. While women are in the process of creation of life, they may be a little sensitive in some areas. This is written so that whether you are a soon-to-be daddy, a mother-in-law, a friend, neighbor or casual acquaintance you will not blunder into these three social unacceptable, albeit, well meaning mistakes. Observe and implement the following three rules and this will keep you from experiencing a little wrath from the miracle worker's mouth. There are many more cautions to be sure but these three are meant to keep you on the right side of any expectant mother.

Rule Number One: Never, ever, ever comment on the size and shape of the growing belly. If you are not sure if a woman is pregnant, don't assume that she is! If you are absolutely sure that the woman you are addressing is pregnant, do not suggest that she has gained too much weight or hasn't gained enough. With maternity clothes styles and non-maternity styles it is difficult to tell if a woman has simply gained weight or is pregnant. Never inquire as to what month the baby is due. Any conversation about weight is strictly off-limits with any woman, at any time, in any situation. This is especially true if the woman is pregnant. This warning is for husbands, fathers, mothers, best friends, and in-laws. Whatever you are thinking is best left unsaid. You will just have to trust me on this one. One casual comment about size, weight and shape and you will know the truth of these words. Oh, this goes for comments that you think may be humorous... there is nothing funny to the mommy-in- waiting about waddling instead of walking or thick, swollen ankles.

Rule Number Two: Unless you have a written, engraved invitation and express verbal permission, do not touch the belly. For some reason, when that beautiful belly is out there for everyone to see and there is no mistake that the woman is pregnant, unthinking people will just pat or rest their hand on the belly. This is a pregnancy phenomenon that absolutely does not happen to women who are not pregnant. Asking for permission or waiting to be invited to touch the belly is always the better option. This rule applies to everyone, man, woman and child. Always ask before touching.

Rule Number Three: When a woman is pregnant, there are things that she is willingly giving up in order to have a healthy baby. Caffeine and alcohol are among the enjoyed substances that pregnancy will put on hold. At a gathering, lunch or party is is not necessary to point out that the pregnant woman is not imbibing, and therefore she cannot be having any fun, or that she can't be any fun...that she is a wet blanket or a drag on the other guests. Not only is this untrue but pointing out what she is "giving up" does not support the higher calling. It is best to support the pregnant woman by supporting her noble sacrifices with verbal support.

There are, of course many other discretions that will keep you on the good side of the gestating woman. If you use some common sense, practice the golden rule and think before you speak, you will not risk the wrath of the other side of heaven. A few well chosen words and an attitude of thinking before you act or speak will keep you on the heavenly side of this miracle worker