Etymology of Pregnancy

Today one of my coworkers and I were discussing how far along I am in my pregnancy, when he exclaimed "Your oven is almost done!" It got me thinking about all the hilarious, bizarre, lame and stupid expressions we have used and currently use for pregnancy. Here are some little gems I can help but share...

"In a delicate state" - reminds me of a late 19th century socialite with a much-older husband and a penchant for fainting at the slightest surprise. Verdict: we should bring it back, ladies!

"In a family way" - This is the worst idiom for pregnancy ever. Firstly, this reminds me of casseroles made of Campbell's Soup and hair that needs to be set on a weekly basis. Secondly, it implies that without a baby, a couple isn't a family. Verdict: don't use it in my presence.

"With child" - Makes me want to break out the patchouli and love beads. Being with child, however, is kind of sweet. How many mothers-to-be walk around referring to the baby as "the fetus"? Babydaddy feels bad when we call our baby an "it". Verdict: a throwback without being repressive.

"Knocked up" - A personal favourite. Being knocked up definitely alludes to surprise or happy accident. Unlike "a delicate state", knocked up also gives the impending mom a tough, bad-ass edge. Verdict: Sounds marginally low-class, gets the point across.

"Expecting" - Although this is widely used, it seems silly. A person expects lots of thing...the cable company to show up, a promotion at work, winter...so unless it's followed by "a baby", it's a little vague. Verdict: use it at your leisure, but if someone asks you "what?" don't be offended.

"Preggo" - A misspelling for that mediocre pasta sauce. Verdict: leave it for the spaghetti. 

"Pregger MacGregor" - Babydaddy's clever description of my "state"...an homage to the many times we drove by MacGregor when we lived in western Manitoba. Verdict: I like it because it was created especially for me -at least, I'm going to pretend it was.

"Bun in the oven" - I feel sorry for ovens now. Getting punched, kicked and jabbed, throwing up, losing sleep and feeling tired every time some idiot baker decides to make themselves some bread. Verdict: Poor oven.