‘I was told to cover up and look less pregnant’

“My colleague was just coming back to work after taking some time off because she miscarried, and my co-workers didn’t want me to upset her,” the mum-to-be reveals.

Cassie knew she couldn't cover up even if she wanted to. Photo: iStock

There comes a point in most pregnancies when hiding your growing belly isn’t an option anymore.

Cassie was at this point in her pregnancy when she was faced with a very difficult situation.

She and three other women at the clinic where she worked were pregnant at the same time.

Sadly, one of them lost her baby at 23 weeks.

The woman took some compassionate leave and when she came back, Cassie was asked to cover up and look less pregnant so the other woman wouldn’t feel upset.

“My two friends both advised me that when she comes back, I should cover up and look ‘less pregnant’ from now on,” she explained in a now-deleted Reddit post.

Cassie didn’t know what to do. The temperature each day was in the 30s, and the thought of covering up with more clothing seemed unbearable.

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Cassie knew she couldn't cover up even if she wanted to. Photo: iStock

Mum told to cover up pregnancy to save other woman’s feelings

She added that her friends didn’t tell the other pregnant women in the office they should cover up, but the friends said that because Cassie and the other woman’s due dates were so close together, it would be extra painful for her to see Cassie progress through her pregnancy.

"Don’t get me wrong — I don’t want to show off my pregnancy or anything, and if I could, I would try to cover more, but I told them I didn’t want to make myself uncomfortable," she explained.

"One friend even suggested that I change my entire schedule so I’m there on days she doesn’t work so I don’t upset her."

Cassie’s friends said she was being inconsiderate. “I was even told I’m too stubborn. I have spoken to a few people, some being on my side and others agreeing I’m inconsiderate.

“I’m starting to second guess myself and feel like I should just listen to them.”

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The Reddit community thought it was up to the bereaved mum to say what she could and couldn’t manage.

“Has she asked this of you, or is this a bunch of others speaking for her when it ain’t their business?” one person said. “She has gone through a devastating loss, and she has every right to be fragile right now. But pregnant women exist, and gently, she cannot expect them all to hide like they should be ashamed because of her tragedy.”

“It’s going to be emotionally challenging for you two to see each other,” said another. “Pretending your belly doesn’t exist is almost offensive. Be the best friend/co-worker you can be for her.”

Originally published as ‘I was told to cover up and look less pregnant’