So you've gotten married and already gone over the dreadful things you're bound to hear from all Arabs around you.
And as life would have it: first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in the baby carriage.
So buckle up and get ready for the Arab sayings you'll hear when you announce you have a little one on the way:
1. "Kele la tnen" (Eat for two)
Even though that's far from being true - you should only add around 500 calories towards your last trimester - Arab women will insist you should eat a lot and satisfy all your cravings... even if you don't have any.
2. "Inshallah sabe" (Hopefully it's a boy)
It remains unclear why having an obsession with reproducing males is one of the foundations of being an Arab, but there will be disappointed faces when you say you're expecting a girl.
3. "I knew it"
No matter when, how, and where you announce you're pregnant, there's going to be that one person who swears they "knew it" because "sheftik bel manem" (I saw you in a dream.)
4. "Hamoud aw helo?" (Sour or sweet?)
The funny thing about this supposed gender indicator is that each woman will give you a different answer when you reveal what you've been craving.
Does sour mean a boy or girl? God knows.
5. "El esem la halo byeje" (The name comes on its own)
One thing about Arabs is that some won't shy away from explicitly telling you the name you picked out for your child is ugly.
And if you get into a discussion with any of them about names, it will most definitely end in "el esem la halo byeje."
Unless they pressure you to name based on your husband's father's name... then the fun begins.
6. "Smalla mbayne/Smalla ma mbayne" (You're showing/You're not showing)
What's worse than a baby bump that appears too soon? One that for some reason never does, and you're left with concerned khaltos telling you to go check if your baby is still in there.
7. "Ghayre el hakim" (Switch doctors)
All gynecologists are horrible... except for that one your aunt goes to... different from the one your other aunt goes to... but both are the best!
8. "Don't walk, crouch, stand, go upstairs, or breathe too much"
Each of your aunts is suddenly a doctor, but with contradicting tips. No matter what you do, make sure to not exercise in any way, shape, or form.
9. "Mehlawe/Mbash3a" (You're prettier/uglier)
Oh, it's a boy? No wonder you're looking so tired lately. *sips tea*
10. "How many kids do you want?"
Before you even bring your first child into existence, you get questioned on the exact number of kids you want. The only wrong answer here is "just one."