Ever had a coworker make an offhand pregnancy joke—or worse, reach out to touch your belly? If you thought these moments were just awkward relics of the past, think again. According to this recent TwistedSifter article, outdated assumptions about pregnancy are alive and well in today’s offices—and the data reveals just how much damage these micro-interactions can do.

But what’s really going on beneath the surface? How do these “harmless” comments affect people navigating the often-complex path to parenthood, especially in an era when fertility journeys have become more diverse, data-driven, and innovative than ever before?

Let’s break down what the numbers—and the lived experiences—actually reveal.

The Data Doesn’t Lie: Workplace Pregnancy Assumptions Are Outdated and Harmful

According to 2024 research from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 41% of employees have experienced or witnessed a coworker making comments or physical gestures assuming someone was pregnant. Not only do these interactions violate personal boundaries, but over 60% of respondents reported feeling “singled out” or “uncomfortable” afterward.

Yet, shockingly, less than 20% of workplaces have clear policies discouraging pregnancy-related jokes, comments, or physical contact. That’s a huge gap—especially considering:

• Fertility struggles affect 1 in 6 couples worldwide
• 38% of people trying to conceive do so via non-traditional paths (IUI, IVF, donor sperm, and home insemination)
• The stigma and lack of sensitivity can discourage open dialogue and support-seeking at work

The truth? Old-school assumptions about what pregnancy “looks like” or when it’s polite to ask about baby plans are not only inaccurate—they’re potentially damaging.

Why the Old Narratives No Longer Fit

As the TwistedSifter article underscores, today’s fertility journeys don’t fit the neat, predictable scripts of decades past. The path to parenthood can be anything but linear. Some people face years of trying, some pursue at-home insemination, others build families through surrogacy or adoption, and many experience miscarriage or loss along the way.

So when a coworker comments, “When are you due?” or assumes someone must be pregnant because of how they look, those words can land like a gut punch. For many, it’s a reminder of private struggles, medical issues, or simply a jarring breach of bodily autonomy.

The Technology Shaping New Fertility Realities

Fast-forward to 2025, and we’re in the midst of a fertility tech boom. Companies like MakeAMom are at the forefront—offering at-home insemination kits like CryoBaby (for frozen sperm), Impregnator (for low motility sperm), and BabyMaker (for users with sensitivities). These products don’t just provide more control and privacy—they’re shifting who, when, and how people get pregnant.

Consider these facts:

• 67% average success rate for MakeAMom users, rivaling many in-clinic alternatives
• Kits are reusable and shipped discreetly—addressing privacy and cost concerns
• More people are sharing their journeys online, reducing feelings of isolation and replacing outdated myths with data-driven realities

It’s a reminder that parenthood in 2025 comes in many forms—and the old “look” of pregnancy just doesn’t exist anymore.

So, What Should the Modern Workplace Do?

If you’re an HR manager, a team lead, or just someone who wants a more supportive workplace culture, here’s what the latest research and advocacy groups suggest:

• Don’t Assume: Never ask or comment on someone’s body or fertility plans. Period.
• Promote Education: Distribute resources about fertility diversity and privacy. Consider making data on modern family-building journeys part of inclusion training.
• Update Policies: Ensure anti-harassment and DEI policies include pregnancy-related microaggressions and support fertility leave for all paths to parenthood.
• Support Flexibility: Recognize that fertility treatments, at-home insemination, and other medical appointments require flexibility and privacy.

And if you’re on your own TTC (Trying to Conceive) journey—whether privately, with a partner, or with medical or at-home assistance—know that you’re not alone. Companies like MakeAMom are continuously updating their resources and sharing real user success stories to help others feel empowered, not ashamed.

The Takeaway: Let’s Get Smarter (and Kinder) About Fertility

The days of casual workplace pregnancy comments should be over—but culture shifts take data, open conversation, and ongoing advocacy. Next time you hear or witness a “harmless” joke or touch, remember: behind every body is a unique journey, and the most supportive thing we can offer is respect, privacy, and up-to-date information.

How is your workplace handling these issues? Have you experienced boundaries being crossed, or have you seen positive change? Let’s talk in the comments—because sharing our stories is what drives progress.