Jewish mommies to be......

I'm not Jewish, so forgive me for my ignorance on this....

In my department at school, there are quite a few women who are Orthodox.

After the summer break, when we returned it was obvious there are 3 women who are visibly pregnant. Being that my major is comprised mostly of female students, we are all understandably excited for them.

A friend approached one of the girls to congratulate her and asked her about her due date and if she knew the sex, etc and the girl seemed VERY uncomfortable.

As an aside, none of them actually ever "announced" their pregnancies (they had obviously known they were expecting during the spring semester if they are visibly showing by now).

I don't want to insult any of these women, nor do I want to make anyone uncomfortable, but naturally would want to congratulate them and wish them well. Is this something that is considered improper within the Jewish community?

Thanks for any insight....
Amy

Message edited 8/31/2006 12:37:19 PM.

Re: Jewish mommies to be......

I'm jewish but not orthodox but it seems odd to me that they would be uncomfortable with someone sharing congratulations. I know that we aren't supossed to reallt buy anything to receive anything baby-related before the baby is here (although you do have to get basics) but see no reason why it's odd to be congratulated.....

Re: Jewish mommies to be......

I am jewish but also not orthodox and I feel that they have very strong convictions to certain aspects of life which I couldnt explain being non-orthodox. Honestly, I think a simple congratulations wouldnt offend anyone. Maybe limit your questions. Sometimes people annoy me without religion in the picture just by how many questions they ask and personal stuff.