Actress Charlize Theron, 32, has voiced a concern many women think about when considering pregnancy.
Getting pregnant doesn’t excite me, but having kids does. I know I’ll be a mother someday. It’s just that…I don’t really want to look like a whale, you know? But I’m sure the idea of something growing inside of you is pretty powerful.
Charlize has been dating fellow actor Stuart Townsend, 34, for five years.
Wow. Luckily for Charlize, her mother didn’t think that way.
- Eileen on
“…I don’t really want to look like a whale, you know? “
you don’t necesary have to look like a whale while you are pregnant, I think her comment is very inmature (or maybe she was just joking?)
- sil on
I appreciate her point of view, but I never felt that way. I was so excited to go through the entire process. Being pregnant was one of the happiest times of my life. What I am not looking forward to, however, is the stress of trying to get pregnant. That can be nerve-racking! That and the horrible morning sickness I had during my entire pregnancy…hope that doesn’t happen again!
- mandy on
Whale? Very mature attitude.
- meghan on
“…I don’t really want to look like a whale, you know? “
Give me a break. While I didn’t really enjoy being preggo, I would never refer to any pregnant woman as a WHALE – really disrespectful.
- Ween on
Wow… That comment was a bit offensive. I personally thought I looked my best when pregnant, and tend to think that all pregnant women are beautiful… I think I just lost a bit of respect for her because of that comment. Is that what she sees when she looks at pregnant women?
- Jaime on
I think Hollywood really warps your brain when it comes to weight issues. Nice choice of words! I appreciate her honesty though, and am sure that lots of people probably feel this way secretly, but would never say it out loud. There are just some things you don’t say out loud – so people don’t think you’re shallow.
- PSB on
I’m surprised she said that considering she gained so much weight for her oscar nominated role in Monster. Hopefully when she does become pregnant she won’t fixate on her appearance and concentrate on having a healthy baby.
- Isabel on
I guess she’s just being honest (albeit tactless), but to say pregnancy automatically makes women look like whales is naive and inaccurate.
Pregnancy is a beautiful and natural state for the female body, Charlize! and with your shape, you have nothing to worry about. 
- daphneesmith on
I’m surprised there are so many people offended by her comment. With each of my pregnancies I used to joke about how I felt like a “beached whale.” I don’t think her comments are anything out of the ordinary.
I’m the same way I guess. I don’t like being pregnant but I love having children.
To each their own I suppose.
- Jodi on
Well now, why doesn’t everyone just focus on the one aspect of negativity in her whole comment.I actually can appreciate her honesty. It’s her opinion and she’s entitled to it, pregnancy is not for everyone. That doesn’t make her a bad person. And it certaintly is not going to make her a bad mother. She is not the only person in the world who feels this way.
- Brittany on
If she even said that i am sure she is kidding. People get so offended so easily, it’s not like she said you are big as a whale!
- Melissa on
I totally agree Jodi! Both times I was pregnant, I was miserable from the time I took the test until I gave birth. I had extreme morning sickness and was uncomfortable the entire time. I absolutely love having kids, but will never be pregnant again. I appreciate Charlize’s honesty!
- mandii on
I don’t think pregnancy makes you look like a Whale. I think that was very rude of her.
- Amanda on
Some “glow” with pregnancy, others hate it. I don’t think it is an offending comment either way! I think she’s just being honest and worried about putting on a few pounds
- Cris on
The woman has never had children so I can understand her viewpoint. Heck, I’ve had children and I feel that way. Some women are blessed to look beautiful throughout their pregnancy and there are just as many who look a hot mess. Not every woman will look like Heidi Klum when pregnant because they don’t look like Heidi when they are not pregnant. Stop being so sensitive.
- J-Lin on
Heaven forbid Charlize is honest with her feelings about being pregnant. She didn’t pick on anyone else, she just made a comment about herself. People need to lighten up.
I’m already a chubby lady so I already know I won’t look like Bridget Moynahan when she was pregnant, I’m gonna be a short, stout pregnant little lady. 
Who knows, Charlize may love being pregnant when the time comes.
- J on
She is just being honest. Some people don’t enjoy being pregnant. It doesn’t make them bad people. I’m sure she likes to be in control of her figure. It’s hard for some people to have their body change and be completely out of their control. I had major depression with both babies while I was pregnant partly for that reason. I actually did look like a whale with both pregnancies. Even though I hated being pregnant, we will probably have another one soon. Babies are such a joy it makes it all worth it. She won’t care about looking like a whale once she sees what she created. That is what is so great about it. The gift of the baby makes everything you endured during pregnancy seem so trivial and unimportant.
- Mollie on
I think she was just probably joking. C’mon people don’t take those comments to heart. She did let herself go for her role in Monster. Maybe she knows that added weight makes her (not every preggo) look like a whale.
- Rachana on
I too was offended by her comment about looking like a whale. It’s very disrespectful. I’m due to have a baby next week and can assure you I don’t look like a whale.. grrr. Pregnancy is beautiful on all women no matter what their figure. Yes, some are more stylish than others but pregnancy is still a beautiful thing. I think it would’ve been better if she said she didn’t want to FEEL like a whale.. that we can all relate to, feeling huge.
- heather on
I agree with the posters who believe she’s being honest, harsh or not. The (other)ugly truth is…often times when we’re offended by a comment its because it strikes a nerve. So maybe some of the women on the board are afraid that deep down, they did or do feel like they ‘look like a whale’ when pregnant. Hey, everyone wants to believe they’re beautiful, but we can’t all be. We just all hope someone never says it directly to our face! And she didn’t say it directly to you, so no need to be offended. So she isn’t in love with how pregnant bodies look – big deal. That’s a lot of people (myself included). Don’t let insecurity steal your joy.
- Danielle on
It’s interesting how she perceives being pregnant, she sees it as getting fat and being ugly, others see it as beautiful and natural, I wonder if the people whom have commented on having uncomfortable pregnancies are the same people who feared ‘looking like a whale’
- ivey on
I’m shocked by some of the comments here. All she did was simply express her own opinion. One that many women, including myself, share. I love kids but I have no desire to ever be pregnant and I have enough trouble with my weight as it is. She could’ve worded it a little better but she was just being honest. Let’s cut her some slack here.
- Jeanne on
As long as you’re pregnant, you can make that comment all day long about yourself. For non-pregnant women, it’s off limits! KWIM? However, I feel that her opinion is based on how she views pregnant women. That’s where I feel that her thinking is offensive. She is entitled to feel that way but if she does get pregnant, we’ll see how she feels when the tabloids refer to her as looking like a whale.
- Kelly on
I’ve never been pregnant and i guess i also think like that. I don’t want to put on heaps of weight and look ‘like a whale’ mainly because its been proven you don’t have to, you can still be pregnant and look absolutely stunning. I don’t seen anything wrong with caring for your body and your baby’s health.
I appreciate how honest she is, i wonder how she’ll be when she’s pregnant?
- Tara on
I see nothing wrong with her comments. I admire her for being honest – it’s refreshing to hear someone being honest about how they feel instead of saying what they think they “should” think and feel. It’s really sad that a person can’t be honest about how they feel without the PC police jumping all over them
And I agree with the earlier poster who said that people are so upset because it struck a nerve. If you’re so confident about yourself and your pregnancy why do you care what someone else thinks? It’s also entirely possible that this comment was a joke.
- Kate on
When and if she does get pregnant, she could very well absolutely love it. Then again, she might have a rough time. Either way, I think all of us that have been pregnant (or are now) know that for the most part it is the most amamzing experience. I think she was just using a very common cliched phrase. I don’t think she meant to be offensive. JMO. I can certainly see how someone currently pregnant w/ spiked hormones and dealing w/ all the issues of pregnancy COULD be offended. But, I really don’t think she MEANT to be.
- Campbell on
I was kinda put off by her “whale” comment, but I guess not every woman enjoys pregnancy. I enjoyed every aspect of it and want to do it again so much. But, I know lots of women hate it. The weight gaining didn’t bother me in the least…I knew it was for a good reason. I think even the vainest of women get pregnant and suddenly love the way they look. It helps if you have an easy pregnancy too. I did with both of my kids. If I had been riddled with morning sickness or complications I would probably have hated it. But, I didn’t focus on my ever growing body as being fat or looking like a whale. Although my ex husband called me one once. It really hurt. I knew deep down that I was doing the most important job a person could do….grow another person.
- tink1217 on
Nevermind the comments about looking like a whale WHEN she’s pregnant…. what if she cannot bear children? She’s assuming that she can carry a baby. It’s possible that won’t be the case. You never know.
- Kate on
Guys relax I think she was just kidding everyone needs to stop taking things seriously. Maybe she sees herself as being a “whale” as pregnant not so much other people!!
I feel the same way she does. I love the idea of being a mommy some day just don’t look forward to the being pregnant and giving birth part! Sure I’ll do it and in the end I am sure it will be all fine but it’s a fear many have.
I think she’ll make a wonderful mother. She’s played a mom in several movies and looks very natural as one and not to mentin she and Stuart are gorgeous that baby will be too!
- J.M. on
I think it’s sad that she is not looking forward to pregnancy because of what *seems to be* vanity issues (she didn’t say she was worried about morning sickness or labor pain, only how she would look), but I’m not going to bash her because these things are always taken out of context and even if that’s how she feels now she could very well change her mind when the time comes. At any rate, she is entitled to think whatever she wants and I don’t think she meant it to be offensive to other pregnant women, JMO. For me, personally, I don’t care in the slightest what I look like when I’m pregnant because I will be too excited about the miracle God has given me to think about anything else!
- Leigh on
Kate I really don’t think it’s necessary or fair to bring karma into Charlizes’ comments
by saying, “for all she knows she doesn’t have the privilege of bearing children.”
So what, if she doesn’t or won’t. She clearly is looking forward to the privilege of motherhood more, and either through pregnancy and/or any other method she will hopefully achieve it.
To me that is what matters most.
- FrigginBoobs on
I think that every celebrity that has a shape like hers and only worries about their vanity and looks would say something about being pregnant like she said. Gee, when you get pregnant you are going to gain weight and probably get stretch marks and all of that. If you don’t plan on feeling like crap when you are getting bigger and bigger each month, don’t get pregnant!!!
- Carolyn on
Despite the fact that I have said, “I look like a whale” or something close to it, I’m still offended by Charlize’s statement.
It’s far and away beyond time for people to truly embrace the changes pregnancy brings.
We’ve embraced being pregnant and being a mother, but are still terrified (as a society) of the actual phyical realities of the entire event!!!!!!
- Amanda S on
She is just joking, I have heard plenty of people celebrities and regular women say of course they want kids, but getting big while pregnant scares them, especially when they are thin in general. Nothing to get offended about, she wasn’t calling one specfic person a whale, she was saying she doesn’t wanna look or feel that way. I’m sure she will be a mom and love it one day, but some people are afraid of the pregnancy part.
- gabriella on
Poor choice of words but I understand where she is coming from. I’m on a birth board for women due in the same month as I am (December). All the thinner women are complaining about getting “fat” when it’s really all baby and they’ve gained maybe 10lbs so far.
I think it’s funny cause “fat” to me is the roll I have hanging under my preggo belly because I was “fat” all over to begin with!
- Lorus on
I think it’s pretty reasonable for a good looking woman to feel that her looks will suffer with pregnancy. And if she’s not worried about her weight, the thought of losing half her hair after the delivery would give many a qualm or two.
I have only been pregnant once, and unfortunately miscarried early on, but I felt like I was retaining enough water to fill a small lake. It was not the greatest feeling. And that was only the first month! I have to admit that I somewhat dread how bloated I might FEEL if and when the time comes. Ten months of “I’m bloated” is a scarier thought to me than looking plump.
- Elizabeth on
It sounds like self-deprecating humor to me, nothing else. I’m not sure why everyone is so upset. I myself am 7 months pregnant and laughed at her comment, because I DO feel like a whale!
- emily on
I was offended at first, but reading through the comments, well I realise that feeling like a whale can be a truth of pregnancy. Now in week 35, I’ve been feeling not like a whale, but a sea-cow, or giant apple on legs. I’ll be so glad to get my abdomen back to myself. I think it’s ok to feel uneasy about the changes that pregnancy brings. I’ve felt it so keenly this pregnancy as I lost a lot of weight last year and was soooo svelte. I miss feeling comfortable. Last pregnancy I did look the size of a whale but was blissfully accepting of it. This time, much much thinner, yet battling some image issues.Ironic!
- felicity on
being honest doesn’t mean to be disrespectful, imo
When I was pregnant, I was really big! but if someone would have called me a whale ….i’m sure I wouldn’t think “oh I admire you for being honest, thank you!”
And, not all pregnant women have to gain too much weight, it depends on you, I ate a LOT! during my pregnancy, so it was my fault, but I know lots of friends that looked gorgeous during all 9 months.
Anyway, maybe Charlize was just joking, but is not nice to read a comment like that, for me is just inmature.
- sil on
What’s to be offended about? There are plenty of things I don’t look forward to with kids (lack of sleep, potty training, fighting with my 15 year old about curfew, etc), that doesn’t mean I’m not completely excited to have them, and don’t totally value children and pregnancy. .Regardless of how you look, “Whale” is just an accurate characterazation of how plenty women feel when they’re pregnant. Huge, bloated, uncomfortable. Not all women, but certainly some.
I have not been pregnant before, but will be trying in the near future. I am naturally thin; a quality I have probably taken for granted so far. When I think of pregnancy, I wonder if I’ll gain a lot of weight, deal with a lot of swelling, if I’ll ever get my body back. It makes me a little nervous sometimes, because I’m used to being thin, being able to wear any style, not having to hate bathing suit shopping, etc. I don’t mean this in a prideful way – I have PLENTY of flaws – I’ve just been pretty lucky where weight is concerned. I know that having a baby will be worth it regardless. I know there are plenty of things I can do to stay in shape if that’s important to me. I know that my baby will mean FAR more to me than my pants size. Sometimes, I’m just a little apprehensive about the possible changes. Aren’t we all a little leery of some changes?
Especially as a celebrity, when you’re looks are your product, and in particular when you are widely regarded as one of the most beautiful women in the business (like her), you know there’s going to be a lot of scrutiny about your body/weight. There will be pictures of you everywhere, when you may not be feeling so glamorous. You’re used to being pretty, and thin, and when you’re pregnant you may not feel that way so much. Of course it would be wonderful if none of us had these insecurities, but we all do with something. She’s just saying she doesn’t look forward to weight gain, swelling, or even just feeling big. I don’t think that’s meant to insult pregnant women, it’s just acknowledging that for her (and many) that possible aspect of pregnancy is a bit of a negative.
- Andria on
I think many of you are being FAR too sensitive!!! I am 7 1/2 months pregnant, and often feel huge and her comment didn’t offend me!
I think people need to be more honest that being pregnant is not always wonderful and admit that you don’t always feel that great about yourself or feel that comfortable. To me admitting that you have fears over pregnancy, even if it is gaining weight it is sorta the same thing. I think many people probably worry about this same sort of thing but feel that there is something wrong with admitting it, so I say GOOD FOR HER!!!
- Diana on
Okay number one, this is a “quote” taken from a gossip rag. Make of it what you will. Number two, I don’t understand why there is this stigma that pregnancy must be this gorgeous otherworldly experience for every woman. I just had my son 6 weeks ago and during the entire 3rd trimester, especially that 9th month, I told my husband on several occasions how I felt like a real whale. Pregnancy isn’t all rainbows and susnshine for a lot of women. I would do it over again in a heartbeat to have my two children, but I in no way enjoyed being pregnant, I couldn’t wait for it to be over. If she truly said those words, they don’t bother me one bit, because I really felt like that whale! The good news is though, Charlize, it doesn’t last forever. That’s what got me through it, seeing that light at the end of the tunnel if you will. Some women need to lighten up a bit. And remember, this is from a GOSSIP mag!
Sarah’s note: Parade isn’t a gossip magazine. OK! is, but the interview is from Parade and comes out this Sunday.
- Jessica L. on
The first reaction that I had when I read this was laughter, because I thought it was really funny, not offensive.
And to those who feel “offended”, should just get off it because I’m sure you’ve heard women saying this before and maybe you have said it yourself. We all have the right to our opinions and she made hers clear. I’m sure a lot of women, celebrities or not, fear “looking like a whale” when they get pregnant. I sure have said “I hope I don’t get huge” and that’s my own feeling. It doesn’t make me love “the joy of it all” any less. To say that she doesn’t have the right to HER feelings about HER body is ridiculous.
- Princess on
I saw the whale comment and went “Oh boy, here we go! )
“Charlize honey, I don’t think you could ever look like a whale!”
And as far as pregnancy weight gain goes, I didn’t mind until the end when NOTHING fit. I’m tall and that made it even harder ! Oh and yeah, it made my hips and back kill me! But my 1st daughter and my current pregancy are miracles, so I LOVE pregnancy just for that reason!
- DWS on
It’s her opinion. Take it or leave it. She wasn’t insulting any of you, she was saying that for herself, it’s not what she wants. Can’t you look at the positive? She’d adopt, I’m assuming and that is beautiful!
- Erin on
I think the reason why so many people find it offensive is because they ASSUME that Charlize means that ALL pregnant women look like whales! She didn’t go “I think pregnant women look like whales and I don’t wanna look like a whale”, her sentence is referring to herself. She’s afraid she will look like a whale, but it doesn’t mean she thinks all pregnant women look like whales.
I feel that she is just being honest about her feelings and btw, you guys are just harping on one part of her comment. Whatever happened to “…But I’m sure the idea of something growing inside of you is pretty powerful.” It shows that even though she may not enjoy growing bigger, she doesn’t dilute the beauty of carrying a child, does she?
When you put them together, it looks alot better eh?
- oceanus on
Well, for some women the idea of being pregnant is very different than being pregnant. I know I don’t necessarily want to ”be” pregnant but yes I do want to go through that whole experience. I think she is saying something many women feel inside but never say.
- erin on
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