I am 29 weeks pregnant and I DO NOT want acquaintances and strangers touching my belly. How do/did you keep people from touching your pregnant belly?
Please do not respond if you are just going to tell me to get over it and that I shouldn't mind. I am not a touchy person in ther first place, and this is an invasion of my personal space, not to mention creepy when complete strangers do it.
Thanks in advance for your answers!
DebCityMama
Favorite Answer
I have a friend who hated getting her belly touched by strangers. Here are some of the things she said that worked:
1) She said that her best defense was to wear a lightweight jacket or cardigan sweater when she went out. For some reason, people were less likely to touch her belly, because the jacket formed some type of physical and psychological barrier between them and the belly, and most people won't reach inside your jacket to touch you.
2) If a stranger would ask permission to touch, she would tell people that she is really ticklish or her belly was very itchy (from stretching) and that she would prefer they not touch her belly. You could also just take a step back, smile and say, "I think it must be my wild hormone levels, and I hope you don't mind, but having others touch my belly makes me uncomfortable." If you want to sugar-coat it to not cause hurt feelings, just add "I never minded it before, but my obstetrician said it happens sometimes--crazy hormones!"
3) For the hot days when it was too hot for her protective jean jacket, she had a couple of cute tshirts that made light of the situation. Most people would read the shirt and respect her space, but if they didn't, she could just stop them and point to her shirt.
For the most part, I have found with my two pregnancies that people are pretty respectful and don't touch your belly or at least ask first (in which case you could use excuse number two).
Good luck!
Rachel G
I actually haven't experienced that much this time around, but maybe it's because I always seem to have my hands over my belly. I would say if approached by a stranger that might be a little too touchy, keep your hands there. I think they would have a hard time just touching the belly if your hands were already there. Maybe that would force them to ask and you could just tell them you're not comfortable with it. I actually thought it was a little strange when my mother-in-law asked for permission long before I started showing (I would never have a problem with her, cause we have a great relationship), but now I realize she was just being very respectful of my personal space.
angela
Well, I was the same way when I was pregnant, and at first I would be polite and ask people not to touch my stomach. Eventually though, I just gave up, because while the people I saw every day respected my space, other people did not. So, my husband ended up making me a prego shirt that said " touch the belly and die..." and that worked pretty well! Ofcourse, some people did not see the humor; but by the end of the pregnancy, I didn't care. Good Luck, and try not to stress too much about it!
Anonymous
Some people just have no manners. Try to let your friends and family know about your preference, and tell them to spread the word.
As for stangers on the street, try rubbing their belly and see how they like it.
It might be worth investing in a shirt or two that says something like 'Hands off' or 'Look, but Don't touch'.
Anonymous
You know what? I didn't. SOOOOO many people have reached out to touch my belly, it would just be a nuisance for me to try and tell everyone who has done it, not to do it. EVERYONE....My mom, all of my friends, cousins, aunts, dad, mother in law, etc etc. I don't mind if I know the person, but if it's a complete stranger....NO WAY! I tell them right there.