Pregnancy can rob you of your privacy. But remember, you have the right to control your own body.
When the belly bump starts to show, a lot of expectant mamas find themselves under the relentless gaze of others. Some are flattered by the attention, some are annoyed. There is no right or wrong reaction here. How you feel depends on your sense of personal boundaries and the kind of attention you are getting. Some people like to be in the spotlight, others do not.
For those who do not like the limelight, a big belly can feel like a test. After all, one look at your body and people know something about you — personal details you may not normally share with random strangers [1].
Some people ask you your due date and if you know the sex of the baby, and then they will reach out and rub your belly!
Why on earth do people touch my belly?
When it comes to pregnancy, people sometimes lose all respect for privacy and personal space. For some people, they are just so excited about the idea of a new baby, they forget their manners. For such people, a rounded belly is a symbol of new life [1].
For others, pregnancy erases a woman's personality completely: she’s not a person, just a walking baby carrier. People who adhere to this position believe that the pregnant body belongs to everyone [1]. Obviously, this is flawed logic.
How do I tell people that I don't want them to touch my belly?
You have every right to express your dissatisfaction — in any way. This is your body, and no one has the right to touch it without permission, much less a stranger. You don't have to worry about being polite. Those who are touching your belly aren’t worried about good manners.
So just say whatever you want. You can limit yourself to the laconic "Please do not touch me".
You don't have to answer why you are uncomfortable when asked. But if you feel better having some ready-made answers at hand, try these on for size:
"My stomach hurts when touched".
"I have very sensitive skin now".
"The baby is asleep, I don’t want you to wake them up" [2].
If you wish to avoid such interactions, take some preemptive moves if you feel belly touchers may be lurking. Block the path to your stomach with a large purse or bag. Have a hand poised to slap away any incoming hands [2].
Another option: You can turn this awkward situation into a joke by reaching out and touching the belly of the person who suddenly starts rubbing your belly. This is an effective method that let’s the person know what they are doing is inappropriate [2].
