Why do people touch pregnant womens belly's?

Question

I don't know about you ladies, but I'm not too fond of people touching my belly as they tell me "you look like your having a girl", or "how many months are you"? Should I start touching their belly's as they touch mine so that they get the idea?
It's strange because some people can touch my belly and get away with it like my husband (obviously), my mom, siblings, my dad, my grandparents, only one of my 3 aunts, and my cousins and very few friends. Why is it though, that this bothers women so much? I think maybe it's that we are already being protective of our babies? Even more importantly, why do people touch pregnant womens belly's altogether?
The funny thing is that before I became pregnant, I too use to touch their belly's!!! Now I know they were wanting to break my wrist instead of saying hello!

Luann, I have been told my "EVERYBODY" that i am having a girl followed by "your boobs are huge" or "your hips are so much wider"! Yes, it gets very personal, and might I add it does not make me feel pretty!!!!! Not to mention, as they "comment" me, they are .......you know it, rubbing my belly!!!

The details I added were not "upset" details, actually they were meant to be more humerous. Maybe I not good at being humerous? Sorry..... :)

Answer 1

I think everyone wants to touch the mommy belly because a new baby in the family is a happy affair, and everyone (even if they don't know you) wants to be involved in that happy experience. People treat you differently as you get bigger, too. Now that I'm over 40 weeks (sigh, he's never coming out of there) we get better tables at restaurants and people just seem to be more respectful. I get tired of hearing "sit down" all the time, but everyone means well.

I think that's the important thing to remember as strangers invade your radius to touch your belly: they mean well. Some of our hesitation does come from protectiveness, but I honestly think if a stranger came up to me and tried to touch my belly when I wasn't pregnant I'd be equally apprehensive.

Just wait until someone starts examining your hips to see if they've "spread" (an old wives tale that you're having a girl). That takes "personal" to a whole new level!

Answer 2

Well--You may just be feeling irritable--being pregnant can do that!!..But I never minded having anyone touch my belly--and I was always curious to touch other pregnant stomachs--I think because people are hoping to feel the baby kick or move around, u know? It is one thing to hear that-oh there is a baby inside of someone--and another to actually FEEL it move--to feel the start of life in someone's belly--it is very exciting and awesome--When people touched my belly I felt happy and powerful--like an earth goddess--full of life...But--if you are not in the mood for being touched at the time--just say so--people should understand--after all--all these hormones, etc--just say--hey--I'm feeling a bit queasy right now-and people will probably stay away from you!! Congratulations on your pregnancy and good luck with everything:)

Answer 3

I am very sorry that you don't like strangers touching your belly, but I truly understand. Maybe you can tell them in a nice way, like "I really don't like anyone touching my belly, because my baby moves a whole lot when anybody do that, and that's very uncomfortable for me" that a pleasant and nice way! And for Luann she's a nobody trying to be somebody ok! cause alot of men love women with big boobs and wilder hips!!!

Answer 4

Because a new life is a fascinating, beautiful and magical thing. I heard once that there is an invisible "string" between us and all the people we've touched. Imagine all the connections that your baby has already made, all of those people wishing him/her the very best. I've had four kids and I thought it was wonderful. It's just people wishing the baby well. Relax, smile and enjoy the fact that even total strangers wish the most wonderful life for your baby! :)

Answer 5

See it came back around u touch now--you are being touched. Some mothers do not go out in public places as much since they are pregnant. Think about it! When they are pregnant to protect themselves and the child. Some people do not work while pregnant. You must be quick, but sometimes u do not see it coming. Blame it on your husband: "My husband does not want anyone to touch my stomach now, but him." Keep your hands on your stomach, touch yourself like a defense. Baby there are people out there that might want to vex the child.

Answer 6

People seem to feel some sort of connection to the process of bringing life into the world. So, in some sort of way, they feel that touching the belly of a pregnant woman is sort of a good luck thing. If you used to do it yourself, you may be receiving a bit of personal "karma".

Personally, I find it rude. To touch ANY other person is an invasion of their space. When we allow those whom we love and who love us to touch us, it strengthens the bond with them. It is a trust issue as well.

Since you have now become uncomfortable with the idea of having your belly touched and if strangers are doing it, maybe you should look them square in the eyes and YELL, 'GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF ME CREEP! I DON'T KNOW YOU AND I DON'T WANT YOU TOUCHING ME!"

It will embarrass the dickens out of them and maybe they will learn not to go around putting their grimey paws where they aren't wanted.

*one funny side note I heard:

some dude reached over to pat this woman on her tummy and told her "I just love to rub the belly of women who are pregnant!"

She looked at him with the coldest stare she could muster and said "I'm not pregnant, I'm just FAT"

Answer 7

It called the miracle of birth.
People still see giving birth as a mystical, spiritual thing. It renews and affirms life.
People seem to feel the need to know there is still hope for a future.
That life goes on.
Think of each touch as a blessing on your beautiful baby. Maybe that will help. Good luck!

Answer 8

I think the reason pregnant women have issue with it (as they should) especially in America - we are taught to have our own personal space, and when someone (often a stranger) comes up and touches us, especially your belly which you want to protect as maternal instinct, is very difficult.

As why people want to touch or rub a pregnant woman's stomach - I think it has to do with the excitement of a precious new life coming into the world. I was taught by my mother (who hated people touching her when she was pregnant) to ALWAYS ask before doing so. I think it is overall common courtesy to ask before touching anyone!

Answer 9

LOL! I don't know, but it does get annoying! I am only 8 weeks and I told everyone at work and everytime certain people see me they rub my stomach and say hows the bean doing and it really does get annoying. Maybe they feel like they are saying hello to the baby too?!! I have no idea! LOL

Answer 10

They probably just think it's cute. As I was laying on the sofa with my bare belly out for everyone to see, my gf's bro comes over and says " I just love pregnant belly's" and tickles it..unusual for me because it's usually just a " hey what's up" between him and me. Other times they just think the mother to be doesnt mind a lil attention. We could do without the attention.