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Off limits!
Added: 81 days ago.
Added by: ashleyandcaleb
Section: Pregnancy.
Status: This question is Closed. (Questions will be closed after 10 days.)


why do people,mostly strangers feel the need to touch pregnant bellies,and ask personal questions.I`m not that bold..i wont say`um don`t touch me` I understand they are just trying to be nice,but when that happens does it bother you?

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professorpreggers - 80 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) I hate that too. I don't understand why pregnant women seem to be a signal for all the inappropriate people of this world to crawl out of the wood work. Since I've had my share of drama with people pawing me and a secretary who pulled up my shirt, I've put up all my defenses. Since petting seems to follow some sort of conversation starter like "when are you due" or “Is this your first”(as if it's anybody's business) I usually reply very curtly, gruffly, or rudely, and I also turn away from them immediately. It seems to preempt any attempts at pawing my belly. One girl on here told me she squeezes people's boobs if they reach out and touch her. I'm not sure I have the guts for that, although I have fantasized about walking around with a wooden bat to ward off the molesters!

megbug - 80 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) haha perhaps I'm a little TOO bold. If it's someone I have met before, I lightly spat their hand and start rubbing THEIR belly... If I don't know them I make an ugly face and squinch my eyebrows together and take a step back. haha :) This was a good question! I definately recommend one of the other ladies' more polite methods.. but people just don't remember that it's still our bellies, not just a baby, and should have more consideration for personal space.

wildberry - 80 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) yes it bothered me this sounds bad but with baby no 2. i got really good at avoiding peoples gaze and if i cote it i would scowl for the most part it worked i always felt bad after but that didnt stop me i mean come on people hands off

Baby3OnWay - 80 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) YES!!!, I try to move away slightly or when they do touch me i just like Ya... and starts rubbing it and they move their hands... I can't be too rude either although at times its just SO BAD!!! haha

skittles0607 - 80 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) The whole stranger thing bothers me too.. Some will ask but some just do it.. You never know how a woman feels about you touching their bellies.. Its best to ask first..

ashleyandcaleb - 80 days ago I just feel like a buddha or something.I'm pretty sure some random person wouldnt want me to rub their belly.Thanks for the answers,Im gonna try "the look".=]

nich-vegas-mommy2be - 80 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) I have not had a stranger come up to me to touch it, but I KNOW it would bother me. I have a shirt already that says "Touch the belly, lose a hand". I am not even comfortable with my mom TALKING to my stomach. It's just akward and uncomfortable for me. I really only like when my husband is doing the talking or rubbing! I have heard that you can have some success at keeping people away from your belly by NOT smiling at them when they start in about the belly or pregnancy. A smile is inviting, where NOT smiling will kind of give the non-verbal clue to back off.

monica9 - 80 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) Ive never had a stranger do it so I dont know if that would bother me. My friends do it all the time and I dont care but I can see how it would be annoying if strangers were coming up to me. good luck

christina1984 - 80 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) that totally bothers, i dont need people coming up to touch my belly. it makes me uncomfortable. i almost bought this funny t shirt that says something like yes im pregnant now back away from the belly.

lilmissred - 80 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) YES! Ive actually been hugged AND kissed on the cheek as well.... by complete strangers on an elevator!Its nice when they ask before hand may I rub ur tummy and depending on my mood I might say ok, other times I say I'd prefer if u didnt, but for those who just ambush me??!!...whoa! its a bit much LOL I know they dont mean any harm, but still! :o) sorry Momma unfort people feel the need to be hands on when they see a protruding belly :o&

LMO - 80 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) yeah i hated that im not too much into people touching me not being pregnant.

mrscolegrove - 80 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) well since i got pregnant my hormones are really kicking in so i pretty much say what im thinking all the time me and my mom in law got in a fight cuz i told her she was being obsesive about my stomach and id punch her in the face if she touched me again and ive told the starngers i see with the look dont touch me please or i have a bad cold for the older ones you can be kinda nice but mean stay away from the belly

UKMama - 80 days ago Rating: 5 (1 votes) Yes it does bother me! (unless it's someone I feel really close and at ease with or, as 'heaven' said, it's another expectant mum) I've tried a few things: put my hand up firmly as they reach for my bump and say (without apology) "No"; stroked their belly after they've finished fondling mine (that really does get the point across!); wear a T'shirt saying "Hands off the bump!" (or a badge. That's a good way to soften the simple "No" appraoch if you feel awkward. Say no and then point to the badge with your most disarming smile); OR (erm and this is quite confrontational but pushed to the limit even UKMama can hand out a slap) grab their wrist and say oh-so helpfully "I wouldn't want anyone to be able to accuse you of sexual assault/physical harrassment, would you?" You are quite right to feel affronted. Hey, you could say (at least in your head and laugh) "Cop a feel of the preggie boobs too while you're at it!" because really there is no difference in the social boundary is there?!

Brandi J. - 81 days ago Rating: 5 (1 votes) If you are uncomfortable, then you do have every right to politely ask them not to touch your belly. You could say something like "I'm sorry, but I'm really not comfortable w/ ppl touching my stomach", and as for the questioning just answer what you feel comfortable answering.

Asutori - 81 days ago Rating: 5 (1 votes) I had my first encounter with that last week at my 2nd ultrasound with a stranger; she was a nice lady but seemed like she wanted to know everything about me and just got too close. I don't like being touched period, let alone being pregnant and more defensive of my belly. So I basically stepped back in a "don't get in my bubble" type motion while somewhat holding/covering my belly... that seems to have worked ok without having to say go away. I hope that might help, good luck! :)

slg3233 - 81 days ago Rating: 5 (1 votes) I don't know why people do that, but I can't say anything because at my 1st job ever my co worker was pregnant and I kept feeling the need to touch her belly all the time. I guess it's just natural, but I have never had a stranger want to touch my belly. That would be weird, so I think I know how you feel!

Heaven - 81 days ago Rating: 5 (1 votes) i think its fine if its another pregnant lady but if its a creepy guy the ewww.... haha

Mommyof2boys - 81 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) I give the look "back off" when I see them coming :) most people are understanding but others don't care just try avoiding them when they are about to or ask them nicely not to. Hope this helps some.