The strangest thing happens once you start showing. People seem unable to resist touching a pregnant belly. At no other point in life will strangers approach you and try to touch your stomach. For some reason, some have no problem invading the personal space of a stranger to touch her stomach.
If you are lucky, the stranger will ask before touching. Even this can be awkward. How do you say “no” in a polite way? Personally, I wouldn’t worry too much about politeness. After all, the question isn’t very polite, is it?
Well, it could be worse. Some don’t even bother to ask. They will just touch the woman’s belly while making a comment about the pregnancy, or even worse, the size of the belly in question. This is an awkward moment for the mother, and perhaps the stranger, if she doesn’t react well to the intrusion.
So why do people do this? There are legends in many cultures that suggest that touching a pregnant woman’s belly is good luck. Other than a few very old women, I doubt that this is the reason most people let go of social convention to touch a stranger’s stomach. For most, the reason seems to be fascination with the process of pregnancy and birth.
Most of us are at least a bit fascinated with the miracle of life that is represented in the pregnant belly. Even when the belly was my own, it was hard to imagine a nearly fully grown newborn baby was curled up in such a small space. Feeling the baby move is a confirmation of this amazing fact.
There are some times when you will want your belly touched. The person won’t be a stranger, but a friend, family member, spouse or partner. Once the baby starts moving and can be felt easily from the outside, you will want to share this special time with someone. But I’m pretty sure it won’t be the stranger on line in the supermarket.
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