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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Patting pregnant belly when asleep

61 replies

Lou265 · 06/05/2021 20:25

Hi guys, I'm a bit disturbed, my boyfriend said during the night I sleep pat my pregnant belly where the baby is! I was horrified, but he said it wasnt hard or anything and I stopped when he spoke to me but obviously I was asleep and remember nothing. Is this normal or should I seek some help? Thanks x

OP posts:
wildeverose · 06/05/2021 23:57

@Lou265

Voomster953 sorry my threads are not to your liking, don't understand how bad morning sickness and asking if people think I'm having a boy or girl are classed as anxiety but cheers for your helpful input. This website is meant for asking questions, especially as a first time mother so don't put me down for being able to ask opinions on things I'm experiencing for the first time. Maybe in future you could focus on what I actually asked rather than trying to psychoanalyse me Smile
The anxiety part is probs based on this post and wondering whether you needed a gp for parting your stomach. Pp was trying to help - I absolutely agree you seem massively anxious around being pregnant, and that's probably something you should discuss with the gp.
Pinkyavocado · 07/05/2021 02:20

Eh?

flashylamp · 07/05/2021 07:47

@Lou265

And help as in I couldn't find anything about it so maybe have a chat with my gp

You must realise that seeing a GP because you patted your stomach in your sleep is ridiculous?

CuntyMcBollocks · 07/05/2021 08:03

I wouldn't worry about it. You won't have hurt your baby. When the ultrasound technitians do their thing, they press down quite hard, and that doesn't damage anyone's baby, so a bit of patting won't do any harm.

Sceptre86 · 07/05/2021 08:17

Being a first time mum there are bound to be certain things that concern you as it is all new for you. However most people would realise that patting your stomach is different to punching it and unlikely to do any damage to your baby they are very well protected in there. Maybe read up a bit about babies in the womb to get an understanding of this? I think this would help you because you would understand your body better.

The previous poster who you have had a moan at was just trying to point out that seeing a gp over something so trivial probably does indicate you are anxious otherwise it wouldn't even come to mind. Anyway best of luck with your pregnancy.

Original poster
Lou265 · 07/05/2021 10:24

I think the word anxious is being thrown around a bit too much. Thanks though for everyone else's helpful comments. Didn't realise there were so many **heads on here but I guess it's still the Internet!

OP posts:
wildeverose · 07/05/2021 10:29

Can you really not see that you have an anxiety issue? You wanted to see a doctor because you patted your stomach and were worried you'd hurt your unborn child - or kept her awake Confused

Original poster
Lou265 · 07/05/2021 10:32

My gp would probably be more understanding than some of the budding psychologists on here!

OP posts:
Original poster
Lou265 · 07/05/2021 10:34

I patted my stomach whilst I was ASLEEP. if you don't think that's a bit weird I don't know for you Hmm

OP posts:
wildeverose · 07/05/2021 10:34

Your gp will tell you that you're an anxious first time mum - but ok then

Original poster
Lou265 · 07/05/2021 10:36

Wildeverose I'd love to see your credentials

OP posts:
Chickenlickeninthepot · 07/05/2021 10:36

If you think sleep bump patting is weird wait till you hear about sleep walking.

bunglebee · 07/05/2021 10:36

Sorry, but this thread is absolutely barking, and if you can't see that then you do have an issue.

People do all kinds of stuff in their sleep, pretty much everything they do awake. Almost none of it of any consequence. Your GP may not laugh in your face, but they probably will tell you, slightly more nicely, to get a fucking grip.

wildeverose · 07/05/2021 10:38

Do you know how many people sleep talk and walk? Sleep cycles are fascinating, Most if not all people will experience some sort of restlessness when sleeping, resulting in talking, sleep walking, etc.
There's nothing at all weird about it, not even slightly. What's weird is your need to make it out to be an issue, when it's really not.

Original poster
Lou265 · 07/05/2021 10:40

God everyone's had their morning cup of **hole ain't they Grin

OP posts:
wildeverose · 07/05/2021 10:45

Look, we are in the middle of a pandemic. Gp appointments are impossible for most at the moment and they are stretched beyond their limit.
If you're that worried, which is still honestly really odd, mention it to your midwife at your next appointment.
Do not waste a gps valuable time over a complete non issue.

Tinacollada · 07/05/2021 10:45

Hope you don't expect him to go anywhere near the baby once it's born then Confused

Original poster
Lou265 · 07/05/2021 10:48

Who go near the baby?

And my gp appointments are over the phone so calm down. I didn't even say I was going to book a gp appointment it was merely a suggestion if I was to seek help if someone asked so I don't know why you're so in your feelings about it.

OP posts:
Dishwashersaurous · 07/05/2021 10:56

Almost all pregnant women pat their bump in their sleep, caress, hold, stroke etc. Its a subconscious thing and completely 100 per cent normal.

You thinking that it is abnormal to the extent that you might talk to your GP. Really really really not normal, hence why people are asking if you are anxious because you seem really worried about something completely totally normal.

Voomster953 · 07/05/2021 10:57

@Lou265

Voomster953 sorry my threads are not to your liking, don't understand how bad morning sickness and asking if people think I'm having a boy or girl are classed as anxiety but cheers for your helpful input. This website is meant for asking questions, especially as a first time mother so don't put me down for being able to ask opinions on things I'm experiencing for the first time. Maybe in future you could focus on what I actually asked rather than trying to psychoanalyse me Smile
Actually my message was supposed to be kind among all the slightly ascerbic ones. I guess the tone didn’t come across right as I noticed I’ve been deleted @mnhq Confused
Voomster953 · 07/05/2021 10:59

@Lou265

God everyone's had their morning cup of **hole ain't they Grin
Wow.
romdowa · 07/05/2021 11:01

Its definitely not strange and your baby wont come to any harm. I've a sleep disorder and I move around like its nobodies business in my sleep, my poor baby definitely isnt getting any rest at night. I also sit upright and have random conversations. My obstetrician told me that the only risk there would be is if I was a sleep Walker and I fell or something but even then the risk is small. Thankfully I dont ever get out of bed in my sleep.

Dishwashersaurous · 07/05/2021 11:01

Actually a load of strangers have given up their time to say please don't worry about this issue, and actually helpful point out that your reaction is not normal.

Original poster
Lou265 · 07/05/2021 11:18

Thanks Romdowa! Feel more reassured now Smile

I'm off to make apple turnovers, have a nice weekend everyone x

OP posts:
TheNeverEndingOver · 07/05/2021 13:50

@Voomster953 Was clear to me you were trying to be nice. Was surprised at the reaction