Touching bump when pregnant

[Irish24]

Whyyy do people think it’s ok to just touch a pregnant woman’s bump? It gives me the ick. My family don’t even do it obviously I don’t mind certain people but no random strangers or work colleagues. I’ve tried to avoid this person by sitting away from them but how do I tell someone politely to not do that? They have mental health issues and obviously don’t want to offend them but it’s making me uncomfortable

Step back smartly and say, clearly and loudly, "Please don't touch me." Practise it at home with your partner if you need to.

This person's mental health issues are 0% your problem. There's nothing rude about saying you don't want to be touched without your consent.

You tell them.

"Stop touching me."

If you want to soften it, "Stop patting/stroking/whatever me. I am not a cat."

Either way, firmly and calmly assertive.

I would not step back and I worries not say please. That is making a submissive request.

This is your bodily autonomy, your personal space. Completely reasonable to control other people's behaviour when it invades upon you.

If they do not stop, push their hand away. No need to be rough, just firm.

Just be very clear about it - put your hand on your bump to create a barrier and say "No, thank you. It makes me uncomfortable when people touch my bump".

No one ever did that to me, I think it's definitely less of a thing than it used to be

I don't know what I would do if someone did it to me though! I would feel awkward. Sorry not v helpful. Probably just step back

Just step back and say “no thanks.”

I would never dream of touching a pregnant woman’s bump.

Be extremely assertive and step back smartly out of reach. Based on my own experience, word gets around fast, which suited me perfectly.

I stepped back. It stopped it from everyone pretty quickly.