How do you politely say ‘don’t touch my bump’?

[Gdxx]

Im not an overly touchy person, not a hugger etc and I’ve never had any interest in touching anyone else’s bump if they were pregnant. My last pregnancy I managed to avoid anyone touching mine as it was during covid so didn’t ever have to say no! Now expecting number 2 and my MIL took me by surprise the other day when she came to drop something off at the door and mid conversation she just went straight for my bump with both hands. I find myself wearing loose things around her to try to hide it a bit as she stares and comments on it all the time and it makes me feel so self conscious.

She was just awkwardly rubbing my belly as I stood there. She must have seen the look on my face as I was so taken aback that she hadn’t even asked if she could 😳 I still have a few months of this left.. how can I politely say don’t do that without it sounding really rude? I don’t see why you should have to put up with people just touching you whenever they want and making you feel uncomfortable though just because you’re pregnant!

Its very true! And to then be questioned on why not 🙈 eh because it’s basic manners not to just start rubbing people in random places as if it’s okay

Oh gosh I would have hated this. Got pregnant during pandemic so at least didn't have extra people around me. Glad to hear you got it sorted OP.

OMG, I think I will actually punch people of they start doing this to me.
I hate people touching me. I dont even like hugs or kisses...
Im already having PTSD just thinking about what I will do when people start doing it to me.

Fortunately, my mom would never dream of rubbing my belly from behind me, but I know she will try it at times, from in front!

I had it happen again yesterday. I leapt away and said ‘don’t touch me, I don’t like it.’ And they said ‘I just want to see how your beautiful body is doing.’

It was an in-law. A male in-law. 🤮

The look on my face told them everything they needed to know. And if they’d pushed it, the words out of my mouth would have clarified the situation in no uncertain terms.

A general look followed by ‘what the fuck are you doing?’ Should stop it 😂

Gah some people are just bloody impossible!
I did find that calling it "my tummy" or "me" rather than "the bump" or "my bump" helped a little. Try to make it clear that they are touching you. Not the baby, not some bump that happens to be attached to you, but you. Actually you.

Oh and in response to the midwife question I'd have absolutely no qualms in saying something like "oh I'm fine with everyone else, it's just you I don't want touching me" with a big smile 😊

Just searched for posts on unwanted pregnancy tummy rubs, one of my colleagues who I’m not close with rubs my belly EVERY SINGLE TIME SHE SEES ME. I thought maybe she was only going to do it one time so I let it go, but now it’s every time I don’t know how to tell her stop, it creeps me out. I probably run into her every few days, help me

Rub hers back next time. When she asks what the actual fuck you're doing tell her she started it 😂

Why do you have to be polite? If you don't like it say so with no apologies.

It's probably best to start your own thread @Ilikepenguins

People won't realise this is a Zombie thread.and will respond the the original post.

Start your own one and you'll get some great advice.

She’s a really sweet and nice person apart from this so I would feel bad, I think she would be horrified if I said anything!

Thanks! I’ve been lurking around this forum for a couple weeks now, my first foray into posting!

@Ilikepenguins i don’t know but I feel your pain 😩 was so glad to have had the baby and go back to just being one person again, where people don’t feel they can just inappropriately touch my body! 😅