People around a pregnant woman, often without asking her permission, touch her growing belly, considering this gesture as a natural right and privilege. Meanwhile, for many women, this is crossing borders. Why is there an urgent need for people to have contact with an unborn child?
[h2] Keep your hands off me![/h2]
Each person has three conditional boundaries, that is, the distance at which he comes into contact with other people: close, personal and social. Usually we touch only other parts of the body, except for the hands of greeting, we allow only the closest ones - a partner and children. If a stranger does this, we may feel uncomfortable. The neighbor's hand, or the horror! The boss, on her pregnant belly, enters the intimate sphere, which is an unpleasant experience for many women.
[h2]The child as a public good[/h2]
Katarzyna Pashkevich, a sexologist and psychotherapist, argues that we are talking about the need to interact with a child, which is related to both purely biological and social motives.: - A child is often perceived as the benefit of the whole community, it causes clearly positive emotions associated with the emergence of a new life - a member of society. Many people feel a sense of caring and curiosity towards their baby, and touching their mother's belly can be a way to say hello to him.
Thus, the child is accepted into a community whose members feel a certain responsibility for his future. - However, the fact that it is located in the stomach of a woman, who may have different opinions about the intersection of her intimate area, is less noticeable. Often, the desire to communicate with the child and the emotions associated with it obscure those who believe that the mother may not be happy with this course of affairs," adds Pashkevich.
Superstitions rooted in the public consciousness are also coming to the fore: touching your stomach is associated with the belief that you can get pregnant quickly. It also brings the promise of happiness and health," says Pashkevich.
Not all pregnant women feel this way. This is a very individual question, depending on many factors: previous experience, mood, health, attitude towards a child or a person who wants to touch a belly.
[h2]Every mom has different feelings[/h2]
The history of each pregnancy and the associated situations of "touching" a growing belly is different. Some women don't have the slightest problem with this and perceive the situation as a good gesture from a man who is equally happy with his child. Others, however, despite feeling uncomfortable, grit their teeth and allow strangers to touch. It is difficult for them to be persistent, especially when they see a friendly attitude from the other side.
It's also quite natural that many women get angry in similar situations because their boundaries are being violated again.: "If someone outside the inner circle allows themselves - without asking for - such a rapprochement, they can count on the reluctance, discomfort, and even anger of a pregnant woman," says Pashkevich. And often, under the influence of strong emotions, it is difficult for the expectant mother to convey her feelings in a way that does not offend others.
[h2] How to talk about your boundaries?[/h2]
You don't have to agree to touch a pregnant woman's stomach, and you have the right to talk about it loudly. Remember that you, as a mother and just a person, can say that you don't like this behavior, or, conversely, confirm that you like it.
Women who feel insecure in such a situation usually choose several strategies: - Some women, when they see that someone is approaching them to touch their stomach, put their hands on it, non-verbally hinting that this is a personal space, - says Pashkevich. - Others try to communicate their surroundings with humor. And some, in order not to offend anyone, are looking for different explanations (for example, health).
The best results, however, are honesty.: - Apparently, the most effective would be a clear and direct message about the discomfort of a pregnant woman when touching her stomach, without asking - this will help both her and future mothers to make a person realize that he should not go through them preferably. The 1xBet welcome offer is one of the best sports betting bonuses that you will currently find in India. 1xBet is the most popular choice for Indian bettors, thanks to its wide array of betting options and high odds. Enter the 1xbet promo code during registration to get a 150% welcome bonus up to ₹66,000. We’ve compiled a few exclusive 1xBet promo codes to help strengthen your sports betting experience.