Pet peeve during pregnancy

I’m curious if anyone else has dealt with this during pregnancy because I feel like I’m going crazy sometimes 😭

One of the hardest parts of pregnancy for me has honestly been people not understanding that being pregnant doesn’t automatically mean everyone gets access to my body, my baby, or every moment of my pregnancy.

I’m a pretty private person, and I’ve had to repeatedly tell family members things like “please don’t touch my belly without asking,” “please don’t take pictures or record me without asking,” and “please don’t share ultrasound pictures or anything about my baby on social media.” I’ve even had people get upset because I don’t let them feel the baby kick.

Meanwhile, I see other pregnant women who LOVE having their family touch their belly, feel every kick, be involved in everything, etc. and I completely respect that. But that’s just not me. Feeling my baby move is a really intimate experience for me, and I don’t want someone reaching over and touching my stomach just because I’m pregnant.

I even had a woman I barely know at a church event reach over to touch my belly without asking, and my immediate reaction was to step back because I was so uncomfortable. 😭

I’ve started wondering if I’m being overly protective or if pregnancy hormones/anxiety are making me more sensitive than usual. I know everyone experiences pregnancy differently, but sometimes I feel like I’m the “extra” one because people around me are so much more open with their pregnancies.

Did anyone else feel this way? Were you very protective/private about your pregnancy and baby, even if your family thought you were being overly strict? I’d love to hear other people’s experiences.

Read more on Peanut

The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of Peanut.

Learn more about our guidelines.

Add a comment

I personally keep my pregnancy very private. In my first pregnancy only a handful of people knew I was actively pregnant, in my second I’ve been a lil more open about it, but still not broadcasting to the whole world.

I tend to wear baggy ass clothes even when I’m not pregnant so like hiding my belly away has never been a thought or effort as much as it’s just always my norm.

I’m the same way though, being pregnant is a very personal journey for me & if I had it entirely my way nobody would ever know I’m pregnant besides my partner until I had my new born in my arms lol

I didn't get that...the only person I wanted to feel the baby kick was my husband. And I grabbed his hand and put it on my belly when he was doing his little kicks. But other people didn't know I was pregnant. I didn't even know until I was already 29 weeks along. But after he was born I was very protective because my husband had a sister who died of SIDS. His stepdad smoked outside the only entrance and exit of the house. And honestky while his mom was excited I kept my baby away from them for two months until he got his tdap vaccine because they refused to get one. My husband and my mom did a little after he was born so they got to hold him and my mom even fed him bottles sometimes. His mom got jealous and made life there a living hell until I left with my baby and Mom. We are very happy now being back together and in our own place but that time was not a happy fun time for us.

in our community

Advice please on where I can report my employer

This morning I had to call an ambulance because my 2 year old went pale and was struggling to breath. They came and gave him oxygen and steroids. They said it was a pretty bad case of croup cough and booked a follow up app later on today to see if he needs another dose of the steroids. I called my boss (the owner of the small buisness) to tell her I won’t be coming and she went crazy on me saying she has a life too she needs to take her kids to swimming class and make dinner. I’m shocked at how she reacted and compared her situation to mine. In general that place is really understaffed and I’ve been working for weeks without an actual day off, we also get lunch deducted from our pay but we have to eat while working due to being understaffed. I’m currently pregnant and because my son was ill the past few days I’ve not been sleeping so today I started hallucinating and felt like I’m gonna pass out few times during the day. I am so mentally drained from this place being toxic and I feel like I can’t quit cause I won’t get any maternity pay later on, I’m thinking to report her but I don’t know where

Making Friends As A SAHM

Why is it so difficult to make lasting, ride or die, bestie friendships as an adult let alone a isolated SAHM. It feels defeating. It’s even harder when you’re an introvert on top of being isolated. Has anyone else experienced this?

Long term friends

My daughter is 8 and she just has such a hard time maintaining friendships. She isn’t into boys yet and she doesn’t like to be sassy or mean at all and unfortunately she hasn’t been able to find many friends her age that don’t just bully her ☹️ I’ve tried meet ups I’ve invited people from co ops I’ve taken her to church classes and other gatherings and I’m such at a loss. Any advice?

Struggling

Does anyone feel like they are not cut out to be a stay at home mom?

Anyone else self employed?

I’ve applied for maternity allowance and got my letter through today saying I would get the least amount. However I also got a letter asking me to pay towards the national class 2.
I have now done this but just wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience and if they then got the full amount after paying the cost they asked for. Thank you!

Birthday/Christmas Presents

I'm struggling with what to buy for my baby. MIL has taken my idea to buy baby a rocking horse and has already bought her that for Christmas (another story) so feel like i need to get something better but I'm struggling for ideas. Can anyone help?