I’m a little behind, as today is actually the beginning of my 21st week of pregnancy. Which means I’ve officially passed the halfway mark.
I’ve spent the last few weekly updates gushing, so this week I thought I’d share with you the stranger side of pregnancy. Pregnancy, I’ve discovered, is sometimes like one big science experiment. I go to bed each night wondering what tomorrow will bring, and wake up to things I’ve never experienced before.
Like this week:
Baby hiccups. I felt them for the first time last night and it actually made me laugh out loud all alone in my quiet house. He was right under my rib cage and it felt like what I imagine the heart of a small animal to feel like after it’s run away from a predator. It lasted a minute or so, and then he must have moved so I didn’t feel it anymore. But it was such a strange feeling!
Bra size. Well, hello, ladies. I always knew this would happen, as it’s such a normal part of pregnancy, but I guess I just didn’t expect for it to happen as quickly as it did. My band size has gone from a 34 to a 38 and I’m hoping that maybe, just maybe, the growth will taper off a little. Am I just kidding myself?
Gas. Look, I’m being honest here, OK? Pregnancy gas is like none other I’ve ever experienced. And it’s not like normal gas that you can demurely hold in, then shuffle off discreetly to release. No, pregnancy gas is a monster that will attack you without warning, and leave your husband clambering away from you as fast as possible in search of fresh air.
It doesn’t really seem to be related to what I eat, because be it beans or a cracker, the results are the same. The results are gross. I’m so sorry, friends and family.
Unwanted attention. I’ve actually really enjoyed the recent attention the bump as brought on, because it assures me that I actually look pregnant and that’s fun. However, yesterday I experienced what I had only heard of up to that point: an unwanted touch.
I was at the grocery store and the cashier, a woman about my mom’s age, commented “What a cute bump!” I thanked her and we chit chatted as I unloaded my cart. And then, just as I was standing up straight from picking up the chicken…there she was. Patting my stomach. Just reached right over the conveyor and patted me.
It happened so quickly and then she went back to talking, so I didn’t have time to process what had happened. It was weird — I know she meant well and was just excited for me, but…I don’t know her. She’s not even a regular cashier and see and chat with often. It just felt like an invasion of personal space.
Maybe I’ll start walking up to strangers and patting their bellies. What do you think?
These Little Moments 
18 comments
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February 18, 2010 at 11:05 am
littlespoon
I believe I will be making myself a button (cheaper than 7 shirts that say the same thing and you don’t have to launder a button!) that simply says “Do I know you? Then don’t touch my belly!” for when I’m pregnant. My sister was lucky and no stranger ever touched her. But I am so afraid I will not be as lucky.
And seriously what was going through that cashier’s head? To reach over the conveyor belt to pat your belly is just effing weird.
February 18, 2010 at 11:23 am
Molly
Hehe if I put a button right over the middle of my stomach, maybe people will stay away from the crazy fat lady.
February 18, 2010 at 11:17 am
Stacey
Here’s my take on the boob thing. Some boobs get a little bigger and then blow up right after birth and the milk comes in. Other boobs, like mine, got HUGE during pregnancy and then when the milk came in, there was room for it and they stayed the same size. I also went from a 34 to a 38. It was boob city, baby. BOOB CITY. This is a boobed filled comment. 🙂
But then….now…I’m a 32, really I’m 31 (just got measured for a bridesmaid dress) and my husband is sad so tell Michael to enjoy them while he can because after the baby comes, they are off limits (trust me) and then more than likely they will be gone in a flash! A FLASH! 🙂
February 18, 2010 at 11:22 am
Molly
I almost had to charge your for laptop repairs because I just spit my chai out laughing while reading this!
If I keep going at this rate, they’re going to be propping up my chin come July…
February 18, 2010 at 11:40 am
Caitlin
Ugh, the stomach patting thing! At no other time would it be acceptable to randomly touch a stranger’s body (It’s not acceptable in pregnancy either – but people think they can do it)!. I would have been so shocked I wouldn’t know what to do either. But, now that you’re prepared for next time, I’ve always loved one comeback tactic I’ve heard for this, and am saving it for if I ever get pregnant: If someone pats or rubs your stomach, do it RIGHT BACK to them, preferably while making eye contact. They don’t want their stomachs touched either, and I have heard that the look of shock and embarrassment is totally worth it 🙂
February 18, 2010 at 11:42 am
Becky
My boobs got bigger too, although not as quickly, and more in the cup size than the band (although that has definitely expanded these last couple months).
I haven’t had anyone that I didn’t know touch my belly. My theories on this are as follows: either a) I give off a vibe that says “touch my belly and I’ll punch you in the face” or b) People in MN naturally have a pretty big personal space bubble, so they aren’t likely to be touching you period, much less patting your stomach. I’m leaning toward b, personally, but I don’t carry a mirror around, so who knows.
I like the idea of the button. And I think you should grab the chest of the next person that touches your stomach without asking. Up the ante a little. 😉
February 18, 2010 at 11:55 am
Ris
Wow I’m not sure what I’d do if someone I didn’t know TOUCHED my STOMACH but I’m sure it would not be very nice. I second the “no touchie” button idea!
February 18, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Stacia
belly pat = not cool… ever.
February 18, 2010 at 1:40 pm
KT
Hmmm….random belly rub from a complete stranger. That is very odd and I hope that if I am ever pregnant, that the same thing doesn’t happen to me. I can’t imagine my reaction would be anything appropriate.
February 18, 2010 at 2:49 pm
qu33nbee
Yeah, my boobs have steadily gotten bigger. I’ve almost outgrown my D’s (I was a C before I got pregnant). It’s kind of awesome, haha. To have to always worry about TOO MUCH cleavage, instead of wondering if my cleavage is even showing.
Gas. Yeeaahh… Just… Yeah. I totally feel ya.
I’ve have a few unwarranted belly touchings, but only from people I know and care about, and none from strangers. I don’t mind those as much, but I can totally feel your pain. Even though I’m smaller, AND I know you, it’s still kind of weird.
The weirdest part so far for me is how one part of my belly is bulging just a leeeeetle bit farther out than the other. She must be sitting at a weird angle, because if you were to stick a pencil in my belly button, it would point to the right.
Weird, right?
February 18, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Veronica
My boobs got bigger, band size barely changed, I told my hubby that before pregnancy I was larger (a D) once pregnant they have entered Porn Star Territory!! (now an E/F)! and mine are real, imagine some women pay for boobs this big!!
The gas is the absolute worse – mine is the same, nothing in particular triggers, it is always just there and it always smells like a sewage treatment plant – from morning to night, never changes!! Have fun with that one! Although I have to admit I crack up laughing every time I fart in front of hubby, cause he puts on such a show of making faces and pinching his nose – payback is so much fun!
I have not had unwanted belly touches – I don’t even know what I would do if a stranger touched me… maybe slap them – I must have the “don’t touch” air about me or maybe it is the smell I emit 😉
February 18, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Mike
Ok…so we have a relationship, right, so I can address the boob thing from the guy perspective? Or should I address the gas issue? Hmm. Such potential with both.
I’ll stick with boobs. Look, the fact is, men like boobs. It really doesn’t matter what size. Truly. From this guy’s perspective, the amazing thing was seeing the size different…the before, during and after. Fascinating, really, that the body works that way.
And I mean that in the most ultimate and sincere way. Honest! 😉
February 18, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Tiffany
You’ve got it rough! haha. I started my 21st week this week, but things are still pretty smooth for now. I think I don’t get the unwanted attention because I might still look chunky instead of pregnant (though I think I look pregnant, finally) Nobody says anything about it or notices unless I’m buying something pregnancy related, like baby clothes or maternity pants. My husband has a store in a local mall, so the older ladies at the guest services desk usually talk to me about it (I love hearing their stories actually :)), but that’s about it! I always think it’s crazy when someone says some stranger touches their belly. I might freak out if that happens to me lol.
It seems like everybody’s bra size is changing already, but mine hasn’t. I’m just filling mine out better (haha)
the gas thing is funny. I’m not sure I’ve been attacked yet, but I did have some annoying gas pain last night! My disgusting, it’s-funny-to-let-it-out-as-loudly-as-possible husband was a little shocked by the gas, so maybe I did have some lol.
February 18, 2010 at 4:49 pm
CandiceBP
Did you ever watch Sex and the City? There’s an episode where Miranda is talking about the negative side effects to being pregnant… and she’s trying to pull a ring off her finger and passes gas while pulling her finger, basically becoming her own punch line. It’s really, really funny.
I never, ever had gas in front of my husband until I was pregnant… but I find it to be a totally acceptable excuse. I’m like, “Sorry, you know I wouldn’t do that if I could help it.” It still astounds me just how much I can’t help it, though. lol
My boobs haven’t changed at all and I’m so glad. I’m already in a D, so I’m hoping they somehow just stay there.
February 18, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Stephanie
While I have no comment about the recent posts because, well, I have never been pregnant, I do enjoy reading them, as they never fail to give me a laugh during the day, or make me think, and thanks for being so up front about even the disgusting things…definately information that I am going to be storing away for a time that hopefully is in my near future! Thanks for blogging Molly! You’re awesome!
February 19, 2010 at 2:03 pm
gibsondog
Oh! I use to hate that!
Strangers and their extended hands. “Don’t touch my belly please!”
February 20, 2010 at 1:25 am
Jenna
My theory? The cutest pregnant girls get touched the most. You’re super cute and so I think it’s just something you’re going to have to deal with. It’s the curse of the adorable pregnancy bump. (My comments all have a common thread to them don’t they? i.e., possibly a bit of self-loathing. I should go to sleep.)
February 23, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Maria
I just started following your blog, congratulations! Okay for one, you look amazing!! I only wish one day my stomach is that flat (referring to the first pic). Secondly, my BFF is due in April and we went out to dinner a few weeks ago and I patted her belly only because it was the first time I had seen her since finding out the news and she just looked so cute. Is it okay to do with your pregnant girlfriends? I would NEVER start patting a pregnant stranger’s belly, that’s just weird…