Wanted and Unwanted Attention

So I had my first pregnancy experience of a stranger touching my belly today (I'm not counting AC's mother--I don't really know her that well, but I wouldn't consider her a stranger). After reading in several pregnancy books that complete strangers will come up to pregnant women and feel their bellies, I was expecting it to happen at some point, so when I saw the woman's hand move toward my belly, I was totally unfazed. It really wasn't weird at all, honestly, probably because I was mentally prepared.

This happened after my Yoga/Pilates/Tai Chi class that I've started taking on base. The instructor's really nice and helps me modify some of the poses so I'm never on my stomach or my back and so that I don't do anything that's contrainidicated in pregnancy. The instructor did tell the rest of the class (there were only four of us total) that I'm pregnant and that's why she's modifying the routine for me.

Anyway, after class that woman came up, asked, "Are you really pregnant? How many months?" and put her hand on my tummy. I told her I was 17 weeks, and she said, "You don't look pregnant" (granted, I was wearing a baggy exercise tee). I didn't really know how to respond so I said, "Thanks, I guess." I wasn't offended or anything, but it did make me wonder whether she meant it as a compliment, whether she was just genuinely surprised, or whether she secretly thought it was unhealthy for me not to show more and assumed that my baby must be malnourished and not growing properly (I doubt the latter, but must admit the thought did cross my mind). Anyway, an interesting experience! It was kind of nice to get attention for being pregnant--I don't think most people can tell yet just from looking at me, which means that unless I say something or someone else tells them, no one knows. So far I think I will be one of those women who enjoys having strangers ask questions and touch my belly, as long as they don't get too intrusive. It might be weirder if it were a man instead of a woman. Yeah, I'm not sure I'd becomfortable with a man touching my belly.

Speaking of men, I don't know what was going on exactly, but I felt like a lot of men were staring at me on base today, much more so than usual. Personally I don't think I look that good (my skin is terrible, my hair is limp and flat, and my body looks awkward), so I don't know what exactly they were staring at. Maybe it's that infamous pregnancy glow that was attracting attention (HA!). More likely it was my incredible hideousness (just kidding :)! Anyway, since I've been pregnant, the few times I have been "checked out" as it were, I've almost felt compelled to say something like, "Oh, by the way, are you aware that I'm pregnant?" Obviously I would never do that, but it makes me smile to imagine what their responses would be!