As soon as it becomes clear to others that a woman is pregnant, her world changes dramatically. People perceive a pregnant woman as a miracle - and their hands reach out to her belly by themselves.
The attitude of ancient society towards a pregnant woman, or where does the desire to touch the belly come from?
A pregnant woman has always been something special. The great mystery of the origin of life has always worried, and the stomach is the personification of this mystery. It is no secret that the quality of pregnancy affects the health of the child. A healthy mother and offspring is a condition for the survival of the people. In some cultures, including Russia, it was believed that the spirit of an ancestor, whom they tried to appease, was infused into an unborn child. People believed that after death, souls return in the bodies of descendants - grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In order not to harm themselves and not cause the anger of the gods of the clan, the pregnant woman was protected and cared for in every possible way. The desire to touch the stomach is precisely connected with the unconscious desire to preserve the life that has arisen and to touch the great secret of procreation. Some cultures believe that touching a pregnant woman's belly brings good luck.
Nowadays, there is a sign that if a woman cannot conceive, you need to hold onto the pregnant woman's belly or drink from her glass. However, many pregnant women do not like it when strangers touch her belly without permission. In some US states, it is illegal to touch the belly of a pregnant woman without her consent.
Why shouldn't you touch the belly of a pregnant woman?
There is nothing wrong with being touched by your father, grandmothers or next of kin. In psychology, there is a concept of a comfortable distance. Close people communicate at a distance of less than 50 cm, for friends and colleagues the optimal distance is 50-120 cm. For unfamiliar people, the comfortable distance is up to 3 m. Therefore, if you are not a member of a close social circle, approach the pregnant woman closer to a distance of half a meter, and even more so, touching a rounded tummy, it can cause psychological discomfort and irritation.
In parapsychology, it is believed that the hands are the output of the biofield energy. The energetic impact of an outsider on a baby can be negative, because it is not known what kind of person and with what thoughts he touches the child's dwelling.
If you do not plan to have your own children yet, you should also refrain from touching the belly of a pregnant woman. Pregnant women, if they do not want to touch their belly, can be advised: put both hands on the belly and look away. This will make it clear to others that you should not be touched.
