just plain fascination. Perhaps those who have gone through pregnancy have forgotten how they viewed and interacted with pregnant woman before their own experience?

At the risk of sounding like a total stoner, it's pretty trippy to think that a real human being could reside in the body of another human being. Yes, I realize that we have all had plenty of time to absorb and accept this concept but maybe it's fascinating because it's not as common a human experience as, say, breathing.

I found people's interest in my belly endearing.  I often felt like I was surrounded by benevolence.  No one ever touched my tummy without asking first but if they asked, I think I always said yes.  I mean, it was pretty amazing that there was a baby in there.  I guess I had a sense that it was community property and not exclusively mine.  Takes a village and all that.

I feel protective towards pregnant women and it does feel instinctual.  I don't overstep my bounds but there's definitely a feeling there of "Hey, you, out of the way.  Can't you see she's pregnant?"  Not in an infantalizing way, but more in a "Wow!" way.

But I can definitely understand that to some pregnant women the comments and touching can seem invasive and impolite and most unwanted.