You are 17 weeks and 5 days

As your belly grows and becomes more obvious, your pregnancy will become the focus of people's attention.

156 days until your due date

Getting more attention than you'd like? Once your belly is obvious, you may start to feel that you and it are public property. Friends, family, and even strangers may want to see, touch, or even kiss it, which can feel very strange, since people don't usually touch each other's abdomens!

If you don't want to be touched, politely ask people not to, or simply move away. But being noticeably pregnant has advantages: your belly warns people not to jostle you in crowds, and people tend to offer you a seat on public transportation.

People may also feel entitled to ask intimate questions about your medical history and the baby, which can be uncomfortable, especially if you're a private person. Strangers may comment on your figure or discuss whether you're having a boy or a girl.

Some women enjoy the attention, while others feel it intrudes on a personal experience. If you're uncomfortable, answer vaguely or change the subject by asking about them instead. Loose clothing can also make your belly less prominent and less tempting to touch.

As a matter of fact

Salt isn't banned

You don't have to cut out salt in pregnancy.

It was once thought to increase swelling and the risk of high blood pressure, but your body needs salt to expand your blood and fluid volume. Use sea salt (which contains less sodium) and have no more than 0.25 oz (6 g) a day.

Explainer

Hands on the bump

Be prepared for people to look at, comment on, and want to feel your belly as it grows. If you're naturally tactile, this attention may be easier to handle.

Ask a Doctor

I'm so itchy I'm scratching until I bleed. What can I do?

Most itching in pregnancy, especially on the belly, is caused by stretching skin, hormonal changes, and heat, and moisturizing cream should help.

If the itching is severe, see your doctor to check for obstetric cholestasis, a rare but serious liver condition that affects about 1 percent of pregnancies.

This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.