Avoid Unwanted Belly-Stroking
Q. How can I get people to stop feeling my belly?

A. "Touching someone's body is way out of bounds," Casperson says. Yet as any pregnant woman will confirm, it happens. Though a sharp "Please don't touch me!" is appropriate for fending off a stranger who reaches for you, diplomacy is called for when the hand belongs to an acquaintance, a coworker, or a relative. "If you bluntly tell the person that you don't want her patting your belly, chances are she'll feel embarrassed or hurt," Casperson says. Your best bet: Grin and bear it. After all, people aren't touching you to be malicious; if anything, it's a sign of affection. Still, if it really bothers you, a little humor might defuse the situation. "Say, "The baby's sleeping. Can I just give you a verbal report?" Casperson suggests. One final option: Tell your spouse, your best friend, or a coworker you're close to that you'd prefer that people not touch your stomach, and ask that he or she tactfully spread the word.

Carry on Family Name?
Q. My husband's name is Cornelius Millard Lipschitz -- the Third. Does our son have to be the Fourth? My mother-in-law has been nagging, but my husband and I think the name's too old-fashioned.
 
A. "It's your baby and your choice," Bowman says. Still, stating this outright will only antagonize relatives. Rather than cause an argument, simply say that you haven't decided on a name yet. Announce your selection only after the baby's birth.

Picking a name that still acknowledges Junior's heritage, however, can help soften the blow. Though the decision is entirely up to you, you could try something with the same initials or use other family names. Or compromise by making Cornelius the middle name. As a last resort, you can give your child a different, more modern middle name -- and call him that.

Requesting a Seat on a Bus or Train
Q. I'm feeling awful these days. If no one offers me a seat on the bus or train, can I ask a fellow passenger to give up his?
 
A. Of course. "There are usually seats designated for the elderly or the disabled on public transportation," Casperson says. "Start with the people sitting there." How much information you want to share, especially if you aren't showing yet, is up to you. You may simply ask, "May I please change places with one of you?" Or go for a little drama. "Say, 'Would you mind if I take your seat right now? I'm newly pregnant and feeling queasy,'" Brody suggests. "Trust me, someone will jump up and give it to you"

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