<--- sorry, combination of embarrassment "and" the foreign feeling...

I'm recently pregnant, and have yet to see a doctor, but don't look forward to being touched or prodded! I'm just sensitive this way, too, and maybe it is just me, but I've never been a person who is comfortable exposing my mid area. Just not the bikini sort, and always remain covered. So this is almost a combination of embarrassment (from being 'exposed') to the foreign feeling of someone else (stranger) touching me here and there.

Agree it may be a sign of nervousness - I can see why an adult wouldn't want to admit that. Even if you can't relax, don't hold your breath -- it'll just make you more stressed and nervous.

I had this. It was just how extreme nervousness manifested in me. My chiropractor noticed and invited me (I was a kid/teen) to put my hands on top of his as he touched me. It helped.

Same problem here -- trying to take deep breaths so the dr. can at least feel some part of my abdomen is all I can really do. Anyone with a better suggestion?

OMG this is me! I was SO freaked out when I was pregnant about having my stomach touched. Especially around the belly button.

If you have a very sensitive area (such as around your belly button) ask if you can cover it with your hands. It helped me a lot.

Anyone else have trouble with them or any medical providers who are used to patients having issues? It's not ticklishness per se, as there's no laughing or anything, but just an extreme urge to tense every muscle in the belly and barely breathe, even when reminded. That means the exam takes even longer as the better doctors will then go over every area mutliple times, ask if everything is ok etc because they can't distinguish pain from a lack of cooperation. Don't know what to say to 'is everything ok' questions because the true response is 'yes - just can't stand having my belly touched.' Thoughts on how to handle? I don't imagine this is common outside of pediatrics.