If there’s one thing most pregnant women have in common (and frankly, a few strangers too!), it’s that they can’t keep their hands off their growing baby bumps. For some moms-to-be, constantly touching, patting, rubbing and holding their belly can be soothing. For others, it’s a way to feel close to the baby inside. But no matter the reason, rubbing your belly simply makes you feel good.

Want to continue those nice vibes? Read on for the science behind what your baby feels when you rub your belly as well as other sweet ways to bond with your little one during pregnancy.

Can my baby feel it when I rub my pregnant belly?

Touch is the first sense your baby develops in the womb — even before sight and hearing. In fact, twin babies will regularly interact and touch each other early on in the second trimester. (The ability to detect some noises and changes in light comes a little bit later!)

As you rub your belly, you can no doubt find your tot’s little body parts, like his tush (soft, round), his head (hard, round) and limbs that stick out every which way. And as you start feeling all those kicks and flips from the fetus inside you — usually around weeks 18 to 22 — your baby on board will soon feel you too.

How do babies react to pregnant belly rubs?

The reaction your baby has to pregnant belly rubs is a very positive one, say the experts behind some research that examined a mother’s touch in pregnancy. Researchers performed sonograms on expectant women during the second and third trimesters to track babies’ movements when their mothers spoke, stroked their bellies or laid completely still.

The results? The babies moved their arms, heads and mouths more when their mothers touched their bellies than when their moms spoke to them. They also responded to maternal touch earlier in gestation than was previously known, between weeks 21 and 25 of pregnancy. 

How to bond with your baby during pregnancy

In addition to touching your belly, there are other ways you can forge a strong bond with your baby during pregnancy. Interact with your little one in utero with these easy ideas:

  • Play a tune. Introduce your growing little one to some favorite music while he’s in the womb. He’s able to hear (muffled) sounds by the halfway point in your pregnancy!
  • Chat him up. Describe the weather, explain what you’re working on or just narrate the chores you’re doing. All are small ways to form an attachment from the start and teach baby the sound of your voice.
  • Read a tale. Nope, it’s not too early to instill a love of language. You might be collecting baby board books for your tot’s arrival so crack open a few and read to him now.
  • Start a journal. Keep a book for your baby or write down your thoughts in a diary. You could include pictures of you with a big belly, names you’re considering, medical updates and funny things that have happened during each trimester.

Rubbing your growing belly is a gentle and intimate way to connect with your baby and show your love. Stroke it any time you want to bond, need a lift or you have something to communicate, whether it’s an anecdote, a special song or a story you think he’d like.