As my bump gets bigger I find myself more aware of my surroundings and people moving around me. I wonder if I was fully aware of others' personal space before pregnancy but I certainly am becoming more aware with the space that I need and that in turn of others.

In the past week I have had strangers' elbows in my bump while sitting at a bus stop and someone bash me with a shopping basket twice in a supermarket. On pointing this out to the basket bump basher, I was greeted with the response: "I didn't realise you were pregnant". That's right - no "sorry I hit you and are you okay?"

So I feel like my 38 week bump is invisible, but it left me questioning whether or not it should matter about my bump. It's not very nice to be the victim of an 'unintended' assault with a shopping basket because someone else is too distracted to notice.

What also amazes me is the amount of people that do not apologise when it is obvious they have bumped into someone who is pregnant, elderly or disabled - and then how they bow their heads ignoring the fact that they may have hurt you.

I find the same on buses happening a lot. Even in my massive state I am trying to give people room next to me to sit down, let parents with buggies, the disabled and the elderly get on the bus or walk through a door before me, and try and not take the priority or buggie seats where possible. Please remember what these seats are meant for and try to think if someone else needs them more than you.

I am urging others to be more aware of their surroundings, and apologise if it's needed. Tis the start of the season of goodwill to all men and the such like, so maybe we could all start being aware of others around and respect each others' personal space.