Empathy Belly Pregnancy Simulator

The Empathy Belly Pregnancy Simulator (U.S. Patent 4,531,919) is a multi-component weight 'garment' that will, through accurate simulation, enable female and male participants to temporarily experience more than 20 of the typical symptoms and effects of pregnancy.  Through this hands-on, experimental type of learning, the participants experience what it feels like to be pregnant and gain a realistic understanding of the changes and demands imposed by the pregnant condition.  The following are some of the symptoms and effects that can be felt when wearing the Empathy Belly for 10 minutes or longer:

• Body weight gain of 30 to 33 pounds (2 sizes)
• Pregnant profile of enlarged breasts and protruding abdominal belly
• Change in physical and personal self image
• Continuous pressure on the abdomen and internal organs
• Postural changes in the back with an increase in lord sis or 'pelvic tilt'
• Shift in one's center of gravity; lower back ache
• Mild 'fetal' kicking and stroking movements
• Shallow breathing capacity and shortness of breath
• Increase in body temperature, pulse and blood pressure
• A flushing sensation and increased perspiration
• Awkwardness in all body movements
• Pressure on the bladder, with increased sense of urgency and frequency of urination
• Increased fatigue, slowed pace and restricted activity
• Changes in sexual self image and abilities

As an action-oriented, hands-on teaching aid for teenagers, the Empathy Belly can be used not only to educate but also to help reduce our nation's current epidemic of teenage pregnancy and parenting rates.

Live demonstrations of the Empathy Belly immediately attracts the attention of teens and serves as an excellent spring-board for generating humorous, and candid discussions.  Teens will begin to really see why the inevitable demands of pregnancy requires mature, committed relationships, childbearing is to be the joyful, positive experience that it can be.  Skillful use of the Empathy Belly not only increases adolescents' knowledge, communication, and values clarification, but also motivates teenagers to prevent untimely pregnancy.

Download the Empathy Belly Brochure