I was just really aware of doing it when I was pregnant in case there were LTTTC around me and I didn't know about it so I saved the belly rubs for just me and bubby.
funny, when i was LTTTC, it wasn't the rubbing, it was the belly itself! didn't matter what the lady was doing, if i was having a bad day emotionally, it was all about the overwhelming number of pregnant bellies and prams with little tackers in them. but reality is, it was about me and my inability to cope. i didn't have any problem with the people, just the situation - if i wasn't coping (which i wasn't, lots of times) i'd just tell DH to hurry up, i needed to go home. thankfully he got it!

when i was pg, i'm sure i unconsciously rubbed my belly - a lot. i had horrible heart burn and morning sickness from 3.5 weeks til birth - soooooo not fair! but i know i used to try and distract myself from the discomfort a lot of the time by trying to connect with DD - i'd often have my hand on my tum wherever she was kicking at the time, and i'm sure i rubbed a little but i really don't remember - it wasn't a conscious "look at me, i'm pregnant" kinda thing - it just happened lol