It took mad science to impregnate Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie "Junior." But Japanese researcher Takayuki Kosaka's come up with a simpler solution that allows men to experience the joys of womanhood. A pregnancy simulator he calls the "Mommy Tummy."
Kosaka says his invention was inspired by insensitive Japanese men who refused to offer their seats to pregnant women on trains. He decided it was time for men to understand the trials of having a baby.
Mommy's Tummy isn't a pretty site, but it's as real as a fake pregnancy can get.
The simulator pumps warm water into a plastic bag that expands by the minute. Four dozen balloons inflate and deflate to mimic the kicking or movements of a fetus. Each one is attached to a sensor, so the unborn child reacts to belly rubs, and uncomfortable shaking.
And the breasts do get larger too. The Mommy Tummy takes you from normal to full term in just 2 minutes.
Of course, the simulator has the luxury of leaving out morning sickness, cravings, swellings, and pain.
Kosaka says the idea is to help men empathize with pregnant women not discourage the couple from having a baby.
