How should a pregnant belly feel? When do you start seeing a pregnancy belly? How can I know am pregnant by touching my stomach?
The most notable physical manifestation of pregnancy is belly growth. While your belly usually expands due to the growing baby, there are a few other factors at play. Many pregnant women are curious about when and how their bellies will grow. Let’s take a look at how your pregnant belly grows in each trimester and how your baby grows inside your womb.
Belly Growth in Pregnancy: When Does the Baby Bump Start To Show?
As eager as you are to show off your baby bump, it can be difficult to predict when it will show. First-time mothers typically begin to show between 16 and 20 weeks, though some may not notice a bump until later in the second trimester.
For women who have previously been pregnant, the timeline is usually shorter; in this case, you may notice signs of a bump as early as the first trimester. Again, every mum-to-be and baby bump is unique, so it’s normal to start showing a little earlier or later.
What Factors Affect Belly Growth During Pregnancy?
Image from iStock.
Each pregnancy is unique. When and how big your belly bump will get depend on a few factors, including:
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Total number of pregnancies
Between 12 and 16 weeks, first-time mothers can expect to see a noticeable belly expansion. Bloating and constipation are common pregnancy symptoms, and they can cause your waistband to feel tight even before you reach 12 weeks. People who have previously been pregnant tend to show earlier because their abdominal wall has already stretched.
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The number of foetuses
If you’re expecting multiples, your bump will most likely be visible earlier.
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Body structure
A belly bump may be visible earlier in people with lower body weight than in people who are overweight. It may not be obvious until the 20th week of pregnancy in some cases.
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Body’s framework
If you’re smaller or more petite, your growing belly may be more visible sooner.
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Abdominal muscles
If your abs were taut prior to becoming pregnant, your core may hold its shape for a longer period of time before your belly begins to pop.
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Previous pregnancy
Most women’s ab muscles relax after having their first child. This could imply that they will appear earlier in subsequent pregnancies.
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Weight gained during pregnancy
If you’re gaining weight in general, your belly may begin to expand as well. The amount of weight you should gain during pregnancy is determined by your starting weight. Consult your doctor if you are concerned that you are not on track.
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Age
Being in your twenties generally means you have stronger core muscles, so your bump may take longer to appear.
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Foetus’ position
The position of a foetus may also influence how big or small an expectant mother appears. The bump is caused by the baby’s growth above the pelvic bone. Because your uterus is still under your pelvic bone in the early stages of pregnancy, the expansion isn’t as noticeable.
Body Changes as Your Pregnant Belly Grows
As your belly grows, the skin stretches, and you might notice the development of those infamous tiger stripes called stretch marks. Embrace them as a symbol of your amazing journey.
Your breasts undergo changes too, becoming larger and sometimes tender as they prepare for breastfeeding. Get ready for a new cup size and embrace the miraculous transformation.
As your baby bump gets bigger, your centre of gravity shifts forward, bringing changes to your posture. You might find yourself naturally adjusting to this new balance, which can lead to an increased curvature of the lower back, which can contribute to back pain.
Pregnancy Belly Growth Chart
Everyone’s timeline is different, and your belly will most likely not look exactly the same as another mum-to-be’s, even if you have the same due date! However, as your pregnancy progresses and your baby grows larger, you can expect your bump to become rounder and more pronounced.
The charts depict the changes in your belly that you may notice as the baby grows. It is an approximate chart, and measurements and changes may differ from one woman to the next. Here’s how that might look:
Belly Growth in Pregnancy: First Trimester (Weeks 1 to 12)
During your first trimester, you will most likely not feel like yourself. However, your stomach will most likely look the same as it did before you received the positive test result. Your baby is only the size of a vanilla seed at 3 weeks pregnant!
But they won’t be that small for long. By the end of your first trimester, at week 13, your baby will be the size of a lemon and weigh about 3 ounces. Many women notice that their bellies are changing at this point, but they haven’t yet reached bump territory. Instead, your tummy may protrude a little more than usual, as if you ate a particularly large meal.
Remember that every woman is different, and if you look pregnant by the end of the first trimester — or still have no sign of a bump — that’s also normal.
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First Trimester (Week 1-12)
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Month
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Weeks
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Belly size
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Fetal Development
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First month
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1-4
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There is no change in belly size.
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The foetus is about 1/4 inches long.
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Second month
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5-8
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A firm stomach with little variation in belly size
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The foetus is about one inch long.
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Third month
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9-12
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A small bump appears at the bottom.
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The foetus is approximately four inches long.
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By the end of this trimester, your clothes should feel a little tighter. Because your uterus has grown to the size of a large grapefruit, your clothes become too small during this time.
But there’s no rush to buy maternity clothes unless you’re too excited to wait, which we completely understand!
Belly Growth in Pregnancy: Second Trimester (Weeks 12 to 27)
Things are probably starting to pick up in terms of size right now. (So get your maternity clothes ready!) Even if it’s not yet obvious, by week 14, you might be able to feel the top of your uterus if you gently press between the top of your pelvic bone and lower abdomen — a sign of the impending bump.
And, by week 20, your swollen uterus will have pushed your abdomen forward, most likely giving you a little bump. If you have an innie belly button, you may notice it begins to protrude at the same time as the rest of your tummy. (After you give birth, it should return to its original shape, albeit a little stretchier.)
All of the changes in the appearance and shape of your belly are, of course, signs that your baby is growing rapidly. She’s about the size of a navel orange at week 14, but by the end of the second trimester, at week 27, she’s the size of a cabbage and weighs about 2 pounds.
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Second Trimester (Week 13-24)
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Month
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Weeks
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Belly size
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Fetal Development
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Fourth month
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13-16
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The belly expands and becomes visible.
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The foetus is approximately six inches long.
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Fifth month
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17-20
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The belly button is prominent; it is visible, and its shape varies. Some are high, some are low, and some have a bulge in the middle.
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The baby may reach a height of ten inches.
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Sixth month
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21-24
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The belly doubles in size and resembles a basketball.
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The baby grows to be about 12 inches tall.
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During your second trimester, you can expect to feel your baby move and have pain on the lower sides of your abdomen (also known as round ligament pain).
Growing pains are the equivalent of round ligament pain. It occurs as a result of the muscles and ligaments that support your growing uterus stretching.
The belly itch is another symptom to look for during the second trimester. Itchy bellies are common in pregnant women.
This is because as your belly grows, your skin stretches rapidly, depriving your skin of moisture. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Linea nigra and stretch marks on pregnant women. | Image from iStock.
The linea nigra is another intriguing second-trimester development. This is a dark vertical line that runs down the centre of your stomach.
While it may surprise you (especially if this is your first pregnancy), you’ll be relieved to know that it’s caused by your changing hormones and is completely harmless.
This unique belly line will also be around for a while. However, it is normal for it to fade a few months after giving birth.
Belly Growth in Pregnancy: Third Trimester (Weeks 28 to 40)
During this final stretch, your baby gains a lot of weight as your belly grows from big to, well, much bigger! Your tummy will have likely expanded to the point where you can no longer see your legs or feet when standing up early in your third trimester.
Between 34 and 35 weeks, your baby will have grown to the size of a 5-pound bag of flour, while your belly continues to expand.
Your cutie’s quarters are definitely getting cramped, and it may appear that you cannot possibly get any bigger at this point. But there’s a good chance you will! Between 35 and 40 weeks, most babies gain anywhere from one to several pounds.
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Third Trimester (Week 25-36)
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Month
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Weeks
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Belly size
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Fetal Development
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Seventh month
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25-28
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The baby’s growth slows, and the size of the belly may remain constant or increase.
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The baby is now 14 inches tall.
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Eight month
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29-32
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The belly size is the same, but it appears larger.
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The baby would grow to be 18 inches tall.
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Ninth month
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33-36
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The stomach appears curvier and larger.
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The baby would be between 18 and 20 inches tall.
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During the last few weeks of your pregnancy, you will most likely go through a lot of changes. Because there isn’t much space in your belly anymore, your baby is pressing against your lungs and bladder.
Expect some shortness of breath and more bathroom visits during the third trimester due to the position of your uterus (if that’s even possible!).
Image source: iStock
Pregnant Belly Growing Too Fast: Should I Be Worried?
The rapid growth of the belly during pregnancy can occasionally pose risks if it occurs too quickly. Excessive and rapid belly growth may be associated with certain complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or macrosomia (a condition where the baby is larger than average).
According to the American Pregnancy Association, a significantly large or rapidly growing belly can be an indicator of these potential issues. It is crucial for expectant mothers to regularly monitor their belly growth and consult with their healthcare provider if they have concerns about the rate of expansion.
Healthcare professionals can assess the situation, provide appropriate guidance, and monitor the overall health of both the mother and the baby throughout pregnancy.
Itchy Belly During Pregnancy
When skin expands (and the skin on your abdomen is expanding significantly), it loses moisture, and dry skin is itchy and uncomfortable. If your butt is expanding along with your belly, it may be suffering from the itch as well.
Image source: iStock
What can you do if you have an itchy belly while pregnant?
- Avoid scratching.
- Moisturise.
- Apply anti-itch cream.
- Apply vitamin E oil.
- Have a gentle oatmeal bath in warm water.
- Make use of a humidifier in your bedroom.
- For severe itching, try hydrocortisone cream.
Caring For Your Pregnant Belly
During pregnancy, your growing belly requires special attention and care. Taking care of your pregnancy belly not only promotes your comfort but also contributes to the overall well-being of you and your baby. Here are some essential tips on how to care for your pregnancy belly, ensuring a healthy and comfortable experience throughout this transformative journey.
As your belly expands, the skin stretches, and it may become dry and itchy. Moisturising your belly regularly can help alleviate discomfort and keep the skin hydrated. Choose a pregnancy-safe moisturiser or oil and apply it to your pregnant belly in gentle, circular motions. Focus on the areas prone to stretching, such as the abdomen, sides, and lower back.
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Wear Comfortable Clothing
Opt for loose, breathable clothing that doesn’t restrict your growing belly. Maternity wear, including belly bands or support belts, can provide added comfort and support. Avoid tight-fitting clothes or restrictive waistbands, as they can cause discomfort and restrict circulation.
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Practice Gentle Belly Exercises
Engaging in gentle exercises specifically designed for pregnant women can help strengthen the muscles supporting your belly. Consult with your healthcare provider or consider prenatal yoga or Pilates classes. These exercises promote flexibility, improve posture, and relieve back pain associated with the growing belly.
As your belly grows, it can impact your posture, leading to backaches and discomfort. Be mindful of your posture and practice good body mechanics. Stand tall, with your shoulders relaxed and your spine aligned. Consider using a supportive chair or cushion to maintain proper posture while sitting for extended periods.
Proper hydration is crucial for overall health and the well-being of your baby. It also helps maintain the elasticity of your skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and promote healthy skin.
Be cautious about the skincare products you use on your belly. Some chemicals found in certain lotions, creams, and soaps can be harmful during pregnancy. Opt for natural or pregnancy-safe products, and avoid harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes.
Belly Growth During Pregnancy: When Should I Worry?
It’s normal for pregnant bellies to grow at different rates, as every pregnancy is unique. However, there are instances when a pregnant belly growing too fast or too slow may be a cause for concern.
If your belly is growing significantly faster or slower than expected, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can assess the situation, perform necessary tests, and provide appropriate guidance to ensure the well-being of both you and your baby.
Trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if you have concerns about the rate of your belly’s growth.
When Will A Pregnancy Belly Bump Disappear?
It takes time for the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size. It is no longer visible or felt through the abdomen after two weeks, and its size will be roughly back to normal after six weeks. You may experience cramping and soreness as your stomach shrinks. Breastfeeding your child can assist in the release of hormones that naturally shrink your uterus.
In general, your pregnancy weight gain, level of activity, diet, and genetics all influence how quickly your belly returns to pre-pregnancy size.
Swelling around the incision site may occur in people who have had a C-section. Scar tissue can also contribute to swelling. People who gained too much weight during pregnancy, had a large foetus, or carried multiples may experience a prolonged belly.
In general, your pregnancy weight gain, level of activity, diet, and genetics all influence how quickly your belly returns to pre-pregnancy size.
But if you’re bothered about how fast or how slow your belly is growing during pregnancy, do not hesitate to ask your doctor about it.
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.
