Your pregnant belly will grow and change as your pregnancy progresses.
Some are carried high; others low or even wide.
Some people may notice a small bump one day and a normal belly the next.
Artem Varnitsin / EyeEm / Getty Images
Dont let this concern you.
Average weight gain during the first trimester is 1 to 4.5 pounds.
Lower body weight and shorter stature may lead to pregnancy showing earlier.
People who are taller or have more developed abdominal muscles may show later.
Around week 20, the pregnant belly you’ve privately noticed will be visible through your clothes to others.
Around this same time, you may start wearing maternity clothes in a larger size.
You will also notice some new skin changes on your pregnant belly during your second trimester.
Average weight gain during the second trimester is 1 to 2 pounds each week.
Third Trimester
The third trimester spans from 28 weeks' gestation to the end of pregnancy.
Most people will have an apparent pregnant belly throughout theirthird trimesterthat varies in size and shape.
Your pregnant belly position is influenced by weight, height, previous pregnancies, and other factors.
If you experience pain from the added weight, talk with your healthcare provider.
Average weight gain during the third trimester remains steady at 1 to 2 pounds per week.
Belly Button
You may notice changes in your belly button throughout pregnancy.
These changes will likely not be painful, but they may still concern you.
In some people, a belly button that was formerly an innie may pop out.
If your belly button becomes painful during pregnancy, consult with your healthcare provider to rule out anumbilical hernia.
Stretch marks result from connective tissue changes as your bodys size rapidly changes throughout pregnancy.
These occur most commonly along your belly, as well as your breasts, thighs, and other areas.
Note that BMI is increasingly considered to be a dated, flawed measure.
It does not take into account factors such asbody composition, ethnicity, sex, race, and age.
You may also notice that you are gaining weight but your pregnant belly is not getting bigger.
Dont let this worry you.
Although you gain weight throughout pregnancy, this is distributed to areas of your body other than your belly.
Those with a D-shaped belly may be told they look like theyre carrying a basketball.
Those who have a higher pre-pregnancy weight are more likely to have a B-shaped belly.
The linea nigra is a vertical line about 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) wide.
Body Image
Your growing pregnant belly can affect your body image and mental health throughout pregnancy.
Its important to know that no pregnant belly is the same.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns about changes during pregnancy.
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