Last week, your fetal development app told you that your baby was the size of a banana. This week, it's the size of a bell pepper. Meanwhile, you only want to see your beautiful pregnant belly pop like a watermelon.
When will your baby bump show, and why is it taking so long?
We know that waiting for physical signs of pregnancy takes patience, but it's much easier to wait when you know what to expect. We've created this guide to help you understand the complex factors that go into your long-awaited baby bump. Once you comprehend the timeline, you can relax, nourish your body, and go along for the ride.
Read on to learn the ins and outs of when to expect your bump when you're expecting.
Bump Watch: When Will My Pregnant Belly Start Showing?
If you're a day out from your positive pregnancy test, we regret to inform you that it's going to be a few months before you have a bump to photograph, paint, or pat. Most women begin showing during the second trimester of pregnancy. You shouldn't expect your belly to "pop" sooner than week sixteen, and you'll usually notice a physical change by week twenty at the latest.
The First Trimester
Many moms-to-be anticipate a bump during their first trimester (or the first three months of pregnancy). For most women, this is too soon to start measuring your belly. Think of the first trimester as the rehearsal period for your pregnancy, during which your body must prepare "behind the scenes" for the big, exciting changes to come.
You'll feel many of these changes long before seeing them, which can be frustrating if you're eager to share your news with the world. All of the invisible physical changes make it possible for your baby to grow. The baby will need more room as they develop, and your body (and belly) will expand to accommodate.
Your Fourth Month
The fourth month of pregnancy is when your tiny baby will begin to move around in the womb. Sometimes you can feel them wiggling. It will feel like tickles or flutters and is a sign that things are progressing in a healthy direction.
A mobile baby is a baby that needs more space. You might start to feel heartburn and constipation during this time. Some women notice changes in their breathing as their organs shift to accommodate the growing fetus.
Most pregnant women notice visible physical changes in their bodies during this month. In some women, the changes may also be evident enough for others to see.
By week twenty, most women "look pregnant."
Am I Showing Too Early?
Every body (and every baby) is unique, so while trends and averages can help us make predictions, you may begin showing earlier than month four. Some women report visible bumps as early as week twelve. These changes may be more evident to you if you're eager to see a bump and you're carefully tracking physical changes.
You're more likely to show before the sixteenth week if you're expecting a second baby (or any baby after your first). Your abdominal muscles have already been through the experience of stretching to accommodate your growing womb. Furthermore, older mothers with weaker or relaxed muscles are more likely to "pop" before the second trimester begins.
Your BMI might also play a role. Women with a BMI of twenty-five or below tend to show before week sixteen. Early bumps are the most prominent in short, thin women. The more petite you are, the more pronounced the physical signs of pregnancy will be.
Am I Showing Too Late?
Some women will not begin showing until their third trimester of pregnancy. A delayed bump is most common in women with a BMI of thirty or higher. Often, these women have a B-belly classification.
The shape of your uterus might also play a role. You may have a retroverted uterus, which tilts toward your back instead of your abdomen. You might not become aware of this until you become pregnant.
A retroverted uterus is relatively common and does not require any special intervention.
When to See a Doctor
If you aren't showing by your third trimester, it's wise to speak to your doctor. Your baby may be smaller than anticipated.
If you're carrying a baby with a low gestational weight, you may be experiencing high blood pressure, which is treatable. Other chronic health conditions can also contribute. Infections, medications, and exposure to toxins can also play a role.
Your doctor will be able to run tests that can provide information about your baby's gestational weight. A smaller baby will take longer to show in the womb and may require some medical intervention after delivery.
When Baby Bump Show, You'll Know It!
We know that you're eager to take cute baby bump photos, but the one thing we know about babies and bodies is that they do things on their own schedule. Thus, the answer to "when will your baby bump show?" is simply "when it's time." In the meantime, document your growth with weekly photos, and you'll have an incredible time-lapse souvenir for generations to come!
If you're keen to document every moment of your pregnancy, you'll love tracking your baby's growth journey with the Pixsee smart baby monitor. The award-winning Pixsee smart app makes it easier to capture and share your sweet baby's miraculous milestones in stunning, crystal-clear HD.
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