While you’ll notice a change in your breasts, the urge to start nesting, and maybe even pregnancy brain, to everyone else, the clearest sign that you’re expecting a little one is your pregnant belly!
Since you’re tuned in to all things baby right now, you’ve no doubt noticed the size and shape of your pregnant friends’ bellies and wondered about your own.
Just like our bodies, pregnant tummies come in all shapes and sizes, but you probably still have questions. Should you be concerned about the size of your belly? What affects the size and shape? When will you start showing? And what sort of growth should you expect each trimester?
Newton is here to answer those questions! First, let’s talk about whether or not the size of your pregnant belly is something to add to your list of things to worry about.
Key Takeaways
Table Of Contents
- Your pregnancy belly month by month
- Does the size or shape of your pregnant belly matter?
- What affects the appearance of your pregnant belly?
- Common concerns about belly size
- Post-pregnancy belly
Your pregnant belly month by month
Since pregnant moms have bellies of all shapes and sizes and grow at different rates, there’s no way to say exactly what’s “normal.”
But, in this section, we’ll give you an idea of what you’ll see and feel, the size of your uterus, and the size of your baby each trimester.
Note: Keep in mind that the numbers below are average measurements. Every baby grows a little differently.
Months 1 to 3 (first trimester)
Your first trimester lasts through week 13, so it’s the first three months of your pregnancy. Keep in mind that pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, so you’re actually pregnant for a little over nine months.
Month 1
That first month of pregnancy, you may notice your pants fit a bit differently, although some women don’t see any sort of baby bump just yet. Even if you do feel a tiny bump, it will probably be a while before other people notice. During this month, you’ll likely feel extra tired.
Month 2
By month two, your baby grows to the size of a kidney bean. You’re still probably not showing much, if at all, yet, although your clothes may feel more snug around the middle.
During this month, your baby’s heart starts beating and their arms and legs begin forming. In addition, their brain, spinal cord, and organs develop. With all of these new things happening in your body, you may struggle with morning sickness.
Month 3
By month three of your pregnancy, your baby is about three inches long. According to the Cleveland Clinic, your pre-pregnancy uterus is about the size of a lemon, but by week 12, it has grown a bit to accommodate your growing baby.
Your baby’s fingers, toes, and facial features develop this month, and baby starts moving. As for you, your morning sickness is likely tapering off, though you may still feel tired.
Months 4 to 7 (second trimester)
Your second trimester lasts a little over three months, from weeks 14 through 27, and is when your doctor will start taking fundal height measurements.
They’ll use a tape measure to check the length from your pubic bone to the top of the uterus. The fundal height is measured in centimeters, and after 24 weeks, this measurement is usually about the same as the week of pregnancy.
Second trimester by the month
Month 4
During your fourth month of pregnancy, others will probably be able to see your baby bump, as your baby is growing fast. By the end of the month, your baby will be about four to six inches long and the size of an avocado.
You may have a small, low rounded belly or an oval bump. Remember, not all bumps are the same, so it’s OK if this doesn’t sound like yours.
As for what baby’s doing in there: your little one is now beginning to move their arms and legs, make new facial expressions from squints to grimaces, and hear muffled sounds from the “outside” world.
Their bones are also hardening, and their major organs (like the heart, kidney, and liver) become fully formed.
You may begin feeling more energetic, with the morning sickness behind you, although you also may start experiencing a bit of heartburn and constipation. In addition, thanks to increased blood circulation, your nose may be stuffy more often and your gums may bleed.
Month 5
By month five, your baby is about 10 inches long, about ½ to one pound, and your rounded baby bump may project forward to sit low. Inside your belly, your baby is practicing their moves, kicking and turning up a storm.
They’re also getting eyebrows and eyelashes, as well as a light coating of fine hair called lanugo and a waxy layer called vernix that covers their body for protection.
As your belly grows bigger, backaches and leg cramps may develop, as heartburn and congestion continue. You might also start to feel flutters in your belly, a strange but magical sensation.
Month 6
By month six, your bump is in full swing, rounded and high, and you’re likely fielding questions about your pregnancy from passersby. Baby’s now the size of an eggplant at about 12 inches and weighing in at 1½ to 2 pounds.
Your little one is opening their eyes, air sacs are forming in their lungs in anticipation of breathing, and they’re kicking like a karate master. You may feel more movement as they respond to loud noises and music. Move over, John Travolta!
With your bump getting even bigger, it’s likely you’re feeling lower back pain and leg cramps, as well as the familiar heartburn and indigestion.
Month 7
It’s month seven, and your baby has grown to 15 to 16 inches long and 2½ to 3 pounds. Your uterus will likely no longer fit in the pelvis, and is situated midway between the navel and the breasts.
Your baby is now opening and closing their eyes; responding to sound, light and pain; and has increased body fat filling out their face and skin. Their brain is also developing rapidly, and they’re making small breathing movements.
By the end of this month, some babies start losing their lanugo and vernix. They also begin kicking more, stretching, and grasping.
You’re likely feeling achy thanks to your growing belly, and you may also be tired and irritable. On top of that, you’re probably peeing more (thanks to the pressure on your bladder), and may be struggling with sleep, as it’s harder to find a comfy position.
Braxton Hicks contractions might also start around this time.
Months 8 and beyond (third trimester)
You’ve finally made it to your third trimester! Your baby’s growth (and your belly!) are ramping up, and it won’t be long until you’re giving birth. Let’s take a look at what to expect for these last few months.
Month 8
It’s month eight, and your little one is not so little anymore, weighing between 5 and 7 pounds and measuring 18 to 20 inches long.
If you haven’t worn maternity clothes up to this point, the third trimester is when you’ll need them. Your belly may be large and rounded (like a small basketball), or you may look like you’re going to pop.
This month, your baby’s packing on body fat so that once they’re on the outside, they will stay warm. Their brain is developing rapidly, lungs are nearly ready, and your little one might even flip around to prep for the big day.
Braxton Hicks contractions are pretty common by this month, as is feeling short of breath. Your ankles may also be swelling thanks to fluid retention. As your belly continues to grow, you’ll likely wake up a lot through the night to pee, or to just reposition.
Month 9+
By your ninth month, baby’s nearly ready to make their debut and will drop down further into your pelvis, hopefully head first. Your belly is large and probably about the size of a watermelon, often hanging a bit lower due to the baby’s position change.
Baby weighs in at between 6 and 9 pounds, as their lungs and brain reach final milestones to prepare for life on the outside.
Because your baby has dropped, it’s likely a bit easier for you to breathe. Your Braxon Hicks contractions may be happening more frequently, a good night’s sleep is a challenge (use that pregnancy pillow!), and the aches and pains continue, as does the swelling in your feet.
As you know, the time is nearly here! Keep an eye out for any signs of labor, from stronger, faster contractions to water breaking and mucus discharge called bloody show.
During your final weeks of pregnancy, your uterus is as big as it gets, extending from the pubic area to the bottom of your rip cage. Because it pushes on your bladder, lungs, and stomach, you may continue to have heartburn and shortness of breath and take frequent trips to the bathroom at night.
Now your baby’s skin is getting smoother as they get another layer of fat. They’re fully developed and in position, just waiting for your body to prepare for labor.
Your cervix is softening, effacing, and beginning to dilate, while the downward pressure on your pelvis is beginning to intensify. You will likely have more Braxton Hicks contractions and may pass your mucus plug.
Baby will be here any day now, beginning a new phase of the wonderful adventure called parenthood!
Does the size or shape of your pregnant belly matter?
What you see on the outside, such as the general size and shape of your belly, doesn’t have much to do with your baby, their health, or their size. A healthy baby can grow regardless of how your belly looks.
As we mentioned earlier, your doctor will start taking fundal height measurements during your second trimester. This helps screen for whether fetal growth is on track.
If you feel worried about the size or shape of your bump, by all means, talk with your doctor about it! They will check it out and put your mind at ease.
But for now, rest assured that no matter how your pregnant belly looks on the outside, as they say, “it’s what’s inside that counts.”
What affects the appearance of your pregnant belly?
Why do pregnant bellies look so different if babies develop the same on the inside? Several factors can affect how you carry your baby, when you start to show, and how big (or small) your belly looks.
Let’s talk about a few of them.
Your muscle tone
Yes, your pre-pregnancy six-pack (or lack thereof) does affect how your bump will look! Having tight abs before you get pregnant might mean that you don’t show as quickly and that you carry your baby higher once the baby bump appears.
While abdominal muscle tone may affect the size and shape of your pregnant belly, remember you don’t need super-defined, fitness-model muscles to be healthy. A gentle, safe exercise program during pregnancy is important, as is postpartum exercise.
Your height
Whether you’re tall or short can affect your bump.
Tall pregnant women with long torsos tend to carry in front since the baby has room to push up, while short pregnant women tend to have a belly that pushes outward and is a bit more spread out.
Due to body shape and height, pregnant bellies can also create an optical illusion. Your bump might seem bigger or smaller than your friend’s bump when really they’re the same size.
How many pregnancies you’ve had
If this isn’t your first rodeo, you might show a baby bump sooner than you did with your first pregnancy and carry a bit differently. This is because, for second and third (and fourth and fifth!) pregnancies, your ligaments, muscles, and uterus are already a bit stretched out.
How many babies you’re carrying
If you’re expecting more than one baby, your pregnant belly will grow differently to accommodate twins or triplets. Don’t be surprised if you show earlier than expected or your tummy grows to be quite big!
Common concerns about belly size
It’s normal to see one little change in your pregnant belly or notice a difference in your belly size compared to your friend with the same due date and begin to worry.
Let us ease your mind a bit by discussing some common concerns below.
A small belly
A small belly may indicate oligohydramnios, which is low amniotic fluid. This condition can be diagnosed through an ultrasound. Additional symptoms include leaking amniotic fluid and a uterus that is smaller than expected for how long you are in your pregnancy.
Treatment of oligohydramnios depends on your symptoms, pregnancy, general health, and severity of your condition.
That being said, your doctor knows best. If you have a small belly and your doctor tells you it is perfectly normal, try not to worry.
A large belly
If your belly is larger than normal, it could be polyhydramnios, which is too much amniotic fluid surrounding your baby.
This condition, similar to oligohydramnios, is diagnosed by ultrasound, during which your doctor will measure your abdomen to determine if your uterus is too large. Monitoring is the most ideal treatment for polyhydramnios in mild cases or if you’re at the end of your pregnancy.
More commonly, you may seem to be carrying big because of how your baby is positioned in your womb or even how you're built.
In addition, if this isn't your first pregnancy, it may look like you popped much earlier than you did for your previous ones. This is because your muscles have been stretched and can give in more easily to the pressure of your expanding uterus.
But if you feel like your pregnant belly is growing faster than usual, call your doctor for a check-up.
A high belly
There are a couple of different reasons that you may carry high (and not because you’re having a boy or girl).
If you are an active mom-to-be, then your great muscle tone and strong abdominal muscles can cause a high belly. Another reason could be if you are tall.
A high belly is typically normal. It's not uncommon for babies to settle themselves into the womb in this way, especially during the first two-thirds of pregnancy. Some women carry all of their pregnancies this way from start to finish.
A low belly
A low belly may trick you into thinking that you will be giving birth any second, but this isn’t usually the case.
Carrying low may be uncomfortable, causing pressure on your lower back and pelvic area, but it is rarely a cause for concern. Exercises like pelvic tilts can help ease any discomfort or pain that a low belly can cause.
A wide belly
A transverse fetal position (side to side rather than with their head up or down) can sometimes contribute to a wider-looking belly. Your doctor will be able to feel if this is the case.
An overweight pregnant woman may also carry wide. And while it could be a problem if your baby does not turn around with their head down at the time of labor, it is rarely a reason for concern.
Try not to compare pregnant belly sizes
Comparing your pregnant belly to others is tempting, but how a woman appears to carry, small or large, depends on her shape, bone structure, muscle tone, and many other factors. Try not to let someone else’s shape and size affect how you feel about your belly.
Remember, the only other assessments of your belly size that are worth paying attention to are the ones that come from your doctor. Comments made regarding your belly size by anyone other than your doctor should be ignored.
Pregnant bellies come in all shapes and sizes! So take comfort that your doctor or midwife is measuring and monitoring the size of your belly at every prenatal visit.
Post-pregnant belly
The big day has come and gone. Now what can you expect from your belly?
Like anything else, every woman’s experience is different, but don’t expect a six-pack to appear after giving birth. Realistically, your postpartum belly won’t be the same as it was before getting pregnant, but it will improve with time.
Here are some things you can expect along the way.
Leaving the hospital
Just by giving birth, most pregnant women can lose up to 12 pounds. But the exact amount of weight loss varies due to the baby’s size, as well as the weight of the amniotic fluid and placenta.
In fact, after delivering your baby, you can still look six months pregnant, and that is completely normal!
6 weeks postpartum
As your uterus shrinks back to its regular size and excess fluids continue to flush out of your body, your belly will gradually start to slim down and your abdominal muscles will start to firm back up.
If you had a C-section, it can take two weeks for your scar to heal and six weeks or longer to fully recover from your surgery.
6 to 8 weeks postpartum
At this point, your uterus has most likely returned to its normal position in your pelvis after shifting during pregnancy.
You’ve shed more weight, but you may not reach your pre-pregnancy weight for weeks or months. In fact, it could take 10 months to two years, especially if you’ve gained 35 pounds or more during pregnancy.
But keep in mind there’s no specific timeline for postpartum weight loss. Be patient! You just experienced something amazing.
Love your pregnant belly.
No matter the size or shape, whether you’re big or small or carrying low or high, your pregnant belly is the perfect place for your baby to develop and grow. Love your bump, and get excited for your little one on the way!
Use our guide to get an idea of what your tummy might look like during each trimester and how big your baby and your uterus are. And when you near the end of your pregnancy, prepare your baby’s nursery with a Newton Crib Mattress.
In no time at all, your baby will be out of your tummy and in your arms!
Frequently asked questions
When will I start to feel my baby?
Expect to start feeling your baby between the 18th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. The initial feelings may be soft movements in your lower abdomen, like bubbling or tingling, or a feeling of butterflies in your belly.
As time goes on and as the space inside your uterus shrinks, the movements will be more abrupt, like little kicks.
What is that dark line on my belly?
That dark, vertical line running down your belly is called the linea nigra, also known as the pregnancy line. It shows up during most pregnancies but is more noticeable in women with dark skin or hair.
The linea nigra appears because of high levels of hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, during pregnancy. This can make some areas of the skin look darker. But it typically fades within a few weeks postpartum.
Why does my belly itch?
The hormones your pregnancy generates, along with the stretching of your skin, are most likely the culprits of your belly itching.
An itchy belly is common during pregnancy, especially as your skin stretches. The itching may peak in the final weeks of pregnancy and get more intense at night. If itching becomes severe or persistent, check with your healthcare provider.
As hard as it may be, try to avoid scratching. Excessive scratching can trigger further irritation and skin lesions. Good hydration and hypoallergenic moisturizers can help prevent and soothe this symptom.
