It's normal to have tons of questions about how your body will change when you find out that you're pregnant. Every pregnant body is amazingly unique, and baby bumps are not one-size-fits-all.
Let's run through when baby bumps usually start to 'pop', cover how your bump will change as it grows from one week to the next, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about weight gain during pregnancy.
When does your bump start to show?
Although every pregnancy is different, first-time mum's bumps often start to show sometime between 16 and 20 weeks. For those who've been pregnant before, a noticeable bump might not show until the middle of the second trimester.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your pregnancy at any stage. But rest assured that if your bump starts to show a little earlier or later, it's usually not cause for concern!
Can you guess a baby's gender by looking at your bump?
Some people say that baby girl bumps are low and wide, while baby boy bumps are higher and rounder. Although it can be fun to guess what a baby's gender will be by looking at their mum's bump, it's just an old wives' tale and isn't supported by any scientific research.
When it comes to baby boy and baby girl bumps, there's very little difference in terms of shape or growth. The weight and positioning of the foetus can impact the shape or size of a mum's baby bump, but not the baby's gender. For example, if your baby is positioned slightly sideways, your tummy may look and feel wider rather than longer.
The only reliable ways to predict a baby's gender are:
- to have genetic testing (such as Non-invasive Prenatal Testing)
- to find out at your anatomy ultrasound scan
- or to just wait it out until they're born!
Your pregnancy bump week by week
Watching your bump grow throughout your pregnancy can be both exciting and emotional.
It can sometimes be hard to adjust to the physical changes that pregnancy brings. But try not to let how other mums look affect how you feel about your pregnant tummy and your overall body image.
It's important to remember that factors such as your frame, core muscles, whether you've been pregnant before, your age, and your baby's position can all affect the size and shape of your bump.
One thing's for sure, your bump will get rounder and larger as your pregnancy progresses and your baby grows.
Let's break down the weeks of pregnancy and run through a rough baby bump timeline...
Changes in pregnancy bump shape over time
First and foremost, it's important to remember that every pregnant person's body is different, and yours is working hard to support the growth of your baby.
Over time your bump will change shape as your baby grows. Some people have a D-shaped bump, and others have a B-shaped bump that appears to have top and bottom half like an uppercase letter B. No matter what shape your pregnancy bump is , rest assured that if you and your baby are healthy, your bump is normal.
As you enter the fourth trimester after birth, you won't necessarily look pregnant anymore, but you may still have a bump and your tummy may remain swollen for two to six weeks as your body recovers, and your uterus shrinks back down to its pre-pregnancy size.
However your postpartum body looks, it's important to be kind to yourself and celebrate the incredible journey you and your body have been on during pregnancy.
What is fundal height tracking?
From around week 20 of your pregnancy, your healthcare provider will start to measure your bump.
They'll use a tape measure to measure the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. This will give them a measurement which is known as fundal height. They'll use this figure to monitor your baby's size and growth rate as your pregnancy progresses.
The fundal height measurement (in centimetres) roughly equals the number of weeks along you are. For example, in week 20, your fundal height measurement may be between 18 and 22 centimetres.
Measuring one or two centimetres more or less isn't usually cause for concern. It could just mean that your due date is slightly off, or that your baby is sitting high in your uterus.
Average weight gain during pregnancy
How much your weight changes during pregnancy will depend on several factors, but the NHS states that most people tend to gain between 10kg - 12.5kg or 22lb - 28lb during pregnancy.
Although it's important to eat well, stay hydrated and stay active while you're pregnant, there's usually no need to worry if you're gaining weight.
Not only is it normal, but it's also an important and healthy part of pregnancy! Weight gain during pregnancy can be caused by:
- your body storing fat ready to make breast milk
- your growing placenta - the brand-new organ that feeds your baby and removes waste
- increased fluids in your body
- and the fact that you're creating a whole new person inside of you!
But, if you're ever worried about your weight or any other aspect of your health during your pregnancy, don't hesitate to ask your midwife or GP for advice and support.
