Read on to know the pregnant belly size chart and identify and manage related concerns.
Does The Belly Size In Pregnancy Really Matter?
The size of your pregnancy belly may not be something of concern. Your belly could be big, small, pointy, round, or high, but that still might not necessarily affect the pregnancy. Some people may try to guess the baby’s gender, health, and progress by looking at your belly, but you should not worry about what anyone other than your doctor or midwife says.
Does Your Belly Size Determine The Gender And Size Of The Baby?
The belly size and shape determine neither the size nor the gender of the baby. A large belly could be due to excess body weight or amniotic fluid, while a small belly could be due to less amniotic fluid or if it is the first pregnancy. The size of the belly has nothing to do with the gender of the baby. According to Stephanie Langsam, MD, FACOG, a board-certified physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, “There is no scientific evidence between a girl bump or a boy bump. Just as people’s bodies are different, so are their pregnant bellies.”
Can Belly Size Accurately Indicate Your Stage of Pregnancy?
The size of the belly may not be an indication of the stage of pregnancy. The belly size during different phases of pregnancy differs from one woman to another, based on her body type and size. Regardless of the belly size, ensure that you’re maintaining a healthy weight as being overweight or underweight during pregnancy might affect the growth of the baby (1). It is best not to compare the size of your bump with that of other pregnant women, as the belly size may depend on several factors.
What Factors Determine Your Belly Size?
The following factors might determine the size and shape of the pregnant belly: And during the last stage of pregnancy, the head generally moves down into the pelvis, making the tummy look bigger at the bottom. This means that the baby’s position may affect the belly size and shape. Next, we give you a chart of the average belly size during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Belly Size Chart
This chart shows the changes you may notice in your belly as the baby grows. It is an approximate chart, and the measurements and changes could vary from one woman to another (4). In case you do not notice the above changes, do not panic or assume something is wrong. Check with the midwife or doctor if you’re worried about the shape or size of the belly.
Common Concerns About The Pregnant Belly
Some of the common concerns that pregnant women might have about their bellies are mentioned here: Your pregnancy belly lasts only as long as your pregnancy does. So, celebrate it with special activities.
Celebrating Your Pregnancy Belly
Here are some exciting ideas to make your pregnancy memorable:
1. Photoshoot:
A pregnancy photoshoot is a trend these days, and lets you capture your pregnancy belly every month and create a beautiful collage at the end.
2. Belly painting:
Painting something creative and beautiful on your belly is another thoughtful way to celebrate your pregnancy. You can let your husband or child do it, or get it done professionally.
3. Pregnancy book:
You can record anything and everything about your pregnancy. Take pictures of your pregnancy belly every month and paste them in the book. Also, you could write what you are feeling at every stage. Your baby would be happy to read it when he/she grows up. Enjoy every week of your pregnancy, eat healthy foods, and follow the instructions of your doctor or midwife. Do not pay attention to the folklore surrounding the shape and size of a pregnant woman’s belly. Also, ensure that your doctor or midwife is carefully monitoring fetal growth and belly size. How was your pregnancy belly? Do share your experiences and what stories you came across about your belly in the comment section below.
