The navel, or belly button, most commonly begins to change and may pop out around the 6th month of pregnancy, specifically around 26 weeks.
Understanding When Your Belly Button Changes
During pregnancy, as your uterus expands to accommodate your growing baby, it puts increasing pressure on your abdominal wall. This pressure can cause your belly button to push outwards, transitioning from an "innie" to an "outie." This is a common and normal part of pregnancy for many women.
Key Timelines for Navel Changes
Based on common pregnancy progression and provided information:
- Beginning of Changes: Most women will notice their navels starting to change around the end of the second trimester of pregnancy. This period marks the significant growth of the uterus.
- Most Common Pop-Out: The belly button most commonly pops out around 26 weeks of pregnancy. While 26 weeks technically marks the end of the second trimester, this change often occurs as the pregnancy transitions into what is commonly considered the beginning of the third trimester.
- Conversion to Months: At 26 weeks, a pregnant woman is approximately at the end of her sixth month of pregnancy.
Why Does It Happen?
The primary reason your belly button may pop out is the simple physics of your growing uterus. As the uterus pushes against the abdominal wall, it flattens the area around the navel. If your belly button is naturally an "innie" due to how the umbilical cord healed, the inward fold can be pushed outwards by this internal pressure.
Is It Normal For It Not To Pop Out?
Absolutely! While many women experience their belly button popping out, it's completely normal if yours doesn't. Several factors can influence this, including:
- Original Belly Button Shape: "Outies" might become more prominent, while some "innies" may just flatten without fully popping out.
- Abdominal Muscle Tone: Stronger abdominal muscles might keep the navel tucked in.
- Individual Anatomy: Every woman's body responds differently to pregnancy.
What to Expect and Tips
- Appearance: Your popped-out navel might feel sensitive or rub against clothing.
- Protection: Some women find it comfortable to cover their belly button with a small bandage or soft cloth if it becomes irritated.
- Safety: A popped-out navel is generally harmless and will typically return to its pre-pregnancy state a few months after delivery.
Summary of Navel Changes During Pregnancy
Here's a quick overview of when to expect these changes:
| Stage of Pregnancy | Approximate Timing | Navel Change |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning of Changes | End of Second Trimester | Navel may start to flatten or feel different. |
| Most Common Pop-Out | 26 Weeks (around 6 Months) | Navel typically protrudes outwards ("outie"). |
| Post-Delivery | Weeks to Months After Birth | Navel usually returns to its pre-pregnancy shape. |
Understanding these normal changes can help you feel more informed and comfortable throughout your pregnancy journey.
