No matter how big or small your bump is, you will probably receive comments about it on a daily basis. Whether people are exclaiming at the sheer size of you, or questioning whether you’re really pregnant, it’s understandable to feel annoyed by the constant scrutiny of your bump. Aside from being irritating, the comments may leave you feeling anxious. But is it worth worrying about bump size?
Firstly, it’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pregnancy bumps. You are unique, and your baby is unique, you aren’t going to measure up exactly the same as Jane from HR. It’s also important to remember that the people making the comments are not the experts. They’re not midwives or doctors running over to you in the street to criticise your bump, they’re friends, family members or total strangers. Take their opinions with a very large pinch of salt.
Bump size can be affected by:
- the number of pregnancies – if this isn’t your first baby, your stomach muscles won’t be as tight, and so you may find that you show earlier in the pregnancy
- the number of babies – if you’re carrying more than one baby, your bump size is likely to be bigger
- the baby’s position – your bump may appear smaller when your baby is tucked in close to your spine, and bigger when your baby is stretching out against your bump
- amniotic fluid – some women have more amniotic fluid than others. This could make your bump appear much bigger or smaller
- your posture – certain stances and positions will make your bump look bigger
- your clothes – certain clothes may make your bump look bigger than others. Whether you go for a bump-hugging t-shirt, or a floaty maternity blouse could make all the difference
Is it worth worrying about bump size?
No. Leave the worrying to your healthcare provider. If they’re not worried, you needn’t be either. Your healthcare provider will measure the baby at each prenatal appointment. You will be asked to lie down on the bed, so that your healthcare provider can examine you, check the baby’s position, and measure the baby. The results will be plotted on a chart, to allow your healthcare provider to track your baby’s growth.
If your healthcare provider is concerned about your baby’s size, you will be offered extra ultrasound scans to allow for more accurate measurements.
Speak to your healthcare provider if you are worried about the size of your bump.
Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.