When you become pregnant, lots of changes start happening inside your body. You start rapidly producing hormones to help your body prepare for the pregnancy, but to the outside world, you probably look pretty normal. If you haven’t told them, your friends and colleagues probably won’t have any idea you are pregnant. Unless, that is, they’ve picked up on the extra bathroom breaks, and the fatigue you may be experiencing.
By the time your pregnancy is out in the open, you may be looking forward to some outward signs that you are with child. As the nausea subsides, and you have a little more energy, you may wondering when you will get your baby bump.
The in between stage
Towards the end of your first trimester, you may be starting to gain weight, but it probably won’t resemble much of a bump at this point. You may find that your pre-pregnancy clothes are too tight, and your maternity clothes too big. This in between stage can be frustrating, but it won’t last long. A few floaty tops, and some larger size trousers or skirts should be enough to get you through a few more weeks until your bump starts to emerge.
When will I get my bump?
All pregnancies are different, so there is no uniform time that you will be allocated your bump. Some women may show quite early, whereas others may only develop a bump towards the end of their pregnancy.
By week 18, a lot of women are starting to notice their bump forming, and in just a few weeks they have quite a noticeable baby bump protruding. If this is your first pregnancy, you may find that it takes until later in the pregnancy to develop a bump. Your stomach muscles are in good shape, and may be holding their own against your growing uterus. By around week 28, you should be starting to see a bump form, even if this is your first pregnancy.
If you have been pregnant before, you may find that your bump shows earlier in this pregnancy. This is thought to be because your body has experienced pregnancy before, and so finds it easier to retrace those steps.
When your bump arrives
Whether you love it or loathe it, your bump will only be around for a few months at most – so enjoy it while you can. Make the most of your new shape by dressing in your bump in cute maternity outfits that help you feel confident in your new, temporary body.
When did you first notice your bump developing?
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 2017. All rights reserved.
