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.

As soon as your bump begins to show, your body seems to become public property. Friends, colleagues and relatives may be clambering round, desperate to get a feel of the bump, and comment on the size of it. In fact, you may find that strangers are also not shy about coming forward with their own personal opinions about your bump.

Does my bump look big in this?

If friends and relatives keep greeting you with cries of, “Oh my, are you sure you’re not having twins?!” it’s no wonder you’re starting to doubt yourself. If complete strangers are running up to you in the street to say, “You must be due any day now,” when you are only six months pregnant, you may be starting to worry about the size of your bump.

Is my bump too small?

Having a small bump is no picnic either, because people will want to comment on that just as much. From jaws hitting the ground when you say your due date (followed by “oh my, but your bump is so tiny,”), to questions from friends and family about whether you’re eating properly.

The right size

The important thing to remember, is that there is no right size for your bump. All women, and all pregnancies, are unique. Bump size can be influenced by lots of factors, including:

• the number of pregnancies – first pregnancies tend to be smaller bumps because tummy muscles are tighter

• the number of babies – women carrying multiples often have bigger bumps

• the amount of fluid – it’s not just baby in there, the amount of fluid in your uterus could also affect your bump size

• the baby’s position – you may notice that your bump changes shape each time your baby changes position

• your posture – your bump may look bigger or smaller if you stand in certain ways

Bump size: Does it matter?

In a word – no. The only thing that matters is your healthcare provider’s measurements of the baby. At each appointment, your healthcare provider will ask you to lie flat, so that she can check the position of the baby, and take a measurement. This helps your healthcare provider to monitor the baby’s growth. More detailed measurements will also be taken during any ultrasound scans.

There are a small number of conditions that can affect bump size. These conditions are rare, but your healthcare provider is trained to spot the symptoms. If your healthcare provider is concerned about the size of your bump, you will be offered further tests, such as an ultrasound to check the size of your baby.

If you are concerned about the size of your bump, speak to your healthcare provider for advice.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

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.