Belly size during pregnancy things you should know
I have a very small pregnancy belly, and it's causing me problems (or not!)
A discreet baby bump? For some, it's a source of anxiety, while others are delighted. But then, what is the "normal" size of a pregnancy belly? We tell you everything!
Are you expecting a baby? What great news! Being pregnant means seeing many changes happen in your life, and at first, some more or less joyful events, such as pregnancy nausea , fatigue, your breasts growing, urinary leaks... but also your growing belly. Often seen by those around you as the ultimate proof that the woman is pregnant, the "baby bump" is different for each pregnancy. And it is always good to (remember) it! However, we are quick to compare our belly to that of others . And when it seems smaller than average, it can cause worry, or on the contrary, be really good news. The story of the glass half full, in short. We take stock of what a small belly can imply.
Why do some pregnant women suffer from having a small belly?
"Oh, but you don't look like you're pregnant!" You may have heard this phrase when revealing your pregnancy. And even if the person who said it to you didn't necessarily mean any harm, this little belly can be a source of anxiety for you. If, in your family history of pregnancy or in your social environment, the image of pregnancy is to have a belly that is visible , which is a sign of fulfillment, fullness and good health. A small belly can be perceived as abnormal, that something is wrong . It is true that apart from during ultrasound scans, it is difficult to know if everything is going well (especially at the beginning of pregnancy, when you can't feel the baby moving in your belly yet ). It is therefore easy to be afraid that your child is too small, has a health problem or is not developing properly. Finally, there is also pressure from society and social networks, which show a single image of pregnant women: with an imposing belly. If this is not your case, you may also feel ashamed and "guilty that your belly is not growing like it is in magazines", and of course suffer from the comments of those around you.
Pregnant, the advantages of a discreet baby bump
Conversely, for some women, a small belly is a godsend. This is often the case for those who want to keep it a secret for as long as possible, whether from their professional or family circle. Women who are afraid of gaining weight during pregnancy and that their body will change too much may also like their discreet belly. If you are worried about stretch marks appearing, having a small belly can be reassuring. However, remember that the appearance of these striations is also linked to hormones and genetics, so small belly or not, do not hesitate to apply an anti-stretch mark treatment to reduce them.
What determines the size of the mother-to-be's belly?
As you will have understood, there is no standard size for the belly of the future mother , and this is in no way linked to the health of the unborn baby. Different factors affect the size and shape of the pregnant woman's belly: her height and weight before pregnancy, her musculature (especially if her deep muscles are very developed, because the abdominals can "hold" the belly for a certain time), the fact of feeling pregnancy symptoms (women prone to nausea generally gain little weight at the beginning of pregnancy), the position of the baby in the belly or even hormones (progesterone can cause the belly to swell). Finally, it is common for the baby bump to appear more quickly in the case of a 2nd pregnancy than during the 1st .
Reassuring yourself when you're worried about a small belly
If you are worried about having a small belly, don't hesitate to talk about it with your midwife or gynecologist. These health professionals will be able to reassure you and check that everything is going well for Baby, via tests (ultrasound, uterine measurement , Doppler, etc.). Also talk about it to those around you and don't hesitate to shut up people who make comments to you, by reminding them that the size of your belly means nothing ! If you feel the need to talk to a specialist, know that maternity wards generally have psychologists available to listen to you during and after pregnancy. Finally, massage can be a good way to "take ownership of this new belly", and wearing clothes that show off your belly can also give you confidence.
