One of the most exciting questions for any pregnant woman is the question of when does the tummy begin to noticeably grow? Doctors call the 16th week of pregnancy the average figure, but it is impossible to predict in advance the onset of a noticeable increase in the volume of the abdomen for each specific woman.
What factors affect the increase in the size of the abdomen
The anatomical features of a woman play an important role in this issue. So women with a narrow pelvis will see an enlarging tummy at a shorter gestation period than expectant mothers with wider pelvic bones.
If a woman has a wide pelvis, then in the early stages of pregnancy, the fetus can be located between the bones.
The number of pregnancies preceding the present also affects the appearance of the abdomen. Usually, in women expecting their first baby, the tummy begins to grow later than in the next pregnancies. This is due to the fact that initially the abdominal muscles of a woman are stronger than after childbirth.
The baby can be located both at the back of the uterus and at the front. It is easy to conclude that in cases where the fetus is located closer to the back, the tummy begins to appear later.
If during pregnancy a sufficiently large amount of amniotic fluid is formed in the uterus, the woman's belly looks more voluminous.
One of the factors influencing the time of the appearance of the tummy is heredity. Often, the pregnancy of a mother and daughter follows a similar pattern. However, this does not always happen.
If you gain enough weight during pregnancy, a woman's belly begins to grow earlier. This is due not only to the size of the unborn baby, but also to the layer of adipose tissue that appears on the belly of a pregnant woman.
The size of the baby plays an important role in this matter. The baby is growing actively, therefore, the belly is growing at a faster pace.
The timing of the appearance of the abdomen
The average period for the appearance of a tummy is considered to be 16 weeks of pregnancy, that is, at 4-5 months, others will be able to notice that a woman is expecting an addition to the family. However, in a very plump woman, the stomach may not be noticeable until the last time.
But women expecting twins will be able to see a rounded tummy already at 2-3 months of pregnancy. The fact is that the uterus in this case grows much faster.
If you have any doubts about whether everything is normal with the course of your pregnancy and whether the size of your tummy corresponds to the gestational age, it is better to consult a doctor. With the help of ultrasound, you can dispel any doubts and fears associated with this issue.
