As an expecting mother, one of the most exciting moments is when your belly starts to grow, and you begin to feel the physical changes happening in your body.
But how does a pregnant belly feel in early pregnancy? This blog post will cover the common changes and sensations you may experience during the first trimester of pregnancy.
How Does A Pregnant Belly Feel In Early Pregnancy?
What does an early pregnancy belly feel like?
You might not notice much difference in your tummy for most of the first trimester. It will likely get softer and appear larger, much as when you feel bloated in your period or after a hearty meal.
After the first stage, your baby weighs just a half ounce and is only about 2” long, so he or she is still little in your early pregnancy belly.
Still in your pelvis, those sturdy bones secure your uterus. Changes in the digestive system can lead to an enlarged belly or a feeling of fullness in early pregnancy.
The uterus pulls your bowels higher, taking up more space in the pelvis.
Additionally, hormonal fluctuations slow down your digestion, which ends up with constipation and more gas.
As weeks pass, you’ll begin to feel and appear more pregnant. Clearer feelings could show at the end of the first trimester or the beginning of the next.
When Will The Belly Feel Hard During Pregnancy?
It can happen at any time, although it commonly happens in the 2nd or 3rd trimester.
How does a pregnant belly feel at these stages? Your abdominal wall will ultimately be pushed upon when your uterus expands, causing your tummy to feel tight.
Moreover, stretching the ligaments and muscles surrounding your uterus might also result in minor discomfort.
Your uterus is near the navel when you are pregnant for around 20 weeks.
During each prenatal appointment, your midwife or obstetrician will assess your little one and body to measure uterine development.
It’s okay if some ladies never have a hard bump. Our bodies during pregnancy will differ from other expectant moms’.
The hard feeling normally occurs later in tall women because they spare more vertical room for their expanding uterus.
Additionally, pregnant women with large or full bodies have a little more padding, so the bump’s distinct contour is obscured.
Bloating, a typical side effect when carrying a baby, can also contribute to stomach rigidity. Hormonal changes that reduce the rate food moves through the digestive tract make you feel bloated.
Thus, the food you consume needs more time in the intestines due to this slower pace, facilitating bacteria to make gas, which can send a terrible feeling to some women.
What Are The Common Changes During The First Trimester Of Pregnancy?
What does your belly feel like in early pregnancy? You should expect to go through a few abnormalities and discomforts during your pregnancy.
Although these symptoms might be unpleasant, they won’t often harm you and your baby.
Fatigue
When your pregnancy hormone level shifts throughout the first trimester, fatigue is frequent at the beginning of pregnancy belly.
Your energy level will increase after 12 weeks. You can experience tiredness once more in the third trimester.
If you feel under the weather, try to nap throughout the day. To increase your energy level, consume a nutritious and balanced diet.
Or else, you can discuss exercise with your healthcare physician. For example, walking is a moderate activity that might help you feel more energized and ward off weariness.
Abdominal Muscles Pain
What does pregnant belly feel like in early pregnancy? The most typical time for lower abdomen discomfort during pregnancy is from 18 to 24 weeks.
Your uterus is expanding, tugging and stretching the muscles that hold it up.
A severe ache or only a minor tugging feeling could appear. You can feel it when you sneeze, cough, roll over, sit down, stand up, or engage in sexual activity.
If you suffer from upper abdominal discomfort, bleeding in the vagina, persistent pain that lasts longer than an hour, or acute abdominal pain in more than a few minutes, ask for help from your healthcare professional.
While some stomach discomfort is common during pregnancy, more serious disorders can produce pain and need urgent medical attention.
Backache
How does your belly feel in early pregnancy? Back discomfort is typical and frequently occurs because of the strain that carrying a baby puts on your back.
Hence, your lower back pain could radiate to the legs.
When pain during pregnancy happens, there is something you should do:
- Avoid standing for extended periods if you have backache, and switch positions often
- Wear low-heeled shoes
- Avoid lifting children or large, heavy things
- Maintain a straight back while bending your knees
- Do not stoop to the waist.
- Put pressure, heat, or cold on your back
- Don’t lie on your back to sleep
- Find out what workouts you can perform by asking your doctor.
Bleeding
As mentioned, vaginal spotting and bleeding are not unusual throughout the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. That could be typical or indicate an issue, such as a miscarriage.
However, late pregnancy bleeding could be an indication of a major issue. In this case, you should avoid sexual activity, intense exertion, and exercise.
Also, call your healthcare provider immediately if you encounter vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, no matter how long it lasts.
The hormonal changes can delay the flow of nutrients into your body. Thus, you will sense a lot of constipation during the first week of pregnancy.
To solve the discomfort, drink eight glasses of fresh water daily, besides doing light exercises such as walking.
Fruit liquids like prune juice should be included. Consuming healthy foods high in fiber, such as raw fruits, vegetables, or whole grains, can also help.
Indigestion
What does your belly feel like when pregnant? Heartburn is another name for indigestion, although your heart is not involved.
It generates a burning feeling in the stomach that extends upward through the heart and neck.
If you are suffering from indigestion during the first stages of pregnancy:
- Eat five to six modest and healthy foods daily rather than three large ones.
- Eat less of the items that make you uncomfortable to digest and create bloating. Drink nothing except plenty of water while eating.
- Eat while sitting up. Do not eat within an hour before going to bed, and wait 60 minutes after dining before lying down.
- After eating, wait two hours before exercising.
- Avoid taking drugs like baking soda or antacids without consulting your doctor.
Hemorrhoids
Veins in the rectum that are swollen or dilated are called hemorrhoids. If you are also constipated, these frequently occur.
They can be off-putting, and trying too hard to go to the bathroom might worsen them.
Constipation should be avoided; if it persists, talk to your doctor about taking medication.
Vomiting and Nausea
How does ur belly feel in early pregnancy? Vomiting and nausea are frequently experienced during the first trimester, though they can also happen at other times.
It might be harder in the mornings, but morning sickness can strike at any point of the day, notably with an empty stomach.
If you suffer sharp pain from vomiting and nausea, consume dry crackers after waking up.
To avoid going to bed on an empty stomach, eat five or six light meals each day. Furthermore, do not consume things that make you queasy.
Drink water regularly. If drinking plenty of water is overwhelming, try using frozen or shaved ice. Please note that prenatal vitamins shouldn’t be taken on an empty stomach.
And, if the sickness becomes extreme, contact your healthcare professional.
Swelling
Swelling or edema is typical in late pregnancy. Your legs experience it, which is harsher in the summer or after extended hours of standing.
- Put your legs up whenever you can if you have swelling. During the daytime and at night, take some time to relax by resting on your left side.
- Eat less salty stuff and eat more fiber-rich foods.
- Never take medication without a prescription from your doctor. Call your healthcare provider if your face is bloated, especially around your eyes.
FAQs
When Will You Begin To Feel Your Baby?
Your baby will start moving in the twelfth week of pregnancy, but you probably won’t feel it.
During 4 months of pregnancy, you could begin to sense the baby’s development quicker if you’ve previously been pregnant.
But, you often won’t feel any baby bumps until 20 weeks if this is your first time.
When Should You See A Doctor?
Gas and bloating during pregnancy might be uncomfortable, but they are normal signs of pregnancy and seldom impact the baby.
Nevertheless, if the following appears together with the gas, see a doctor to maintain a healthy pregnancy:
- Strong stomach discomfort or severe pain that lasts for more than half an hour
- More than one week’s worth of constipation/diarrhea that lasts longer than two days
- Bloody or black stools
- Nauseous and dizzy
Conclusion
How does a pregnant belly feel in early pregnancy? A pregnant belly is a wonderful and unique experience that each expecting mother will feel and enjoy in her way.
Whether you’re experiencing early pregnancy for the first time or the fifth, understanding what to expect can help you prepare for the changes ahead.
By knowing what to look for and what sensations are normal, you can fully embrace this exciting time and look forward to the joys of bringing new life into the world.