Earliest showing of pregnancy

When Do Pregnant Women's Baby Bump Start Showing?

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on June 28, 2021

In this Article

• When Will You Look Pregnant?
• Why Do Some Pregnant Women Show Early?
• Why Do Some Pregnant Women Show Late?
• When to Be Concerned

Pregnant women typically start showing within a few months, but it could take longer. You may notice the bump sooner than others because you’re watching for changes.

When Will You Look Pregnant?

You may not start showing in your first trimester because your body is going through changes during this time. Your baby is still forming inside of you. While you may feel different, your body may not look different. 

Typically, your bump becomes noticeable during your second trimester. Between 16-20 weeks, your body will start showing your baby’s growth. For some women, their bump may not be noticeable until the end of the second trimester and even into the third trimester.

The second trimester starts in the fourth month. During this month you’ll be able to feel your baby start to move around in little flutters. Your body may start to look different. Others may start to notice differences in your appearance. Pregnancy signs become more prevalent.

Why Do Some Pregnant Women Show Early?

Pregnant women's baby bumps typically start showing in the second trimester. But if this is your second baby, you may show sooner. Your second pregnancy may be very different from your first. In addition to showing earlier, you may feel your baby moving sooner and have a shorter labor. 

Your body has already been through pregnancy and childbirth, so it knows what to expect and can adjust accordingly. The reason you could show earlier with your second baby is due to stretched abdominal muscles. You also know what to look for in your next pregnancy, so you might notice your baby bump sooner. 

Other women might show early because of their age. Older women and women who have been pregnant before can show as early as the first trimester. Also, women who don’t have strong core muscles may show earlier because their muscles are relaxed. Their stomach adapts more easily to looking pregnant.

Why Do Some Pregnant Women Show Late?

Women who are overweight or obese may not show a solid rounded belly until the third trimester. If you have a higher body weight and are classified as a B belly, this means your bump is not as pronounced. A B belly could take until the third trimester to turn into a D belly. 

When to Be Concerned

There may be different reasons as to why your bump hasn’t appeared yet. However, if you are still not showing in your third trimester, you should talk to your doctor. This also goes for any time you have concerns about yourself or your baby. Your doctor will be able to determine what is best for you and your child. 

If you are small, this could be the reason your bump hasn’t appeared. Your doctor periodically monitors your baby's gestational weight in your uterus. Your baby’s gestational weight will be taken again once they’re born. Complications for your baby related to low gestational weight can include difficulty regulating body temperature, low blood pressure, low oxygen levels, and breathing problems. 

High blood pressure can be a risk for pregnant women. Your baby may be at risk for being small for their gestational age. Being small for their gestational age may keep your belly from becoming noticeable. High blood pressure can also lead to other problems like preterm delivery and infant death. You can get help before, during, and after your pregnancy to treat high blood pressure. 

If you are overweight or obese, your belly may not appear rounded or shaped. Being overweight can make your baby’s gestational weight high for their age. Other risks include gestational diabetes mellitus, miscarriage, preeclampsia, and emergency cesarean surgery. You’ll want to talk with your doctor about healthy and safe practices during pregnancy. 

When Do You Start to Show? Baby Bump Progression

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You’re expecting — and you couldn’t be more excited. Your symptoms are impossible to ignore — especially the morning sickness — but you may have questions about when your pregnancy status will become obvious to everyone else.

The good news if you’re not quite ready to announce your pregnancy to the world is that it’ll be a while before you start showing — but you might not have as much time as you think. Every body is different, and so is every pregnancy.

Let’s take a closer look at the bump timeline and factors that can contribute to when you’ll notice a growing belly in pregnancy.

It might come as a surprise, but the number of pregnancies you’ve had can affect how early you start showing.

Typically, though, you won’t have a baby bump in your first trimester — especially if it’s your first pregnancy. You’ll likely notice the first signs of a bump early in the second trimester, between weeks 12 and 16.

You might start showing closer to 12 weeks if you are a person of lower weight with a smaller midsection, and closer to 16 weeks if you’re a person with more weight.

If you’ve been pregnant before, don’t be surprised if you start showing earlier. Actually, it’s not uncommon to develop a baby bump in the first trimester after your first pregnancy.

A previous pregnancy can stretch your stomach muscles, and sometimes, these muscles don’t return to their original size. Because of this change, a baby bump might appear earlier.

If you’re expecting twins or higher-order multiples, you could also possibly start to show before the end of your first trimester. Your uterus must grow larger to accommodate more than one baby. So whereas someone expecting a singleton may not show until after 3 or 4 months, you might show as early as 6 weeks.

Whether it’s your first pregnancy or your second pregnancy, you may feel that you’re showing much sooner than other people you know. Maybe you’re putting on weight around 6 to 8 weeks — which in your mind is quite early.

One plausible explanation for an early bump, though, could be abdominal bloating. An increase in hormones can cause your body to retain fluid. So what you believe to be all baby bump may actually be a bloated stomach. Drinking plenty of water, eating more fiber, and eating smaller meals might curb bloating.

Also, the shape of your uterus affects how soon you start showing. If your uterus tilts toward your back, it could take longer to show during those early months of pregnancy. And if your uterus tilts towards the front, you may show much earlier.

Diastasis recti is another possible explanation for showing early. This is when the mid-abdominal muscles separate and create a bulge. This bulge can give the appearance of an early baby bump.

Keep in mind that body weight also determines when a baby bump appears. Someone with a smaller waistline will likely show sooner.

And finally, you may appear to show early if you received an incorrect due date. If you’re concerned that you’re getting too much of a bump too fast, talk with your doctor. You might be further along in your pregnancy than you realize.

Baby bump progression also varies from person to person. As a general timeline, though, your baby will be about the size of a lemon at 12 weeks. Your uterus gets bigger to accommodate, so you’ll start to notice a small bump, although it may not be evident to others.

As you approach week 16, your baby might be as big as an avocado. And by weeks 20 (banana) and 24 (cantaloupe), you’ll likely notice real changes.

Once you enter your third trimester at 28 weeks, your baby will be the size of an eggplant, and the size of a pineapple at week 35. When your due date approaches, your baby can be as big as a watermelon! Keeping in mind that your body is also holding amniotic fluid and extra fat needed to nourish baby, by this point you’ll likely have a very full-looking belly.

Are you ready to show off your baby bump — or do you want to hide it a little longer? Either way, here are a few tips and tricks to adjust to your changing body.

Hiding the bump

You might start showing well before you’re ready to make an announcement. To keep your special news a secret longer, you best bet at this point is to wear loose-fitting clothes, especially dresses, blouses, and shirts that don’t hug your belly.

You can also wear jackets or sweaters when around people. The thickness of the material can help conceal a growing bump.

Dealing with the awkward in-between stage

As your baby bump grows, you may hit an awkward stage. And if you’re at that stage where you don’t fit maternity pants yet, but your regular pants don’t fit either, use a ponytail holder or rubber band at the button and loop closure to give yourself a little more room in your pants.

Here’s what to do: Leave the top button of your pants (or jeans) unhooked. Loop one end of the ponytail holder around the button, and then feed the other end through the hole on the other side of the pants.

After pulling the other end through the hole, loop it around the button too. This way, you can comfortably wear your regular pants for at least a few more weeks. Just wear a long shirt to conceal the fact that you didn’t button your pants.

Another option is to leave your pants unbuttoned and place a belly band around the waistband.

As you get bigger, sleeping and bending over can become uncomfortable, too. When bending over, grab hold of a chair or table to support yourself, and then squat with your knees. This makes it easier to pick up items, and you avoid falling backwards.

If sleeping becomes a problem, try sleeping on your side with a pregnancy pillow. These pillows are soft and curved shape, and can help relieve pain and support a growing bump.

Feeling body positive about a growing bump

As excited as you are, a growing baby bump might also make you feel self-conscious. Here are a few tips to boost your confidence:

• Don’t weigh yourself. If you’re self-conscious about your weight, constantly weighing yourself can make you feel worse. Fight the urge to get on the scale. If you’re tempted, get rid of it. Regular weigh-ins at your OB-GYN’s office will inform your doctor all’s on track — and you don’t have to know the number, if you don’t want to!

• Don’t neglect maternity fashion. Let’s be honest: We often feel good when we look good. So rather than settle on a maternity style consisting of old baggy jeans and old, worn out T-shirts, treat yourself to some chic, yet affordable maternity clothes. Embrace your baby bump and your inner fashionista.

• Get your hair and makeup done. Along with embracing maternity fashion, you might feel better with a little pampering. Treat yourself and your beautiful pregnancy hair (which often becomes thicker during this time) to a professional styling and show off that pregnancy glow!

• Believe others when they say you’re beautiful. These aren’t pity compliments. So even if you don’t feel the prettiest, believe those who say otherwise.

• Exercise. Working out isn’t only an energy booster and a bloat blaster — it can also release endorphins, which are feel-good hormones. This can improve your mental outlook, increase your confidence, and help you feel better about your changing body. (Not to mention, appropriate exercise is healthy for you and baby during pregnancy.)

Be aware that at some point during your pregnancy, others might touch your belly without an invitation, including strangers.

You might not take issue with family touching your growing baby bump. But to discourage others, hold a large purse or a jacket directly in front of your stomach. With your stomach covered, they might be less inclined to reach for it.

Or if you suspect that someone is about to touch your belly, discreetly step back a few feet, or turn your body away from them. If this doesn’t work, there’s nothing wrong with being honest and saying you’re uncomfortable being touched.

Even though every woman is different, you might have concerns if you’re not showing yet. Understandably, you want to have a healthy baby and pregnancy. But showing a little later doesn’t typically indicate a problem.

Remember, uterus position and shape, frame size, and fitness level prior to pregnancy can all contribute to when you show. And some people just never appear “very” pregnant. If this is you, you may be hearing scary comments from others — comments you shouldn’t have to endure. Trust your OB’s guidance, and not what you see in the mirror, when it comes to the health of your pregnancy.

It’s also possible that you simply have a smaller baby, although still healthy. If you have any concerns, though, speak with your doctor.

Related: Guess what? Pregnant people don’t need you to comment on their size

Going from no baby bump to a large belly can be exciting, but a bit awkward at times. The important thing to remember is that everyone starts to show at different times. Bumps can develop later with a first pregnancy, and earlier with a second pregnancy or if you’re expecting twins.

If you have any concerns about bump progression, see your doctor. And enjoy your changing body — as many parents will tell you, this is a special time that in hindsight, goes by so fast.

For more pregnancy guidance and weekly tips tailored to your due date, sign up for our I’m Expecting newsletter.

Are you pregnant? Early signs of pregnancy.

Finally! Your period is delayed. If you want a baby, there is great hope that you will get pregnant this time. A pregnancy test will soon show you more. At the same time, you can observe yourself - perhaps you have already noticed any changes. Your body usually clearly shows you that fertilization has taken place. Most of the symptoms are associated with an increase in hormone levels.

Of course, not every sign means you are pregnant. But the more typical symptoms you notice, the more likely it is. However, in the end, only a doctor can make the final decision: "You're pregnant - congratulations!"

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Uncertain early signs of pregnancy

The first signs of pregnancy are as varied as they are vague. Often the early signs of pregnancy appear even before the missed period. These Could Be Early Pregnancy Symptoms:

- nausea and vomiting

- “lead” fatigue and fatigue

- frequent urination

- increased craving for food and unusual food addictions

- sensitive breasts and darkened nipples

- change in the oscillation and taste

- spasms - splashes in the abdomen, slight bleeding and discharge

- Growth of hair and nails

- Skin changes

- Forgetfulness

- Mood swings

- Bloating or constipation

- Bad sleep

Nausea and vomiting

You've seen the most famous first sign of pregnancy a thousand times in the movies: the heroine runs away in a hurry, she suddenly feels sick. She doesn't know she's having a baby yet, but everyone in the movie theater has already taken the hint.

In fact, nausea is not so typical. Some women feel very ill, others tend to feel a little sick.

"Lead" tiredness and fatigue

Are you as tired during the day as if you had sat up all night? The sofa is calling you at noon, and your eyes start to close as if by magic? A huge need for sleep is one of the most common signs of pregnancy. If you notice unusual tiredness or fatigue, you may be pregnant.

Frequent urination

You constantly have to run to the toilet, even if you do not drink more than usual. This can be another early sign of pregnancy: once the embryo is implanted, the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is released, which makes you go to the toilet more often.

Food cravings and unusual eating habits

Is your body just screaming for chocolate or would you get up at night to buy greasy chips at the gas station? Or do you have other unusual eating habits ? Bingo! It is possible that you are pregnant. Many women report strange eating habits as early signs of pregnancy : for example, they pour hot salsa straight out of a can or, being vegans, feel an irresistible craving to bite straight from a stick of hearty salami.

Sensitive breasts and darkened nipples

Your breasts may also show early signs of pregnancy. Pay attention to the following symptoms: the breast begins to thicken and fill up, as before menstruation. To the touch, the mammary glands are more plump and large and very sensitive to touch. Your areola often looks darker than usual. The opposite symptom - discoloration - can also be caused by a hormonal imbalance or a previous pregnancy.