Medically reviewed to ensure accuracy.
Chances are, you’re completely obsessed with your baby bump and the amazing little being growing inside it.
Here are 10 fun facts about your ever-expanding baby bump.
And also … themorning sickness.)
But aside from that big smile on your face, you might not look different on the outside.
During those early weeks of pregnancy, your baby is still teeny-tiny.
Even at4 weeks, she’s only the size of a poppy seed!
But once you begin showing, your belly will grow fast
Your skin may show it too.
These marks form when the supporting layers under your skin get pulled tight as your belly expands.
The streaks might become darker and more prominent when your tummy really starts to stretch around the 35-week mark.
There’s no proven way to prevent stretch marks, and they’ll fade after you give birth.
But in the meantime, attempt to embrace them.
Your body is growing to make a baby!
By 6 months, you might start to feel tiny feet pitter-pattering.
It’s completely normal, and it’ll fade a few months after you give birth.
What if yourbelly button is pierced?
If at any point your stretching belly makes your piercing irritating, you might want to take it out.
For now, she’s happy to just be a listener.
But by 26 weeks, her brain is developed to the point whereyour baby can respond to stimuli.
So don’t be surprised if she gives a little kick when you talk or sing to her!
Speaking of songs, you might want to think about finding a special one to play for your baby.
Of course, everything will sound a little muffled in there.
That’s what your baby hears!
It can stimulate your baby, which is especially helpful when you start counting kicks.
And of course, it’s an amazing way to bond.
That number in centimeters roughly equals the number of weeks along you are.
You might feel sharppains as your round ligaments stretchto accommodate your growing bump.
Heartburn could also become an issue, since your expanding uterus is now pushing on your stomach.
The good news is that the two of you are almost at the finish line.
It won’t be long now before you finally get to meet!
Sometimes diastasis recti resolves on its own, but talk to your doctor if it’s not easing up.
Most of the time the problem can be fixed with targeted core exercises.
In the meantime, think about all the incredible things your body has done over the last 40 weeks.
And soak up this special time with your adorable newborn!
And now that you know more about your baby bump, you probably appreciate it more too.
