Being Pregnant

When Do You Start Showing During Pregnancy?

Reviewed by Dr. Brandt Wood, OB/GYN

Whether this is your first pregnancy or fourth, when you found out you were pregnant, you may have asked yourself ‘when will I start showing?’ You may begin analyzing every inch of your body, looking for any changes that may state you are pregnant. Be careful though, you may begin seeing things that are not there. No, you are not going crazy. The feelings you feel are real and valid. Your hormone levels are fluctuating and your body is preparing for the baby, which is causing you to feel ‘funny.’

Each woman is different and ultimately, each pregnancy is different. For example, if you and your best friend are expecting at the same time, she may begin showing before you or vice-versa. Or of this is not your first pregnancy, you may think you will begin showing at a certain point because of what happened in a previous pregnancy. However, chances are, you will begin showing at a different time. It could be earlier, it could be later. It all depends on certain factors such as your weight and body type at the time of conception and which way your baby is positioned. On average, women begin showing during the second trimester. Normally, your uterus is the size of a lemon. By the eighth week, it’s about the size of a tennis ball. But what prevents some women from showing during the first, second or third trimesters? Let’s go over that now.

Showing during the First Trimester

There are various reasons why women begin or think they begin showing during the first trimester. Many times, it’s due to weak abdominal muscles or bloating. Occasionally, it can be due to carrying twins or multiples. Constipation is another pregnancy symptom that can lead to bloating and the feeling of being bigger around the waistline. You may also be gaining weight, which can result in you thinking you are showing sooner than you are. Some women have been known to start wearing maternity clothes during their 10^th week of pregnancy. However, most women do not begin shopping for new clothes until the beginning of the second trimester (14^th week of pregnancy) and some do not wear those clothes until the end of the second trimester. If you do begin showing during the first trimester, your doctor or midwife may order an ultrasound to diagnose you and determine the cause. If you are not showing during this trimester, your health care provider may not see a need to worry.

Showing during the Second Trimester

Most women, regardless of their body type, begin showing during the second trimester. Many women see a noticeable change at the start of the second trimester, while others see a gradual expansion as the end of the trimester draws nearer. Some women describe their bellies as ‘popping out’ one day. Clothes can become more than snug and shopping is typically in store (if it hasn’t been already). Thankfully, most women are beyond the morning sickness and the bloated feeling by the time they get into the second trimester. If you have not said anything to friends or family, they may begin asking you if you are pregnant.

Showing during the Third Trimester

If you haven’t started showing and you’re in your third trimester, do not panic, especially if you’re doctor or midwife is not panicking. Expectant mothers are recommended to worry more about their weight and the size of the baby, rather than how much they are showing. Some women do not show until late into their pregnancy. Your doctor or midwife may order an ultrasound to determine why. It may be due to your body type. Some larger women do not gain as much weight while pregnant. However, some petite women also do not gain much weight while they’re pregnant. Talk with your health care provider about the possible reasons why you are not showing.