A frequent question among mothers-to-be is whether their belly button will “pop out” or stick out during pregnancy. And if it will, when that will happen. Less frequently, we get asked whether a mom should be worried if her belly button does not pop out. This is how we answer.
Why does the belly button pop out?
Your uterus pushes your abdomen forward. This abdominal pressure pushes your belly button forward and, in some cases, makes it protrude.
When does the belly button pop out?
The rapidly expanding uterus begins pushing forward on average at around week 26. However, in some women, especially those who are skinny and with an “outie”, this may happen already in the second trimester. That is when pregnant women discover their protruding navel – or a “popping out” of the belly button.
Is there anything I should do?
No. Your popped-out belly button is both harmless and inevitable, whether you had an inverted or an outie belly button to begin with. It will get right back to its regular position a few months after delivery, although it may look a little stretched out or “lived in.” Remember, it’s just one more badge of honor to wear proudly.
If your belly button does not pop out, don’t worry! Many women never have their belly buttons pop out and that is completely normal.
Is there a correlation between the belly button and the baby’s gender?
Absolutely not!
Can a popped belly button progress to umbilical hernia?
Some women have a small hole or defect in the abdominal wall long before pregnancy. Pregnancy or excessive weight gain can put stress on the defective or weak area of the abdominal wall causing the hernia to become more noticeable. Once the hole gets large enough that tissue can pass through, the hernia can become painful and you may see bulging around the umbilical area. In most cases it is best to wait until you are no longer pregnant before attempting to repair an umbilical hernia. However, if an umbilical hernia becomes incarcerated, meaning that tissue remains trapped in the defective area and can’t be pushed back in, it will need to be surgically repaired immediately.
