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Your baby bump will pop out between weeks 12 to 16. Here's how to tell if you'll show early or late.
LoadingSomething is loading. Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Pregnancy bumps are as diverse as the babies they produce. You start to show in pregnancy at 12 to 16 weeksIf it's your first pregnancy you'll probably start to show between 12 to 16 weeks. But this initial bump is not from the baby. In fact, at 15 weeks, the average fetus is 4 inches long, or about as large as an orange. So that "baby bump" isn't from the baby's size, but rather the expansion of your uterus. "As the uterus gets bigger with a developing pregnancy, the loops of bowel which fill the abdomen are pushed upwards and out to the sides," says Meg Wilson, MBBS, an OB-GYN at London Gynaecology. When you'll probably show early
When you should worry about bump sizeBy week 20, your doctor will start measuring your fundal length — that's the distance between the pubic bone and the top of the uterus. Typically, this number should correlate with your week of pregnancy. So, for example, if your fundal length is 25 centimeters, you should be in or near your 25th week of pregnancy. If, however, your fundal length is too high, it could indicate growth problems with the baby like fetal macrosomia, which is when a baby is significantly too large. On the flip side, if your fundal length is too low it could mean restricted growth, which is when the baby isn't large enough. While not all small babies suffer from restricted growth, it's worth checking in with your maternal health practitioner if you are concerned. Doctors caution, though, that the fundal length isn't a perfect measurement, and variables like weight or carrying multiples babies can change your numbers significantly. Related stories about pregnancy:
Sign up for notifications from Insider! Stay up to date with what you want to know. Subscribe to push notifications Read next Can I start showing at 8 weeks?8 weeks pregnant belly
At week 8, you're still not showing yet. Most first-time pregnancies don't show until around week 12. If you've had previous pregnancies you may show earlier as a result of stretching of the muscles in your uterus and belly. Until then, enjoy your svelte figure.
Can you show at 6 weeks?Don t be surprised if you develop a bit of a 6 weeks pregnant belly. Although your 6 week embryo is still well down in your pelvis, some women, especially those who've been pregnant before, seem to show much earlier. General abdominal distention is usually the cause.
Do you start showing at 10 weeks?Your 10 weeks pregnant belly
In other words, at 10 weeks pregnant, you may be just starting to show. That's because your ever-growing uterus is now somewhat larger than a grapefruit. But don't worry if you can't quite see your bump at 10 weeks yet — you will soon enough.
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