Is it worth worrying if the belly is low during the whole pregnancy? Abdominal prolapse in a future mother Why does a pregnant woman have a low belly

Around the 5th month of pregnancy, the belly becomes visible to others. It gradually increases in size until the moment of birth.

The belly of the future mother increases as the fetus grows:

At 2-3 weeks from the moment of conception, the size of the embryo is 2-4 mm, the tummy during this period is not yet noticeable.
By about 12 weeks, the fetus occupies all the free space in the uterine cavity. The weight of the embryo at this moment is up to 25 g.
The abdomen at the 15th week of pregnancy can be noticeably rounded. The size of the fetus is 12 mm, and the weight is about 100-120 gr.
By week 21, the size of the fetus reaches 24-26 cm, weight - 350-400 gr. From this moment begins the period of the most active growth of the fetus.
Already at 24 weeks, the baby weighs about 500 grams, and its height is 30 cm.
From 36 weeks, the fetus is considered full-term. Weight varies from 2 to 2.5 kg.
At week 40, all formation processes are completed, and the mother's body is preparing for the most crucial moment - childbirth. The weight of the crumbs can be from 2 to 6.5 kg. These indicators are purely individual, in terms of development, small children are no different from larger babies. Read more about the norms of growth and weight of the fetus by week →

An increase in the size of the pregnant tummy is associated not only with the rapid development of the fetus inside the uterus. Before pregnancy, the uterus has a weight of no more than 80 grams. During the process of fetal development, its weight increases by 10-14 times; by the time of delivery, the organ can weigh 1-1.2 kg.

The change in the size of the tummy of a pregnant woman is also associated with an increase in the volume of anatomical fluid.

The volume of amniotic fluid is:

at 3 months - no more than 30-50 ml;
for 4 - 100 ml;
37 weeks - more than 1 liter;
immediately before childbirth, the volumes decrease - no more than 1 liter.

Even if the stomach is small, the expectant mother needs to calm down and go for a consultation with a gynecologist. After an ultrasound and examination, the doctor will be able to establish the reason why the tummy is growing slowly.

The lack of volume of the abdomen cannot be a diagnosis indicating the presence of pathology, in any week. There are no methods of prevention. Much depends on the influencing factor. For example, when oligohydramnios and hypertrophy are identified, measures should be taken to eliminate all risks. In other cases, a neat tummy does not prevent the mother from giving birth to an absolutely healthy baby.

A small belly can appear in the second pregnancy, even if it was the first time normal sizes. This condition often scares the mother, but you should not worry, because each baby is individual and develops in different ways.

Low belly during pregnancy: should I be worried?

Low belly during pregnancy. according to old beliefs, means that future mother a girl is growing in her stomach. If the stomach sticks out forward - there will be a boy. For every woman, pregnancy brings a lot of some innovations: someone suffers from toxicosis. for some, this time is the best in life, and someone does not wait at all for the appearance of their baby, the determination of his sex from the very first days of pregnancy.

But, no matter what the old beliefs say, the shape of the abdomen with the definition of sex, in fact, has nothing to do. But here low belly during pregnancy, doctors sometimes cause a number of some doubts.

Often, this may be due to the fact that the fetus is too low in the uterus, so the doctor should warn the pregnant woman about being careful and using a special bandage.

But, despite any other indicators, the determining factor in a situation with a low belly, in any case, is the duration of pregnancy. That is why each period of bearing a child should be considered separately, since each of them has its own risks and features that are directly related to such a problem as a low stomach.

A low belly during pregnancy, according to old beliefs, means that the expectant mother has a girl growing in her stomach. If the stomach sticks out forward - there will be a boy. For every woman, pregnancy brings a lot of some innovations: someone suffers from toxicosis, for someone this is the best time in life, and someone does not wait for their baby to appear at all, determining his sex from the first days of pregnancy .

In the first trimester, a low belly can be determined already at the 5th month of pregnancy using ultrasound. A low abdomen in this situation, as a rule, can indicate too low attachment of the developing fetus and placenta in the uterus. Such factors do not pose a threat to bearing a child, but most doctors still strongly recommend not to abuse active physical activity.

Why is there a small belly during pregnancy?

Doctors say that normally the uterus of a pregnant woman should increase to 15-16 obstetric week. The belly at the 17th week of pregnancy becomes noticeable to others - for the mother this period is one of the most significant, she can feel the first movements of the baby.

At multiple pregnancy the belly can be visible to others from the 14th week of pregnancy. It is believed that if a mother is expecting a boy, then the stomach will be more accurate - the waist is preserved, the stomach grows forward.

Among the list of factors affecting the growth of the abdomen, there are:

The order of gestation. In second pregnancy the abdomen increases faster than in the first. This is due to the fact that in nulliparous women, the abdominal muscles are not sufficiently elastic. The abdomen in subsequent pregnancies always appears on early dates because the muscles that support it become more extensible.
Individual features of the physique of the future mother. The tummy is less noticeable in women who are prone to fullness.
genetic predisposition. The tummy of a pregnant woman begins to steadily increase in size at approximately the same time as that of her mother.
The rate of development and size of the fetus.
Presentation of the fetus in the uterine cavity. In women with anterior presentation the belly is more pronounced.
During pregnancy small belly may be related to maternal malnutrition.

All indicators are purely individual, and you should not associate any reasons with deviations in the development of the baby, because this is another reason for concern. The main task of the mother is to be attentive to her health and emotional calmness, because the course of pregnancy depends on this.

Among the causes of a small belly during pregnancy, experts distinguish the following:

genetic predisposition.
Severe toxicosis in the 1st trimester.
Developed abdominal muscles in the mother.
Wrong presentation.
developmental delay.
Low water.

A small belly during pregnancy does not always indicate pathology. Often, such a deviation manifests itself over several generations, and at the same time, mothers give birth to healthy children. A small belly is found in women of short stature and thin build.

Severe toxicosis in the 1st trimester really exhausts the expectant mother. She loses weight significantly, and then the stomach may not be noticeable at all until 21-24 weeks. A rounded belly appears late in girls involved in sports.

With a transverse presentation of the fetus in the uterus, the tummy may not be pronounced. At the same time, a pregnant woman may seem just a little overweight. Up to 7 months, the fetus can freely roll over and then the tummy will become normal in size.

The most dangerous reason that frightens a woman is intrauterine growth retardation. With such a pathology, the fetus grows poorly and gains weight, and, accordingly, the mother's tummy does not increase significantly. Among the causes that provoke developmental delays are maternal infectious diseases, placental pathologies, nicotine and alcohol addiction.

Oligohydramnios can also be the cause of the manifestation of an unexpressed tummy in a pregnant woman. Such a condition necessarily requires the intervention of an obstetrician-gynecologist, because the lack of anatomical waters may indicate intrauterine infection of the fetus. Read more about intrauterine infections →

Low belly in the first trimester

In the 2nd trimester, the stomach becomes more noticeable, especially in the lower part, and the ligaments with the muscles have already lost their firmness and elasticity. Such indicators are especially typical for women who are carrying a child not for the first time. In the second trimester, a low belly should no longer become a cause for concern for expectant mothers, since this is caused more likely not by the low position of the placenta or fetus, but by the weakening of the abdominal muscles.

To solve such a nuisance, you just need to resort to the use of a bandage, which helps to reduce tension from the spine, as well as unnecessary stress from the muscles of the growing tummy.

Risks of preterm birth!

A low belly in a future mother in the third trimester may mean that future baby has already sunk down and will soon be ready to be born. In this case, the pregnant woman is advised to be prematurely ready to go to the hospital if necessary.

It is also necessary to remember that a low belly during pregnancy can be caused by a sharp descent of the child. Such a factor is a kind of signal warning about the threat of the onset of premature labor activity. therefore, additional observation and research by a qualified specialist is required.

A low belly in the first trimester of pregnancy may indicate a low attachment of the placenta and fetus in the uterus

In the second trimester of pregnancy, the tummy is already visible, especially in its lower part, and the muscles with ligaments by this time have lost their elasticity and firmness. This is especially true for those women for whom pregnancy is not the first. A low belly in the second trimester of pregnancy should not frighten expectant mothers, because such a problem is caused more by weakened abdominal muscles than by the low position of the fetus or placenta.

So, in the first trimester of pregnancy, a low belly is determined after the fourth month with the help of ultrasound. As a rule, a low abdomen in this case may indicate a low attachment of the placenta in the uterus and the developing fetus. This is not considered a threat to bearing a baby, but doctors still recommend abandoning active physical activity.

Norms and deviations

Abdominal circumference is a parameter controlled during pregnancy. The measurement is carried out in a special way - in front, the centimeter tape should pass at the level of the navel, and in the back along the line of the lumbar deflection. It is worth noting that the parameters given in the table are indicative, and an allowable error of 8-10 cm does not indicate the presence of developmental pathologies. Often this is due to inaccurate determination of the timing of pregnancy.

Abdominal circumference is measured starting at 20 weeks.

Each woman is individual, and compliance with this parameter, for example, for obese women impossible. Only a gynecologist in the process of observation will be able to track the changes that occur with the tummy. That is why it is necessary to visit a specialist during pregnancy once every 2 weeks.

Some norms for the growth of the female tummy during pregnancy still exist. The abdomen grows as the fetus develops in the uterine cavity, therefore significant deviations in the normal course of circumstances are simply impossible.

For example, at the end of the seventh month of pregnancy, the norm of the abdominal circumference should not be less than 80 cm, but at the same time - no more than 90. By the fortieth week, the coolant can be up to 100 centimeters, doctors may suspect the presence of malformations if the mother's tummy has sharply decreased or increased. Such changes may be associated with an excess or lack of anatomical fluid - a deviation of this nature is a reason for emergency intervention.

Deviations of the coolant during pregnancy by five to seven cm may not indicate the presence of pathologies in the development of the baby. An increase in centimeters in the abdomen is also associated with a set of kilograms during pregnancy. Significant deviations from the norm of indicators may be associated with severe toxicosis, during such a period women lose weight greatly.

Caution, the risk of premature birth!

In the last trimester, a low belly in a pregnant woman may indicate that the baby has already sunk down and is ready for birth. In this case, it is advisable to prepare in advance to go to the hospital if necessary.

It is important to consider that a low belly during pregnancy can also be the result of a sharp descent of the child. This is considered a signal of the threat of the onset of preterm labor and requires additional research and observation by a specialist.

Low belly during pregnancy: causes

Every woman's pregnancy is different. Someone is tormented by toxicosis, for someone it seems the best period in life, and someone from the very first day cannot wait to meet the baby. And in general, a lot of experiences and signs are always associated with pregnancy.

The most popular folk omen about pregnancy - determining the sex of the unborn child. They say that if the belly is high and wide, then a girl will be born, and if the belly is sharp and low, expect a boy. But in fact, the shape and location of the abdomen have nothing to do with sex determination.

Most often, a low belly during pregnancy is due to the fact that the fetus in the uterus is located very low. Therefore, in such cases, doctors always recommend expectant mothers to be careful and wear a bandage. But in all situations with a low belly, the determining factor is still the gestational age. Let's take a closer look at the individual periods of pregnancy, which have their own characteristics and risks that are associated with the problem of a low abdomen.

In the first trimester, a low belly in a pregnant woman can cause a low placental implantation in the uterus. Such a phenomenon cannot be considered a threat to bearing a child, but gynecologists still recommend avoiding active physical exertion.

But because of the low belly in the second trimester of pregnancy, expectant mothers should not worry. The most likely reason for this is the weakening of the muscles that support the uterus. This is especially true for women who are not pregnant for the first time. Therefore, a high belly indicates a woman's first pregnancy or her good physical shape.

In the third trimester, a low belly most likely indicates that the baby has already dropped head down and is preparing for the birth. In such a situation, the expectant mother should be prepared for the fact that at any moment she will have to go to the maternity hospital.

But do not forget that a low belly during pregnancy may be the result of a sharp descent of the fetus. This indicates the threat of the onset of premature birth. In this situation, it is necessary to conduct additional research and constantly be under the supervision of a specialist.

If your belly gets smaller during pregnancy

If during pregnancy the stomach has become significantly smaller, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist. Such a deviation may indicate hypertrophy or oligohydramnios. Such conditions require hospitalization and the woman's stay under observation.

A girl can independently control changes in coolant throughout the day, if the stomach is smaller in the morning than in the evening, gas formation occurs. This happens as a result of excess production of progesterone. This hormone ensures the normal course of pregnancy, but has a negative effect on the digestion process.

Prevention

To avoid complications, a woman during pregnancy must:

Timely register with the antenatal clinic.
Arrive for scheduled check-ups on the specified dates.
Get an ultrasound in every trimester of pregnancy.
Take blood and urine tests.

These research methods will allow the doctor to timely detect abnormalities in the woman's body and prevent dangerous consequences.

An unexpressed increase in the size of the abdomen is often a reason for excitement. Of course, it is impossible to ignore such a deviation, as well as to worry for no reason. An ultrasound examination is a reliable measure that helps to make sure that everything is in order with the baby, therefore, if in doubt, you should ask the gynecologist for a referral for an unscheduled ultrasound.

Only a timely visit to a specialist and an attentive attitude to the changes taking place in her own body will help mommy notice any pathological changes in a timely manner and eliminate them.

So, you are pregnant! Now your life will change dramatically. And we will tell you how your tummy will grow and change externally and what will happen inside, how to respond to certain sensations and how to approach the moment of childbirth prepared and happy.

Norms of size and shape of the abdomen during pregnancy

As a rule, having learned about the desired pregnancy, young girls begin to wait for the tummy to be visible and often worry in vain. The tummy becomes visible to others around 13-15 weeks. During pregnancy with twins, the tummy becomes noticeable from the 11th week and subsequently grows faster.

The dynamics of the growth of the abdomen by calendar months.

The size and shape of the abdomen is very individual and depends on:

Initial weight and height of the mother
- total weight gain
- sports training, development of abdominal muscles, posture
- the presence of one or two fetuses in the uterine cavity
- fetal weight
- position of the fetus (longitudinal, transverse, oblique)
- fetal presentation (cephalic or pelvic)
- placenta previa
- amount amniotic fluid, which grows unevenly during pregnancy (biologically active liquid medium, which is inside the membranes during pregnancy, surrounds the fetus and is its natural environment)
- first pregnancy or second

Contrary to many beliefs, the shape of the abdomen does not depend on the gender of the child. In case of placenta previa and breech presentation the fetal abdomen will be more rounded, the presenting part is high (there is a distance between the pubic articulation and the lower abdomen).

The first picture shows the belly of the primiparous, it will be more “sharp”, and the second of the multiparous, due to the weakened ligamentous apparatus, it looks somewhat pendulous.

It is necessary to register with the obstetrician-gynecologist of the antenatal clinic within 12 weeks. Your abdominal circumference, fundal height, and body weight will be measured each time you visit the doctor.

The fundal height (FH) is the distance in centimeters between the upper edge of the pubic articulation and the fundus of the uterus.
Abdominal circumference (AC) - measured in centimeters at the level of the navel.

Based on these data, you can draw a conclusion about the pace of development of your baby. Below is a table from which you will find out how much a child should weigh at each stage of development, and what “height” he should be.

Fetal weight and height by month

Gestational age (in lunar months)	Fruit length in cm	Fruit weight in kg
End of the first month	0.8	-
End of 2nd	2-2.5	-
3rd	7-9	0.03-0.04
4th	10-16	0.04-0.05
5th	16-25	0.2-0.25
6th	25-30	0.6-0.75
7th	30-35	1.2-1.5
8th	35-40	1.6-1.8
9th	40-45	2-2.4
10th	45-55	3-3.5

You need to know what WDM should normally be on your term. WDM in centimeters roughly corresponds to the period in weeks (at 32 weeks 32 cm, etc.). Backlog from normal indicators may indicate fetal growth retardation different reasons. However, not always the small size of the fetus is a cause for alarm, it may happen that both you and your spouse are small and fragile, and then your situation will be called “constitutionally small fetus”. All conclusions should be made by your doctor leading the pregnancy.

The results of WDM measurement are recorded in the chart. Your results normally fall within the specified interval.

The dependence of the height of the fundus of the uterus on the duration of pregnancy

The total weight gain (OPV) during pregnancy should normally be approximately 7-16 kilograms. OPV depends on the initial body weight, expectant mothers with a deficit of weight will gain more than women with an initial normal weight or obesity.

First movement in the abdomen

Along with the growth of the tummy, you begin to experience new sensations. The most exciting of them is the first stirring of the child. Movement is one of the indicators of the child's well-being, too violent, painful or, on the contrary, rare and weak movements should alert. In primiparous, the first movement is observed at a period of approximately 20 weeks, in multiparous at 16 weeks. If mom is slim, without excess weight, you may begin to feel movements a little earlier. The movements of the child are felt by the woman at first as "seething" or "stroking" from the inside, and from 24 weeks as painless tremors from the inside, sometimes accompanied by a short-term increase in the tone of the uterus.

The child is in continuous motion, excluding periods of sleep. At 20 weeks, he makes about 200 movements per day, at 26-32 weeks the number of movements increases to 600, and then the motor activity gradually decreases, this is due to the growth of the fetus. A pregnant mother does not feel most of the movements.

Motor activity depends on the following factors:

The emotional state of a woman (a stressful state can cause unusually violent movements, this is due to an increase in the level of glucose and adrenaline in the blood)
- physical activity (movements are felt stronger and more frequent when the mother is at rest)
- time of day (most often the child will be more active in the evening and at night)
- mother's nutrition (in a state of hunger and after eating sweet food, the movements are more active and distinct)
- ambient sounds (the baby can react to loud sounds, especially with vibration, increased movements, or vice versa, calm down)
- tactile influences (when stroking the abdomen, examining a doctor, the child may begin to move more actively)
- an uncomfortable posture of the mother for a long time (movements become not only active, but also painful).

You must be familiar with simple techniques for counting fetal movements and know what is normal and what should be alarming.

The Cardiff method is based on counting movements for 12 hours, the mother determines the start time of the study herself. The time of the beginning of the counting and the time when the tenth movement occurred are noted. If the tenth fetal movement occurred earlier than after 12 hours, then the count can be stopped. If within 12 hours the child does not make ten movements, a mandatory consultation with a doctor is necessary.

The Sadowski method is based on counting fetal movements after dinner from 19.00 to 23.00 hours (in the evening and after meals, the movements of the child should increase). Mom writes down the start time of the count and lies on her left side (this position enhances the child's motor activity). If the child makes ten or more movements during the first hour, then the counting can be stopped. If there were fewer movements, then the woman should continue to count the movements of the fetus further. An alarming prognostic sign is considered to be a slowdown in fetal movements of less than ten within two hours, in which case an urgent consultation with a doctor is necessary.

ATTENTION! An ominous sign is a sharp decline motor activity or the complete absence of baby movements. If you do not feel any movement for more than 6 hours, you should immediately contact an obstetrician-gynecologist. You can contact your local obstetrician-gynecologist or call an ambulance.

To clarify the situation, the doctor will conduct the following studies:

Auscultation (listening) to the child's heart sounds with an obstetric stethoscope.

Normally, a child's heartbeat is 120-160 beats per minute and should be clear and rhythmic.

CTG (cardiotocographic study) is a research method that reflects the baby's heartbeat, the number of his movements and the contractile activity of the uterus. During the study, two sensors are attached to the abdomen with special straps, one in the projection of the child's heart, the second on the right corner of the uterus. The study takes 15-40 minutes (minimum informative time). CTG can be performed from 30-32 weeks. If the heartbeat is monotonous, without accelerations (accelerations), then the pregnant woman may be asked to turn on the other side or walk around, then repeating the recording.

Doppler ultrasound (registration of blood flow in the vessels of the uterus and umbilical cord) is performed in doubtful cases.
Based on the survey, examination and research data, the doctor will make a conclusion about the condition of your baby and give recommendations.

Abdominal pain during pregnancy

In addition to the movements of the child, you may experience pain of a different nature. In the early stages (up to 22 weeks), pulling and stabbing pains in the lower abdomen may indicate:

The threat of termination of pregnancy (miscarriage)
- acute gynecological pathology (ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cyst torsion)
- stretching of the ligamentous apparatus, restructuring of the location of organs due to the growing uterus (more often observed in women who had painful and / or irregular menstruation before pregnancy)
- irregular bowel function, spasms
- renal colic

On the later dates(22 weeks or more) we can think of:

Threat of preterm birth
- the threat of scar divergence (if there was an operation before caesarean section)
- premature detachment of a normally located placenta
- acute gynecological pathology (malnutrition of the fibroid node, ovarian cyst torsion)
- intestinal colic
- renal colic
- acute surgical pathology (acute appendicitis)

During the implantation period (in the first weeks of pregnancy), there may be short-term sipping pains in the lower abdomen (pulls the abdomen), localized above the bosom, which stop on their own, do not increase and are not accompanied by other complaints (severe weakness, nausea, discharge from the genital tract, do not give right or left). Normally, it can slightly "pull the stomach" only in the early stages, when implantation occurs. And then there should be no pulling sensations. Shocks, movements, short-term tone after examination on the chair - this is the norm, but not pain.

Pain in the right or left iliac regions, growing and causing tension in the anterior abdominal wall, which ultimately leads to sharp, shooting pain and is accompanied by dizziness, up to loss of consciousness, nausea, sometimes bloody discharge from the genital tract, may indicate an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy with the formation of a rupture of the tube or other acute gynecological pathology (torsion of the ovarian cyst, hemorrhage into the cyst).

Drawing pains over the womb, accompanied by an increase in the tone of the uterus and, in some cases, bloody, spotting discharges are an emergency and indicate a possible threat of miscarriage.

If the pains are intermittent, spastic in nature, spread to the entire abdomen and are accompanied by bloating, constipation, you hear "grumble" in the stomach, then most likely it is a violation of the bowel function and it is worth reviewing the diet by adding more fresh vegetables, oatmeal, prunes, dried apricots and, if necessary (for constipation for more than three days), use glycerin suppositories 1 time per day rectally.

If there is colitis in the abdomen, the pains are shooting in nature and are localized to the right or left, radiate to the back and are accompanied by impaired urination (difficulty urinating, pain, cramps, discoloration of urine to dark, brown, cloudy), then you may have renal colic.

In a period of more than 22 weeks, periodic pulling pains over the womb, accompanied by an increase in the tone of the uterus, may indicate the threat of premature birth.

If you had a caesarean section and in a period of more than 22 weeks there are sharp pains over the womb, which do not have a periodicity, possibly increasing and accompanied by general symptoms (weakness, dizziness, nausea) and a slowdown or absence of fetal movements, then a formidable condition should be excluded - rupture postoperative scar on the uterus.

Acute surgical pathology during pregnancy, it can be with unusual symptoms and an atypical location of pain. Should alert the pain that began in the epigastrium (area "under the spoon"), the right hypochondrium and then went down to the right side, suprapubic region.

ATTENTION! Pain in the lower abdomen is not treated on its own in any case. If you have complaints, you should consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist. In case of difficulty in making a diagnosis, you will be examined by other narrow specialists (surgeon, urologist) and additional studies will be prescribed (ultrasound internal organs and kidneys general analyzes blood and urine, etc.).

Skin on the abdomen during pregnancy

With the progression of pregnancy, you also notice such peculiar skin changes as stretch marks and pigmentation.

Stretch marks are internal scars of the skin, they occur due to stretching of the skin, elastin fibers are torn and replaced by scar tissue. The rapidly changing balance of hormones and the rapid growth of the abdomen are to blame for this. Stretch marks are difficult to predict.

Prevention consists of regular walking, wearing special anatomical underwear and daily gentle massage. in a circular motion using special creams allowed for pregnant women. Massage is contraindicated in women whose pregnancy occurs against the background of the threat of interruption, as this is additional muscle stimulation. You can use creams for stretch marks brands MamaComfort, Vichy, Avent, Sanosan, Chicco Mamma Donna, Clarins, Bioterm. Creams and gels must be purchased at a pharmacy and have a hygiene certificate and the label “hypoallergenic” or “tested for allergens” and be approved for use in pregnant and lactating women. If you don't want to use cosmetics, can massage with heated olive oil, almond oils or jojoba oil, cocoa, grape seed.

During pregnancy, foods rich in potassium (raisins, dried apricots, bananas, pears) are useful and optimal drinking regimen(non-carbonated mineral water, natural fruit drinks, green tea up to 2 liters a day, if you have not been advised to limit fluids).

Pigmentation is a change in skin color (darkening or lightening) in certain areas.

Age spots can form not only on the abdomen, but also on the face (on the forehead, chin, around the eyes, on the upper part of the cheeks, upper lip, or as an arch from temple to temple), inner thighs, halos of the mammary glands, nipples. On the abdomen, pigmentation appears as a strip (Alba stripe), which appears from 10 weeks.

Alba stripe on abdomen

Again, refuting beliefs, let's say that pigmentation does not depend on the sex of the child. Hormonal imbalance is again to blame, as well as stress. Women with freckles are more likely to have pigmentation. After childbirth, almost all dark spots disappear, or become much paler.

Pregnant women are advised to avoid excessive sun exposure and take folic acid (or metafolin preparations) at the dosage prescribed by the doctor. If you have spots left after childbirth and you are worried about it, skin tone correction in cosmetology is possible (chemical or laser peeling, abrasive therapy, mesotherapy).

If the skin of the anterior abdominal wall, when compressed into a fold, takes the form of a "lemon peel" - this indicates edema. For sure, swelling of the abdominal wall is accompanied by swelling of the feet, legs and hands. This condition requires consultation of an obstetrician-gynecologist (if necessary, and a therapist) and is subject to treatment.

Belly before childbirth

Pregnancy is considered full-term for a period of 37 weeks to 41 weeks, which is an average of 280 days (counting from the first day of the last menstruation) or 10 obstetric months. Or 9 calendar months.

The abdomen before childbirth "falls", because the head of the child is pressed against the entrance to the small pelvis and the bottom of the uterus becomes a little closer to the navel than before. For some, the stomach drops 2-4 weeks before childbirth, and for someone in the process of childbirth itself.

How to know that the stomach has dropped?

There are short-term episodes of feeling that the stomach "hardens"
- heartburn and belching disappear
- breathing is easier, because the uterus no longer puts pressure on the diaphragm
- there is discomfort when walking and sitting
- increased urge to urinate
- there are unusual sensations in the perineum, pulling in the lower back

Frequently asked questions about the abdomen in pregnant women:

1. Do I need to wear a bandage?
A bandage is a special orthopedic device for supporting the abdomen and unloading the spine:

A pregnant woman should lead an active lifestyle, walk a lot, in this case, the bandage helps to withstand the load for a longer time.
- weak muscles of the pelvic floor and anterior abdominal wall, supported by a bandage, are less stretched
- low position of the fetus (the bandage does not allow the child to descend prematurely)
- multiple pregnancy
- a scar on the uterus after a caesarean section or myomectomy (reduction of pressure on the scars)

2. When can I find out the gender of the baby?
Ultrasound specialists determine the sex, starting from the 15th week.

3. Can I use the swimming pool?
It is possible and necessary if there are no contraindications to this (threat of abortion, colpitis). In the water, the abdominal muscles relax, and the load on the spine is relieved. Loads should be reasonable, regular and combined with breathing exercises, which allows you to partially prepare for childbirth. The same applies to swimming in the sea and fresh water.

4. From what period of pregnancy should you not sleep on your stomach?
In the first trimester, a pregnant woman’s sleep is no different from a non-pregnant woman’s sleep, from 12 weeks the uterus begins to protrude due to the pubic articulation, sleeping on the stomach is allowed if it is convenient for the pregnant woman. As a rule, women experience psychological discomfort (“I sleep on a child”) and refuse this position, preferring to sleep on their side or placing pillows under their stomachs. By the way, a special pillow for pregnant women is now popular, it will also come in handy when feeding the baby.

5. When is it not recommended to lie on your back?
It is not recommended to lie on your back after 16 weeks, as the pregnant uterus compresses large vessels. This causes a decrease in blood flow to the placenta, and the child experiences oxygen starvation, and also provokes dizziness and fainting in the woman herself.

6. How will I know that I am definitely giving birth?
If the contractions go on regularly after five minutes for 30-45 seconds, you can be sure that this is the beginning of childbirth. You need to go to the hospital. Another urgent indication for going to the hospital is the discharge of water. If the waters have broken, you can’t hesitate, otherwise, with a prolonged anhydrous period, the child may die.

Let everything you read not scare you, but only help you navigate the new and exciting reality. Do not be afraid to once again consult a doctor, your health and the health of the child is a paramount task.

We also recommend that you involve your partner in all significant moments whenever possible. Responsibility begins with the unborn baby. And partner support will serve as the most favorable background for the course of pregnancy and childbirth. Grow big and healthy!

None of the conditions of a woman causes so many questions and concerns as during pregnancy. We compare our feelings with the feelings of other mothers who are also in a position, and often these comparisons frighten us even more, as we find that “it’s not like that with me”: my stomach hurts, is this normal? My stomach doesn't hurt, is that normal? My belly is not getting bigger, is this normal? Doctors often hear such and similar questions, but when determining the danger, one must not only take into account the presence or absence of any sign, but also the period of pregnancy in which it occurs. For example, someone is worried about the low position of the abdomen during pregnancy, the determining factor will be the duration of pregnancy.

First third of pregnancy

Until the 16th week of pregnancy, the belly is not very noticeable, especially if this is the first pregnancy. The height of the uterus at the fourth month is barely halfway between the umbilicus and the pubic bone, so until 4 months the problem of a low position of the abdomen is usually not visible, but can be determined by ultrasonography. The place where the fetal egg is attached to the wall of the uterus cannot be foreseen, sometimes the baby chooses the area near the cervix itself, in this case, the low belly during pregnancy will be caused by the low place of attachment of the developing fetus and placenta to the uterus, which does not indicate a threat of pregnancy, but nevertheless, strenuous exercise is best avoided.

Second third of pregnancy

Often during the second and subsequent pregnancy, the abdominal muscles are already stretched and the ligaments have partially lost their elasticity, so with a sharp growth of the uterus after the 16th week, there is a noticeable increase in the abdomen, but at the same time in its lower part. Such a low position of the abdomen should not frighten the expectant mother, since it is not caused by low placenta previa or low position of the fetus, but by weakened abdominal muscles that have lost their ability to support. Most likely, the doctor will advise you to wear a bandage to relieve excess stress on the muscles, as the pregnancy progresses, the stomach will increase over the entire surface, rising up, so this problem is temporary.

last trimester of pregnancy

Usually the baby's head drops down a few weeks before birth, but sometimes there is a sharp prolapse of the abdomen at any time in the second half of pregnancy. Such a sharp change in the position of the abdomen can be a signal of the threat of preterm labor, so ultrasound and observations by a doctor will help control the situation and exclude dangerous conditions.

The best prevention of preterm birth is the careful attitude of the mother towards herself and her calm emotional state.

Low position of the fetus during pregnancy.

Last visit:Yesterday 23:02:30

Who had it that the baby lay very low with his head and did they threaten? how did you leave? what bothered you?

Children: Hairy dragon and little Scorpio
Last visit:Yesterday 22:56:28

I left until the very victory. At 34-35 weeks, the doctor prescribed papaverine suppositories and lay mostly (I had to promise not to go to the hospital). Nothing bothered me much, it happened that there was pressure in the lower abdomen, but not much. BUT! And she wore a bandage, of course.

Yesterday 21:30:17

ol4a I went through 2 pregnancies like this. But I was healthy as an ox. And I felt the same way. With the latter she wore a bandage. They even wanted to put a ring on me. But you have to listen to yourself and not take risks.

They even wanted to put a ring on me

InaG wrote:

I went through 2 pregnancies like this. But I was healthy as an ox.

I have the same thing, the first B doctor sounded the alarm at 34 weeks, saying that the birth was premature, but it wasn’t there, she would go more than the 41st and would go further if she hadn’t caused childbirth, although all B was very mobile and active. The second pregnancy is the same, the doctor said that it’s just such a physiology and it’s normal that the baby is low right away. because of this, my stomach was visually small for a month, you’ll definitely give less time, in the maternity hospital they thought that I didn’t come to give birth, but to save. I didn’t feel any discomfort at all, everything seemed to be the way it should be.

Edited by Nastusikplusik (31-03-2013 14:33:23)

the doctor said that it’s just such physiology and it’s normal that the baby is low right away

and the fetus did not press on the neck, did not shorten ahead of time? did you put anything like that?

Last visit:Yesterday 22:41:39

My baby was low and the neck was shortened. I don’t remember by centimeters, but already at 19 weeks on examination, she was shorter than necessary, tone. Somewhere at 24 they put a ring on the railway on the 3rd floor. The ring in Brest at that time (3 years ago) was placed only there. It's not quite simple procedure. Worried about the neck, there is a possibility that premature birth can be provoked. Therefore, before and after installation, they lie in the hospital for several days to remove the threat. After lying there, having passed all the strokes and having read about this very ring, I refused to install it. Moreover, for the first time there, they did an ultrasound of the neck itself for the first time and it turned out that it was not so short. At home, of course, I didn’t run cross-countries and didn’t lift weights, if possible I lay down. Delivered safely up to 41 weeks.

Pregnancy » Treatment during pregnancy » Low belly during pregnancy

During pregnancy, each woman has her own perception of this “interesting situation” and each of them also has her own physical condition:

One suffers from toxicosis and she wants the only thing - let it end as soon as possible.

Another walks without feeling her legs under her, and believes that this is the best period of her life.

And the third abstracts from the whole world and lives a future meeting with her already beloved baby.

In general, many people surround pregnancy with a veil of mystery, many signs are devoted to it, it causes such natural experiences. A popular sign is that with a low-lying belly, a baby will be born in a mother, and with a high, protruding one, on the contrary, a baby will be born.

If we analyze many examples from our life, then we can easily make sure that the shape of the abdomen and its location do not in any way determine the sex of the long-awaited child. Doctors have their own concerns here, since a low belly during pregnancy, rather, tells them that the fetus is too low in the uterus. In this regard, the doctor will rightly insist on the need to be careful and use a special bandage for pregnant women.

In itself, the low belly of tomorrow's mother is determined by the gestational age, first of all. This factor should also be considered as requiring increased caution, attention and, first of all, on the part of the woman herself.

The abdomen is low already in the first trimester

The "low belly" verdict is rendered after four months after undergoing an ultrasound examination. Usually, a low belly at these times indicates that the placenta and the growing fetus have attached themselves low enough in the uterus. This does not threaten to terminate the pregnancy, but still mom should be more careful to avoid physical activity.

Low belly during pregnancy: should I be worried?

According to old beliefs, it means that the expectant mother has a girl growing in her stomach. If the stomach sticks out forward - there will be a boy. For every woman, pregnancy brings a lot of some innovations: someone suffers from toxicosis, for someone this is the best time in life, and someone does not wait for their baby to appear at all, determining his sex from the first days of pregnancy .

But, no matter what the old beliefs say, the shape of the abdomen with the definition of sex, in fact, has nothing to do. But here low belly during pregnancy doctors sometimes cause a number of some doubts.

Often, this may be due to the fact that the fetus is too low in the uterus, so the doctor should warn the pregnant woman about being careful and using a special bandage.

But, despite any other indicators, the determining factor in a situation with a low belly, in any case, is the duration of pregnancy. That is why each period of bearing a child should be considered separately, since each of them has its own risks and features that are directly related to such a problem as a low stomach.

Low belly during pregnancy: 1st trimester

First trimester low belly can be determined already at the 5th month of pregnancy with the help of ultrasound. A low abdomen in this situation, as a rule, can indicate too low attachment of the developing fetus and placenta in the uterus. Such factors do not pose a threat to bearing a child, but most doctors still strongly recommend not to abuse active physical activity.

Low belly: 2nd trimester

In the 2nd trimester, the stomach becomes more noticeable, especially in the lower part, and the ligaments with the muscles have already lost their firmness and elasticity. Such indicators are especially typical for women who are carrying a child not for the first time. Second trimester low belly should no longer become a cause of concern for expectant mothers, since this is most likely caused not by the low position of the placenta or fetus, but by the weakening of the abdominal muscles.

To solve such a nuisance, you just need to resort to the use of a bandage, which helps to reduce tension from the spine, as well as unnecessary stress from the muscles of the growing tummy.

Low belly in the expectant mother in the third trimester may mean that the future baby has already sunk down and is soon ready to be born. In this case, the pregnant woman is advised to be prematurely ready to go to the hospital if necessary.

It must also be remembered that low belly during pregnancy can be caused by a sharp descent of the child. Such a factor is a kind of signal warning about the threat of the onset of premature labor, therefore, additional monitoring and research by a qualified specialist is required.

The volume of the abdomen during pregnancy

For every pregnant woman, at a certain time, the belly begins to grow. It is understandable, because the fetus grows in it, the volume of amniotic fluid increases, and accordingly the uterus itself grows. At each week of pregnancy, there are certain norms for the height of the fundus of the uterus and the circumference of the abdomen, however, the doctor will begin to measure your stomach in the second half of pregnancy. The results obtained will determine the presence or absence of pathologies, as well as specify the gestational age.

How is the belly measured?

Starting at week 20, your doctor will take external measurements of your abdomen using a measuring tape. He will measure the height from the bottom of the uterus to the upper edge of the pubic joint, and the circumference at the level of the navel. The doctor also evaluates the shape of the abdomen, which in the second half of pregnancy also “tells” a lot. A spherical abdomen may indicate polyhydramnios, if the abdomen resembles a transverse oval - it is quite possible that the child is in a transverse presentation. During a normal pregnancy, the abdomen should be egg-shaped, while in primiparous women with a narrow pelvis it will be pointed upwards, and if the second or third birth is coming, then the abdomen will be slightly saggy.

Normally, the height of the uterine fundus should correspond to the gestational age. How many centimeters the doctor intends, so many weeks of your pregnancy. At the 20th week of pregnancy, the fundus of the uterus is 2 cm below the level of the navel, it reaches the level of the navel at the 24th week, starting from the 28th week of pregnancy, the fundus of the uterus will already be several cm above the level of the navel. At the 36th week, the fundus of the uterus will reach the sternum will not grow from now on.

Read also When is the belly visible during pregnancy

There are also certain norms for the circumference of the abdomen. So, on the 32nd week, the circumference of your tummy will be about 85 cm, on the 36th - about 90 cm, and on the 40th - it will increase to 95 cm. Of course, these data are very conditional. Do not forget that the volume of the abdomen is directly related not only to the growth of the uterus, the fetus and the increase in amniotic fluid, but its size depends on the total weight of the pregnant woman and on the rate of weight gain, and on the constitution of the expectant mother and many other factors.

Why are deviations from the norm dangerous?

Too big or too small belly may indicate some pathologies of pregnancy. But you should not panic, because the volume of the abdomen is not the main indicator of a particular disease. If the doctor notices serious deviations from the norm, then he will refer you for additional examinations, which will determine why the stomach does not grow, or outgrows all the terms.

In early pregnancy, by measuring the size of the uterus, the doctor may suspect ectopic pregnancy, which is confirmed or denied by ultrasound. In late pregnancy, a small belly may indicate fetal malnutrition, or oligohydramnios, which provokes a number of diseases (placental insufficiency, preeclampsia, inflammatory diseases of the expectant mother).

An enlarged uterus (above normal) is characteristic of chorionepithelioma - a tumor of the placental tissue, which leads to the death of the fetus. A large belly also indicates polyhydramnios, or the baby in the womb grows as a real hero, or there are several of them.

Once again, we remind you: do not try to independently assess the size of the abdomen and make a diagnosis for yourself, because each woman is individual and her pregnancy is different from all other pregnancies. Remember that in your position it is contraindicated to be nervous and think about the bad. Trust a specialist, watch your diet, and cure all sores before pregnancy, and then many unpleasant “surprises” can be avoided.

Easy pregnancy and “correct” tummies for you!

Especially for beremennost.net - Tanya Kivezhdy

Pregnancy in every woman proceeds in her own way: someone suffers from toxicosis, it seems to someone that this is the most the best time in life, while others cannot wait to meet their baby from the very moment they found out about their interesting situation. There are a lot of signs and emotions associated with pregnancy. Among them, the determination of the sex of the child is considered especially popular: if the stomach is low, then there will be a girl, and if it sticks out forward, then it is a boy.

In fact, the shape of the abdomen has nothing to do with sex determination, but the degree of its prolapse may cause some doubts among doctors. Most often, such unrest is justified by the fact that if a woman has a low belly during pregnancy, then the fetus is located very low in the uterus. In turn, the duty of doctors is to warn expectant mothers about being careful and using a special bandage for pregnant women.

Despite everything, the determining factor in all cases with a low belly in a future mother is still the gestational age. Therefore, it is worth considering the individual periods of bearing a baby, which carry their own characteristics and risks associated with such a problem as a low stomach.

Very often, many signs are associated with the shape and location of the abdomen during pregnancy, but in some cases it is worth paying attention and being careful

Low belly in the first trimester

A low belly in the first trimester of pregnancy may indicate a low attachment of the placenta and fetus in the uterus

Low belly in the second trimester

In the second trimester of pregnancy, the tummy is already visible, especially in its lower part, and the muscles with ligaments by this time have lost their elasticity and firmness. This is especially true for those women for whom pregnancy is not the first. A low belly in the second trimester of pregnancy should not frighten expectant mothers, because such a problem is caused more by weakened abdominal muscles than by the low position of the fetus or placenta. To solve this trouble, it is enough just to use a bandage, which will relieve tension from the spine and excess load from the muscles of the rounded tummy.

Caution, the risk of premature birth!

Low belly during pregnancy photo:

At the end of pregnancy, a low belly indicates that the baby has already descended and labor may begin soon.

low belly during pregnancy

Pregnancy in every woman proceeds in her own way: someone suffers from toxicosis, it seems to someone that this is the best time in life, while others cannot wait to meet their baby from the very moment they find out about their interesting situation . There are a lot of signs and emotions associated with pregnancy. Among them, the determination of the sex of the child is considered especially popular: if the stomach is low, then there will be a girl, and if it sticks out forward, then it is a boy.

Low belly in the first trimester

Low belly in the second trimester

Caution, the risk of premature birth!

Low belly during pregnancy photo:

Every woman's pregnancy is different. Some are seriously tormented by toxicosis, others are looking forward to the birth of their baby, and others consider this time to be the most beautiful in their lives. Quite a lot of different kinds of experiences, troubles and signs are associated with this period, according to one of which it is believed that a protruding belly means the birth of a boy, and if the belly of a woman in labor is lowered low, there will be a girl. However, you need to know that the size, position, and shape of the belly of the expectant mother have nothing to do with determining the sex of the child, but doctors may cause some concerns. Doctors are especially wary of a low-lying fetus in a woman's uterus, i.e. low belly. As a rule, doctors in such cases recommend using a special bandage and being extremely careful in everything. It is also worth noting that the causes of a lowered abdomen and the risks associated with it directly depend on the gestational age.

First trimester

Up to 4 months, the size of the abdomen is not so impressive and barely noticeable compared to the further period of pregnancy. At this time, the height of the uterus does not reach even half the distance from the pubic bone to the navel. Therefore, a low belly is quite difficult to detect, and this becomes possible only with a planned ultrasound examination. During this period of pregnancy, a low belly can be caused by the fact that the fetal egg can attach to the wall of the uterus near the cervix itself, resulting in a low attachment of the placenta and the developing fetus to the uterus. This condition does not pose any threat to the health of the mother and child. However, under such circumstances, doctors still recommend significantly reducing active physical activity.

Second trimester

A low belly in the second trimester is a consequence of the loss of ligaments and muscles of their firmness and elasticity. This is most typical for those women in whom these births are repeated.

As a result of previous pregnancies, the abdominal muscles are sufficiently stretched, which is one of the reasons for a noticeable increase in the abdomen after 16 weeks and omission in its lower part. This is the main reason for the prolapse of the abdomen, and not the low position of the fetus or. Therefore, expectant mothers should not worry too much about this, because with an increase in the duration of pregnancy and a gradual expansion of the abdominal cavity, the belly of the pregnant woman will also begin to rise. In this situation, to relieve excess stress from the spine, experts recommend the use of a special bandage.

third trimester

In a normal pregnancy, the baby's head usually drops a few weeks before the onset of labor. In this case, you must be constantly ready and collect all the necessary in advance. This situation is quite normal for the process of pregnancy. However, if in the third trimester the stomach drops long before childbirth, then there is a serious threat of premature birth. To exclude options for a dangerous development of events, it is necessary to immediately consult with your doctor. An ultrasound scan will be ordered to find out the cause of the prolapse of the abdomen.

Remember that the most effective preventive measures concerning is compliance with all the rules prescribed by your doctor, respect for your health, proper nutrition and daily routine, and the absence of psycho-emotional stress.