Belly button during pregnancy: when is it normal and when is it not?
How does the navel change during pregnancy ? At first glance it might seem like a silly question, yet many women are concerned about the changes in their belly button during pregnancy and the associated symptoms (such as itching or even pain ): are they normal or not? What to do to reduce discomfort? And above all, will the navel go back to the way it was before after giving birth?
Knowing what to expect can help you face these changes with confidence , find out how to ease any discomfort , and figure out when to seek medical attention instead .
Belly button in pregnancy: here’s what to expect
In general, in the first weeks of pregnancy the navel does not show any particular changes .
As the months go by, however, the uterus increases in size, starting to press on the abdominal wall , and it is precisely this pressure that causes most of the changes and discomfort affecting the pregnant belly button. Let’s see together what they are.
Flat navel
As the uterus grows, it is normal to see a progressive flattening of the navel . This modification can affect the whole navel or only a part. The increase in the baby bump also causes a stretch of the skin , which will make the belly button appear larger .
Protruding navel
About mid-pregnancy or towards the end of the second trimester (around the 27th week of pregnancy ), you may notice that the navel “comes out” and begins to protrude outward: in this case it speaks of an outgrowth.
A protruding belly button can cause discomfort from rubbing against clothing . One solution may be to wear looser, softer clothing or to use a plaster for protection.
Sometimes, the protrusion can be associated with an umbilical hernia in pregnancy or postpartum: if you experience pain or feel a bulge near the navel (especially if it does not return to pressure) contact your gynecologist or midwife to verify that it is all in the norm.
However, umbilical hernia is a rare condition , occurring in around 0.08% of pregnancies.
Itchy navel
Due to the stretching of the skin on the belly and increased dryness (caused by hormones), it is quite common to suffer from an itchy belly button during pregnancy .
In milder cases, some simple steps (like using a moisturizer) may be enough to provide relief .
However, when the itching is intense, widespread or accompanied by a rash, it is important to contact your doctor , to rule out potential complications (such as cholestasis of pregnancy or PUPP ).
Pain in the navel
In case of pain in the navel during pregnancy , the recommendation is always to consult the gynecologist or midwife , who, in addition to investigating the causes, will be able to suggest the most suitable remedies . The painful sensation could simply be caused by the stretching of the skin, however it is good to check for the absence of problems,
Dark navel
Many pregnant mothers-to-be notice the appearance of a vertical dark line that runs from the navel towards the pubis or sternum . This streak is called the linea nigra or linea alba and is caused by the hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy. After giving birth, it will gradually fade. Until then, however, even your belly button may appear darker .
Belly button in pregnancy: when does it return to normal?
In most cases , belly button changes in pregnancy are only temporary: everything will go back to normal in the weeks following delivery . Sometimes, however, your belly button may appear a little wider and rounder after pregnancy .
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.