First-time pregnant women, lacking experience, often confuse between belly fat and baby bump. Therefore, knowing how to feel the belly to know if pregnant is a concern for many women. Let’s delve into valuable knowledge in this article together with Doctor Network!
Distinguishing Between Belly Fat and Baby Bump
In reality, the early stages of pregnancy and belly fat have similar outer appearances, making it challenging for women to differentiate. Here are some distinguishing points between these two states:
- Firmness: When pregnant, the belly tends to be firmer than regular belly fat. This is due to the uterus expanding to accommodate the fetus.
- Position: Belly fat tends to spread more and sits lower on the body. In contrast, the baby bump usually begins protruding from beneath the chest and concentrates in the middle of the abdomen.
- Shape: Belly fat can come in various shapes and sizes, while the baby bump often has a specific shape, resembling a small pear or a watermelon.
- Changes: Belly fat may change in size over time but typically doesn’t increase as rapidly as a baby bump does.
- Other Symptoms: Pregnancy might come with additional symptoms like nausea, fatigue, changes in appetite, alterations in breast size, missed periods, etc.
How to Feel the Belly to Determine Pregnancy?
Feeling the belly isn’t a reliable method. Several factors can cause the belly to enlarge or become firmer, including overeating, gas buildup, weight gain, and various health conditions. However, it’s a method many women use in the early stages of pregnancy. Here are steps to feel the belly, particularly from the third to fifth month of pregnancy:
- Place both palms around the belly’s edges. If you feel a slight bulge or a firmer belly than usual, it might indicate pregnancy. Note that women with very thin skin may visually notice red stretch marks.
- As the fetus grows, movements inside become more perceptible. Particularly active babies may even let you feel their kicks against the belly.
However, these signs aren’t always accurate. Many women might not notice clear changes in their bodies until later stages. If pregnancy is suspected, it’s best to use a home pregnancy test or consult a doctor for a more precise evaluation.
Moreover, some women might not experience significant physical changes in the initial months, making it difficult to confirm by touch alone.
Do not rely on palpation to determine whether you are pregnant or not
Is It Safe to Touch the Belly to Confirm Pregnancy?
Touching the belly isn’t a precise or scientific method to confirm pregnancy. Incorrect touching can have serious repercussions, affecting both the mother and the baby:
- In the initial trimesters, improper belly touching can negatively impact both mother and baby. During the first three months, the fetus is small and can easily move within the womb. However, from week 32 onwards, the fetus becomes larger, and there’s less space in the womb. Touching the belly can disturb the baby’s position, potentially affecting a normal delivery.
- Umbilical cord entanglement: This is common, and excessive handling might lead to serious complications, affecting the baby’s nutrient supply and posing dangers such as blood vessel blockage or fetal demise.
- Preterm labor: Around week 34, Braxton Hicks contractions might start, and the uterus becomes more sensitive. Inadvertently touching or massaging the belly can intensify these contractions, increasing the risk of premature birth.
Therefore, it’s crucial to correctly touch the belly to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Improper abdominal palpation can be dangerous for the fetus
Other Pregnancy Signs to Consider
Apart from knowing how to feel the belly, women should be aware of other common signs of pregnancy:
- Missed periods: This is a common and reliable sign of pregnancy.
- Fatigue: Hormonal changes can cause increased fatigue.
- Nausea or morning sickness: This symptom can occur at any time of the day.
- Weight gain: Due to the developing fetus.
- Changes in appetite or cravings: Some women may experience aversions to certain foods they previously enjoyed or crave specific foods.
- Increased urination: As pregnancy progresses, frequent urination might be noticed.
- Breast tenderness and enlargement: Hormonal changes can make breasts more sensitive and increase their size.
- Constipation: Hormonal shifts can slow down digestion, leading to constipation.
These are common pregnancy signs for mothers-to-be to recognize and equip themselves with knowledge.
Important Pregnancy Milestones for Check-Ups
Once aware of the pregnancy, it’s essential to be aware of crucial milestones for timely and appropriate prenatal check-ups to ensure the baby’s healthy development:
- One-week late period: Check if the fetus is in the uterus.
- Around 6-7 weeks: Hospital visits for an ultrasound to check the fetal heartbeat.
- Around 9-10 weeks: Screening tests to detect congenital abnormalities.
- Around 12 weeks: Further tests to check for chromosomal abnormalities and cardiac conditions.
Pregnant women should regularly attend check-ups and ultrasounds to ensure the health of both mother and baby.
Pregnant mothers should have regular check-ups and ultrasounds to ensure the health of mother and baby
This article provided information on “how to feel the belly to know if pregnant?” However, for a definitive confirmation, it’s advisable to use a home pregnancy test kit or consult a healthcare professional for accurate evaluation and confirmation of pregnancy.
Kiểm Duyệt Nội Dung
More than 10 years of marketing communications experience in the medical and health field.
Successfully deployed marketing communication activities, content development and social networking channels for hospital partners, clinics, doctors and medical professionals across the country.
More than 6 years of experience in organizing and producing leading prestigious medical programs in Vietnam, in collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV). Typical programs include Nhật Ký Blouse Trắng, Bác Sĩ Nói Gì, Alo Bác Sĩ Nghe, Nhật Ký Hạnh Phúc, Vui Khỏe Cùng Con, Bác Sỹ Mẹ, v.v.
Comprehensive cooperation with hundreds of hospitals and clinics, thousands of doctors and medical experts to join hands in building a medical content and service platform on the Doctor Network application.
