How long is it until you start showing?

Pregnancy bumps are as diverse as the babies they produce. 

You start to show in pregnancy at 12 to 16 weeks 

If it's your first pregnancy, you'll probably start to show between 12 to 16 weeks, around the start of your second trimester. 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.

What causes some to show early in pregnancy?

There are a few factors that might affect when you start showing: 

• Height: If you have a short abdomen, your bump will likely pop out sooner than for taller women with a longer abdomen. "Women who have a long abdomen may have more space for their uterus to develop upwards rather than outwards, which can give the appearance of a smaller bump," Wilson says.  
• Weight: If you're smaller with less body fat, you'll probably show much earlier than someone with more body fat. 
• Multiple buns in the oven: If you're carrying twins or multiples, you're more likely to show earlier — as early as 6 weeks. That's because your uterus will expand more to create space for the additional fetuses. 
• Not your first rodeo: You're more likely to show early if this isn't your first pregnancy.  "The uterus is held in position at the front by the abdominal walls: skin and muscle strength," says Wilson. "For women who have had several pregnancies, the skin and muscle become weaker and the pregnant uterus can fall forward more."

How doctors track baby bump progression

By 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. 

Note: Doctors caution, though, that the fundal length isn't a perfect measurement, and variables like weight or carrying multiple babies can change your numbers significantly. 

Insider's takeaway

There are several factors that affect when your baby bump will start to show during pregnancy. 

When it's your first pregnancy, it's common for your bump to start showing between 12 and 16 weeks. The initial baby bump is caused by the expansion of the uterus, rather than the size of the fetus.

If you have a short abdomen, less body fat, are carrying multiple fetuses, or it's not your first pregnancy, then you are more likely to show early. 

Your doctor will begin measuring your fundal length by week 20. This measurement helps doctors track fetal growth.

Now you're pregnant, you might be eagerly wondering when your baby bump will start showing, especially if the happy news has now been shared with family and friends and you’re no longer worried about having to potentially hide any signs of your baby.

And while the likes of morning sickness isn’t a particularly nice side effect of pregnancy, your growing bump is an exciting process to watch, and a physical sign your little baby is cooking away nicely in your tummy.

If you’re wondering when you can expect to start showing, we spoke to midwife Louise Broadbridge from Let's Talk Birth and Baby to find out more...

“The appearance of your baby bump can be an exciting part of pregnancy as it gives justification to the last weeks of maybe feeling a little ropey,” says Louise. “However, every woman is different and will see these changes take place at different times. In first pregnancies, your bump may be a little slower to the party and can be expected between 12 and 16 weeks.”

It may surprise you to learn that when you’ve already had a baby, you could see your bump sooner than the first-time round. “It is possible you may notice a little bump sooner than in your first pregnancy. This is generally due to the muscles and ligaments having expanded once before and is nothing to worry about,” reassures Louise.

If you're pregnant with more than one baby, you can expect to see that baby bump of yours sooner rather than later. “It is likely that, as your uterus is having to expand more to accommodate your babies, that you show before the end of your first trimester. All part and parcel of hosting a little party in there!” says Louise.

It’s easy to compare your bump to other women who are due around the same time as you, but there could be plenty of reasons for this, so try not to get bogged down by it. “Every woman is different and so it makes sense that all bumps are not created the same! Women with very strong abdominal muscles may not see a bump until later on in pregnancy due to the uterus being held closer to the body," explains Louise. Equally second and subsequent pregnancies can show sooner as the muscles have already stretched before.”

The size you were pre-pregnancy can have an impact of when you start to show too as if you carry extra weight around your stomach, this may mean your bump is hidden in the early stages of your pregnancy. It's worth checking in with female family members who have had babies too as genes can also play a part in when you start to look pregnant too. Ask the female relatives on your mum's side about when their baby bumps appeared as this could give you some indication of when you can expect to see yours too.

“Try not to worry if your bump isn’t showing yet. The position of your uterus can make it easy for your bump to be hidden away and in just the same way can make it easy for it to be seen earlier,” reassures Louise. “It is only later in the second trimester that the growth of your bump will be monitored.” Try to be patient but if you're fretting, speak to your midwife. Remember they will already be monitoring your bump at your appointments and will act accordingly.

Baby bump progression is different for every mum-to-be but as a general rule, your baby will be roughly two inches - which is about the size of a small plum when you are 12 weeks pregnant. As you hit week 16, she or he will be the size of an avocado and as you approach week 24, you’ll be able to really notice the difference as your baby will be almost a foot long now, your baby is about the same length as an ear of corn. And as that due date approaches, your baby could end up being as big as a watermelon!

• Read next: your pregnancy week by week

Are you pregnant and worried because your baby bump isn’t showing yet? Are you wondering what factors affect the timing of when you start showing?

All women are different, and you will likely show at a different time than other moms you know. This shouldn’t cause you to worry.

Many factors contribute to when your baby bump will make its presence known. By becoming aware of these factors, you can understand why you might not be showing yet, which should relieve any worries you may have.

When Will I Start Showing?

It’s typical for a woman to start showing between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy (1). If you show before this time or after, that is usually fine too.

Moms sometimes confuse bloating with showing. So if your pants seem to stop fitting shortly after you take that pregnancy test, bloating is most likely the culprit.

Numerous factors can contribute to when your baby bump will become noticeable in your pregnancy. All pregnancies are unique, so some women may show way earlier or later than others. The bump may even become visible at a different time than it did in a woman’s previous pregnancy.

Here is a glimpse at some factors that contribute to your baby bump’s visibility:

• Height.
• Weight.
• Age.
• Fitness level.
• Uterus position.
• Expecting multiples.
• Previous pregnancies.
• Previous abdominal surgeries.

Once your little bump makes its appearance, be sure to document this journey. You will love having the opportunity to look back on this priceless experience.

If you’re carrying one baby, you can usually feel the top of the uterus above the pubic bone at about 13-14 weeks. If you are carrying twins or higher-order multiples, this may happen earlier. You may not show at this time, but the doctor or midwife can usually feel the uterus on examination, even if you are overweight.

Belly bump measurements will usually start around 20 weeks. In most women, this is when the doctor can estimate gestational age by measuring the height of the “top” of your uterus, the so-called fundus. Still, keep in mind that the accuracy of this method depends on many factors, so it is just one of the methods we use to check that you and your baby are on track with expected growth measurements.

Editor's Note:

When Will I Begin To Show if I Am Overweight?

Some women are afraid they will just look larger and never develop that obvious pregnant belly. Unfortunately, this is the case for some moms, and it depends on your body type. Some women look pregnant earlier in their pregnancy if all their new weight gain is in the abdominal region.

No matter your pre-pregnancy weight, you will probably gain at least 20 more pounds during your pregnancy. It is essential that you eat a healthy and balanced diet and monitor your weight gain with your health care provider. The expected weight gain depends on your body mass index before pregnancy and whether you are expecting one or more babies.

Weight gain within the recommended range is a sign of a healthy pregnancy (2). However, too much weight gain can lead to complications during labor, increasing the risk for hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus. It can also make it harder for you to lose weight after delivery and lead to having even more weight in any subsequent pregnancies (3).

Health Tip

While you are pregnant, you should engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. Spread it out throughout the week as convenient for you. This means, for example, brisk walking for 10 minutes twice a day. Moderate activity is intense enough that you can’t sing while doing it, but you can carry on a conversation. Just make sure you avoid risky physical activities such as contact sports, and after the first trimester, avoid exercises that involve lying on your back (4).

One thing that can prevent people from realizing you are pregnant is if you choose to wear your typical wardrobe rather than maternity clothes. Maternity clothes emphasize your pregnant belly and can make it more apparent that there is a tiny human growing in there (5).

It’s possible you could end up looking very pregnant, or you may just look larger than before.

Don’t let the way your pregnant belly looks get you discouraged — it’s what’s on the inside that matters. No matter the shape or distinction of your baby bump, the end result is what matters — that beautiful baby. Instead of worrying about the appearance of your bump, try thinking proactively, and take steps that can help you prevent and minimize stretch marks.

How Is a Pregnancy With Multiples Different?

Mothers expecting more than one baby will have more significant body changes than a mother carrying a singleton.

Many moms suspect they might be pregnant with multiples when their belly growth seems to be relatively rapid. But since this can also be due to bloating, which is pretty common in pregnancy, you’ll still need an ultrasound to confirm that you’re pregnant with multiples.

A multiples pregnancy can begin showing as early as six weeks. This is a significant difference from the 12-16 weeks associated with a singleton.

Your body knows it is pregnant with multiples, so it has to be prepared to accommodate two embryos. Your uterus will have to stretch much more than it would when carrying one baby, so it is not unlikely for you to look like you are much further along than you are. If you are carrying multiples, you will probably appreciate all the benefits that maternity belts and belly bands can give you both during — and especially after — your pregnancy.

More than one-half of women carrying twins. and almost all women pregnant with triplets or more, actually give birth before 40 weeks because of multiple factors, including decreased space for their little ones to grow.

Will I Show Sooner if I Have Already Been Pregnant?

If you have already experienced pregnancy, chances are you will notice your baby bump significantly sooner than you did in your first pregnancy.

The reason you may show sooner is that your first pregnancy has already “prepped” your body for what is to come. Your previous pregnancy stretched your abdominal and uterine muscles, making them more pliable for your new pregnancy (6).

Your uterus also does not shrink back down to the original size it was before you ever became pregnant, so it has a jump start to begin growing in your next pregnancy (7).

If you have already been pregnant at least once, you will likely show about one month earlier in your next pregnancy.

Not only will you start showing sooner, but you will feel your baby move sooner than you did in your first pregnancy, and labor probably won’t last as long — yay!

How Does Your Height Factor In?

Your height plays a rather significant role in the timing of your baby bump. Your baby needs room to grow, and tall women seem to have a lot more space.

One could say that short women are compact, so their babies only have one way to grow — out. The issue really comes down to the amount of space below the rib cage.

A taller woman has significantly more space under her ribcage, so the baby doesn’t have to grow outward as much as the baby of a shorter woman.

So, even if you are months into your pregnancy, don’t be concerned about people commenting on how small you are. As long as your doctor has no worries and your baby is growing on schedule, the prominence of your bump doesn’t matter.

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have the large bump you desire. Chances are you are much more comfortable than a shorter woman with her basketball on full display.

Pregnancy tends to be somewhat easier for taller women because it doesn’t strain their bodies nearly as much. Still, because of the extra space their babies have for growing, these infants sometimes have a higher birth weight. This can lead to labor complications and presents a risk factor for some chronic diseases like hypertension later in the child’s life. Therefore, tall pregnant women should consult their health care providers about the recommended level of physical activity and avoid a sedentary lifestyle during their pregnancy (8).

Whether you are tall or short, make the most of your pregnancy, and appreciate that growing life inside of you. Remember, just like with every woman, every pregnancy and every bump is unique.

Your Fitness Level Can Affect Your Bump

It seems as if it only makes sense for thin, in-shape women to develop a baby bump rather early. However, these women are often able to hide their bump much longer.

Although being thin can cause your bump to become more prominent, those who frequently work out have an extra layer of protection.

A woman with defined abdominal muscles will be able to mask her baby bump because her abs will hide her uterus from view. Some extremely fit pregnant mothers barely show even a couple of weeks before delivery. This is perfectly normal, as long as the doctor judges that a woman’s pregnancy weight gain is within her recommended range.

This is an extreme case, of course, but if you have strong abdominal muscles, it’s possible your bump will make its appearance later.

Age and Abdominal Muscles

Many young mothers seem to show significantly later than middle-aged mothers. This all has to do with the abdominal muscles once again. A younger mother usually has a tighter stomach, which can hide the uterus for longer periods.

Tighter abdominal muscles are also one of the reasons younger mothers tend to “bounce back” quicker after delivery.

I’m Not Showing, so Why Don’t My Clothes Fit?

Some expectant moms will begin to notice that their clothes are fitting tighter even though they don’t have the slightest hint of a baby bump.

If your clothes aren’t fitting, and you don’t have a bump, you are likely experiencing early pregnancy bloating. Your pregnancy hormones can cause this bloating to occur, and it should not be mistaken for a baby bump.

It is possible your clothes will fit one day and not the next, depending on the severity of your bloating.

Your body is changing every day, trying to accommodate your little one. Cherish every moment; your belly will pop soon enough!

In nine months, you aren’t going to be worried about whether you started showing too early or too late. You are just going to care about that special baby you’re holding in your arms.

If You Have Concerns

It is not crazy to question many milestones on your journey to motherhood. You know your body best, so if you have any worries, you should take them seriously.

It is beneficial to mark relevant pregnancy-related events in a journal or with an app, and your health care provider might even instruct you to do so. This may help you compare your current with your past and previous pregnancies and give your doctor some valuable information. If you believe your belly ‘s growth seems extremely advanced or behind, contact your doctor.

Your doctor will either reassure you and give you peace of mind, or you may be able to catch a problem early on. There are different reasons why belly growth can be advanced or behind, including being pregnant with multiples, having too much or too little amniotic fluid, gestational diabetes, hypertension, inadequate diet, substance abuse, or smoking.

Never be afraid to ask questions. Your doctor has probably heard just about everything, so don’t hesitate to reach out, as there is no such thing as a silly question when it comes to health matters. You are responsible for two lives now, and you deserve all the positive validation you can get!

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