Pregnant bellies: Week-by-week photos (2024)

Though you just found out you're pregnant, you may already feel your waistband digging into your belly. That's due to bloating, which can make your clothes uncomfortable even this early in your pregnancy journey.

Go to 4 weeks pregnant.

Your belly may be starting to look slightly different – perhaps like you had a big lunch. For some women,bloatingdue to hormonal changes is an early sign of pregnancy. That's why your clothes may feel more snug than usual at the waistline, even though your uterus is still small.

Go to5 weeks pregnant.

It will be a few months before you needmaternity clothes, but until then you'll probably appreciate items that are loose-fitting at the waist, like leggings, joggers, sweats, and maxi dresses.

Go to6 weeks pregnant.

Your belly may still look basically the same (especially hidden under loose clothing). Yourgrowing breasts, on the other hand, may be telling a different story.

Go to 7 weeks pregnant.

For many expecting moms, it's still too early to have a true pregnancy bump. But every pregnant body is different!

Go to8 weeks pregnant.

Many moms-to-be find that their underwear is one of the first things to feel too tight, even early in pregnancy. That's why maternity underwear is so amazing – it rests easily under your bump or has a panel to stretch over your belly for more support.

Go to9 weeks pregnant.

At 10 weeks pregnant, you may notice that your belly looks rounder, especially if this is yoursecond pregnancy(or third, or fourth …) or if you'reexpecting multiples. It's also completely normal if you'renot showing yet.

Go to10 weeks pregnant.

You'll start looking noticeably pregnant when your growing uterus begins to expand above your pubic bone, which may happen when you're around 12 weeks pregnant – or a few weeks later.

Go to11 weeks pregnant.

Is it time to start shopping formaternity clothes? It depends. For now, you may be comfy wearing roomier items from your existing wardrobe. There are also many tried-and-truepregnancy clothing hacksyou can use, such as threading a hair tie around your pants button to leave more room for your growing belly.

Go to12 weeks pregnant.

Farewell, first trimester! You may start having more energy, feeling more like yourself, andlooking more obviously pregnant.

Go to13 weeks pregnant.

If you're concerned about looking "too big" or "too small" for your week of pregnancy, take heart: As long as your doctor or midwife says your baby is developing well and you'rehaving a healthy pregnancy, there's no reason to worry.

Go to14 weeks pregnant.

If yoga pants, stretchy skirts, andbelly bandsaren't doing the trick anymore, it's time to go shopping for some maternity staples. There are lots of creative ways to findaffordable maternity clothes, including online secondhand stores and clothing swaps with friends.

Go to15 weeks pregnant.

Your body is working hard – so show it some extra love. Use a maternity support belt if you're feeling pain in your hips or groin, upgrade your bras and underwear, and get apregnancy pillowif you're having trouble getting comfortable in bed.

Go to16 weeks pregnant.

As your belly grows, be prepared to handle rude comments and belly-touchers. To shut down unwanted belly pats or rubs, it's best to be concise and firm: "Please don't" or "No thank you" should do the trick.

Go to17 weeks pregnant.

You're probablygaining weight slowly and steadily, about a pound a week. Talk to your doctor or midwife if you notice any drastic changes in your weight, which can signal a problem.

Go to18 weeks pregnant.

Eventually, your feet will disappear under your growing bump. Speaking of feet, you may want to invest in some new shoes as your feet grow and swell in the second half of pregnancy. Check out these best shoes for pregnancyfor ideas.

Go to19 weeks pregnant.

The top of your uterus is about in line with your belly button now. As your uterus continues to push against your abdomen, you might find that your belly buttonflattens or pops out, turning your "innie" into an "outie."

Go to20 weeks pregnant.

This may be a golden time in pregnancy, when your belly is big enough to look pregnant and adorable but not big enough to make you super uncomfortable!

Go to21 weeks pregnant.

Your uterus is about an inch above your belly button now. It could look like an unmistakable baby bump or not, depending on your body type and what you're wearing.

Go to22 weeks pregnant.

Your baby is going to double in weight in the next month or so! Get ready for anincreased appetiteand a rapidly growing bump, which could throw off your center of gravity.

Go to23 weeks pregnant.

Your uterus – now about the size of a soccer ball – has expanded above your belly button. You might start to notice stretch marks on your stomach, thighs, and breasts.

Go to24 weeks pregnant.

It may be time to invest in some new bras (again!). In later pregnancy, many moms-to-be prefer to start wearingnursing bras because they're comfortable and have plenty of stretch.

Go to25 weeks pregnant.

You may be feeling some new and unwelcomeaches and pains. To relieve sore muscles and body aches in pregnancy, lie down, relax, and use a cold pack or heating pad. (For safety, don't apply heat to your abdomen for longer than ten minutes.)

Go to26 weeks pregnant.

One of the best strategies to prevent and treat body aches in pregnancy is to stay physically active. While this may seem counterintuitive, pregnancy exercise helps relieve all sorts of issues, from back pain to constipation and gas.

Go to27 weeks pregnant.

Even though there isn't much research ondying your hair while you're pregnant, it's generally thought to be safe. Some experts recommend waiting until after you've finished the first trimester.

Go to28 weeks pregnant.

Notice a dark line running down your belly? It's called the linea nigra and it appears mid-pregnancy due to higher-than-usual levels of hormones. It will fade after pregnancy.

Go to29 weeks pregnant.

Are you imagining it, or do yourfeet grow during pregnancy? While the bones in the feet aren't actually growing, your feet probablyareexpanding, thanks to weight gain, swelling, and the hormone relaxin causing ligaments in the feet to spread.

Go to30 weeks pregnant.

You want to look and feel good during these last few months of pregnancy. But you may not want to spend a lot of money on clothes you'll only wear for a matter of months. Luckily, there are ways tosave money on maternity clothes.

Go to31 weeks pregnant.

During the end of pregnancy, yourbelly will feel tight and heavy. As your uterus grows, it eventually pushes up against your abdominal wall, giving your belly that tight-as-a-drum look and feel. But not everyone will get a basketball-belly look.

Go to32 weeks pregnant.

Pregnancy has several beauty benefits, including the famous "pregnancy glow." Also, your hair may look thicker and grow more quickly during pregnancy. Some women report that their nails grow faster, too.

Go to33 weeks pregnant.

Your bump is pretty amazing – so why not commemorate it? A belly cast, also known as a belly mask, is a plaster cast of your pregnant belly that makes for a special keepsake.

Go to34 weeks pregnant.

Is it hot in here? It's not just you – many women run warm while pregnant, regardless of the temperature. When it is hot outside, it's important to take steps to stay cool andavoid overheating.

Go to35 weeks pregnant.

Aches, pains, and discomfort are common at this point in the third trimester. If you're suffering from back painor pelvic pain, consider abelly band.

Go to36 weeks pregnant.

If you haven't taken a lot of "bumpies" (pictures of your belly) or maternity photos, make sure to get some pictures now!

Go to37 weeks pregnant.

Your baby is still growing, so your belly will, too! You may also notice that your baby and belly continue todrop, even when you didn't think they could get any lower.

Go to38 weeks pregnant.

Ready to say goodbye to your baby bump and hello to your baby? If labor doesn't start on its own, your provider may recommend inducing your laborsoon.

Go to39 weeks pregnant.

Soon you'll meet your baby! Don't be fazed if your postpartum belly makes you look a few months pregnant. It takes time for your body – especially your belly – to fully recover from pregnancy.

Go to40 weeks pregnant.

Where to go next:

How to take bump photos

Poll: How soon into your first pregnancy did you start to show?

How to feel beautiful during pregnancy