Since pregnant moms have bellies of all shapes and sizes and grow at different rates, there’s no way to say exactly what’s “normal.”
But, in this section, we’ll give you an idea of what you’ll see and feel, the size of your uterus, and the size of your baby each trimester.
Months 1 Through 3 (First Trimester)
Your first trimester lasts through week 12, so it’s the first three months of your pregnancy. Keep in mind that pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, so you’re pregnant for closer to 10 months than nine.
What You’ll See
You may notice that your pants fit a bit differently, but some women don’t see any sort of baby bump during the first trimester!
As we mentioned, when you start showing depends on your body, whether you’ve had previous pregnancies, and how many babies you’re carrying.
Even if you feel a tiny bump, it’ll probably be a while before other people notice. If you think you are showing a bit at this stage, it could also be due to extra water or bloating.
The Size Of Your Baby
It makes sense that you don’t show much (or at all) during the first trimester because your baby is very tiny! Your baby goes from a fertilized egg at conception to being around three inches long by week 12.
The Size Of Your Uterus
Your uterus begins growing during the first trimester but can still stay snug inside your pelvis.
The American Pregnancy Association says that your pre-pregnancy uterus is the size of an orange, and by week 12 of gestation, “the uterus is the size of a grapefruit and starts to grow up and out of your pelvis, but still fits within it.”
Months 4 Through 7 (Second Trimester)
Your second trimester lasts a little over three months, from weeks 13 through 27, and is when your doctor will start taking fundal height measurements.
They’ll use a tape measure to check the length from your pubic bone to the top of the uterus. This gives your doctor an idea of whether your baby is small or large for their gestational age.
The fundal height is measured in centimeters, and after 24 weeks, this measurement is usually about the same as the week of pregnancy.
For example, if you’re 26 weeks pregnant, your fundal height measurement will be around 26 centimeters. If your measurement is off, it may only mean that your due date was calculated incorrectly.
Ask your doctor if you have questions or concerns.
What You’ll See
Sometime during the second trimester is when you’ll really start to notice your baby bump!
It will probably be visible to others at the beginning of the second trimester, and by the end of this trimester, your pregnant belly will likely be in full swing.
The Size Of Your Baby
Your baby does a lot of developing and growing during this trimester! They’ll go from around four inches long to 12 or 15 inches by the end.
The Size Of Your Uterus
With all the growing your baby is doing, how much does your uterus grow to accommodate them?
According to the American Pregnancy Association, “your uterus will grow to the size of a papaya. It no longer fits inside the pelvis. It will be situated midway between the navel and breasts.”
Months 8 Through 10 (Third Trimester)
Your third trimester is the home stretch! It begins at week 28 and lasts until 40 weeks, more or less, depending on when your baby decides to come.
What You’ll See
If you haven’t worn maternity clothes up to this point, the third trimester is when you’ll need them! Your pregnant belly will grow bigger by the day.
Some women look like they’re carrying a small basketball up to the day they go into labor, while others look like they’re about to pop during the whole trimester!
The Size Of Your Baby
During your third and last trimester, your baby grows to around 18 or 20 inches — how long they will be when you hold them for the first time!
The Size Of Your Uterus
This is as big as your uterus will get!
The American Pregnancy Association says, “The uterus will finish growing and be the size of a watermelon. When you reach full term your uterus will extend from the pubic area to the bottom of your rib cage.”
There’s no doubt your uterus takes up a lot of room now! Because it pushes on your bladder, lungs, and stomach, you may have heartburn, shortness of breath, and find yourself making frequent trips to the bathroom at night.
Love Your Pregnant Belly
No matter the size or shape, whether you’re big or small, or carrying low or high, your pregnant belly is the perfect place for your baby to develop and grow!
Love your bump and get excited for your little one on the way.
Use our guide to get an idea of what your tummy might look like during each trimester and how big your baby and your uterus are.
In no time at all, your baby will be out of your tummy and in your arms!