Wondering when you will start to show in pregnancy? A lot of first-time moms wonder about this, either because they can’t wait to have that cute baby bump or they are apprehensive about the changes that the body goes through in pregnancy. Either way, this guide will answer all your questions. 

When Will I Look Pregnant?

First of all, the most important thing that you need to remember is that every woman is different. Therefore, there is no exact pregnancy stage where moms-to-be start to show. 

First time moms will usually start to get thicker around the waist at around 11 weeks. However, this change will probably not be visible to other people yet. By around 12 weeks, though, your bump may finally be visible as the uterus starts to expand above the pubic bone. 

When you first become pregnant, your womb is shaped like a pear. Over the next 12 weeks, it becomes more rounded. When it reaches about the size of a grapefruit, your bump becomes more noticeable. 

That said, some women start to notice changes as early as the end of the first trimester. Others won’t notice anything until well into the second trimester. This just goes to show how unique every pregnancy is. 

Factors That Can Affect When The Baby Bump Shows

Here Are Some Factors That Can Affect When You Start To Show: 

1. How many pregnancies you have had: If you have been pregnant before, you will start showing sooner than you did in your first pregnancy. This is because your abdominal muscles are a bit more ready to go through the changes again.
2. Age: The older you are, the earlier you’ll likely start to show. 
3. Weight: If you carry some extra weight around your belly, your tummy may not expand that much in the first and early second trimester. However, keep in mind that women of all body shapes and sizes get pregnant. It does not make any sense comparing yourself to others. 
4. The shape of your uterus: If you have an anteverted uterus (one that slants forward), your belly may pop out much earlier. If you have a retroverted uterus (tilts towards the back), your bump may not show until later in the pregnancy.
5. Bloating: If you experience bloating as one of your early pregnancy symptoms, it can sometimes exaggerate the size of your bump. 
6. Genes: Your genes also play a role in when your baby bump starts to show. Find out when the bumps of your female relatives started to show. This will give you some idea of when you can expect yours. 
7. Diastasis recti: This is the partial or complete separation between your left and right abdominal wall muscles along the abdominal midline. Women with diastasis recti will notice a bulge or ridge developing on their bumps in the second or third trimester. 

When Do I Start Showing With Twins?

If you’re carrying twins or multiples, you'll likely start showing in the first trimester. Carrying more than one baby makes your bump grow faster. This is why you may seem a few months further along than a woman who is carrying just one baby.

Should I Be Worried If I’m Not Showing Yet?

As long as your doctor says your baby’s development is on track and your weight gain is normal, you shouldn’t be worried. Your doctor may do a pelvic exam to assess the size of your uterus. Alternatively, an ultrasound can also help you see how big your baby is.

Final Thoughts

You shouldn’t stress yourself out over showing too early or too late. If you think there is cause for alarm, talk to your health care provider. They will do an ultrasound to confirm that everything is progressing normally.