The change in a pregnant person’s navel, often described as an “innie” belly button becoming an “outie,” is a common and temporary physical phenomenon. This shift is a direct result of the body adapting to the growing fetus and the internal pressure exerted on the abdomen.
Why the Navel Changes Shape During Pregnancy
The navel is a scar, a remnant of the umbilical cord connection. This area of the abdominal wall consists of a ring of connective tissue, making it a thinner spot than the surrounding muscle. During pregnancy, the uterus expands rapidly into the abdominal cavity, pressing against the abdominal wall.
This increasing internal pressure pushes the connective tissue at the navel forward as the abdomen stretches outward. For someone with a deep “innie,” the pressure typically causes the indentation to flatten and become flush with the surrounding skin.
In many cases, the force is significant enough to cause the navel to protrude beyond the surface, temporarily converting the “innie” into an “outie.” This protrusion is simply the outward projection of the scar tissue and skin that previously folded inward. The degree of protrusion is influenced by the original depth of the navel and the elasticity of the surrounding skin.
When Does the Outie Appear and How Common Is It?
The timing of this navel change correlates directly with the period of significant uterine growth. Most people notice their navel beginning to flatten or protrude late in the second or early in the third trimester. This often occurs around the 20th week, when the top of the uterus (fundus) reaches the level of the navel.
The change does not occur for every pregnant person. Factors like the individual’s pre-pregnancy abdominal muscle tone, the original depth of their navel, and the amount of subcutaneous fat all influence whether the navel will pop out. A person with a naturally deeper navel is less likely to see a full protrusion than someone whose navel was shallower to begin with.
The position of the fetus and the size of the pregnancy bump also play a role in how pressure is distributed across the abdomen. This shift is simply a cosmetic side effect of the body making room for the developing baby, and it is not a measure of the baby’s health or growth.
Managing Navel Changes and Postpartum Recovery
A protruding navel can sometimes become irritated or chafed by clothing, especially tight fabrics. Practical management involves protecting the exposed skin from friction by wearing loose-fitting clothing. Placing a soft covering, such as a small adhesive bandage or a pregnancy support garment, over the area can also help alleviate discomfort.
Maintaining skin moisture with a pregnancy-safe lotion or oil can also help with any associated tightness or itching around the stretched skin of the abdomen. If the navel change is accompanied by pain, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out other conditions, such as an umbilical hernia.
The navel change is temporary and resolves after delivery. As the uterus begins involution, shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size over the first six weeks postpartum, the pressure on the abdominal wall diminishes. The navel gradually returns to its original “innie” state as the abdomen contracts and the surrounding skin tightens. This return usually happens within a few months of giving birth.