The answer to whether every pregnant person’s belly button pops out is no, though the change is a common and normal part of gestation. The medical term for the belly button protruding is umbilical eversion, meaning the navel turns outward from an “innie” to an “outie.” This transformation indicates a normal adaptation to the growing fetus and increasing internal pressure. The change is harmless but depends on individual anatomical factors.
The Anatomy Behind Belly Button Changes
The physical change in the navel is a direct result of the growing uterus pushing against the abdominal wall. In the second trimester, the uterus rises out of the pelvis and begins to exert pressure on the entire front of the abdomen. By the third trimester, the top of the uterus can reach the bottom of the ribs, intensifying this internal force.
The belly button, or umbilicus, is a scar from the umbilical cord, representing the thinnest part of the abdominal wall. This area is supported by connective tissue, including the linea alba, which runs vertically down the midline. As the abdominal cavity expands, pressure causes the skin and scar tissue at the navel to flatten or push outward. Eversion is caused by the generalized pressure of the enlarged uterus, not the baby pushing directly on the navel.
Variables Determining Umbilical Eversion
Whether the navel everts is highly dependent on the individual’s pre-pregnancy anatomy and the structural integrity of the abdominal muscles. The initial shape and depth of the navel are significant factors; a person with a naturally deeper “innie” may only experience a flattening, while a shallow navel is more likely to protrude.
The strength and separation of the abdominal muscles also play a role, particularly concerning a condition called diastasis recti. This occurs when the two halves of the rectus abdominis muscle separate, stretching the linea alba and reducing the tissue layer between the uterus and the belly button. While diastasis recti does not directly cause the navel to pop, it can increase the likelihood of eversion and may make the area feel more sensitive to the internal pressure.
Umbilical eversion, if it occurs, typically becomes noticeable in the late second or third trimester, commonly around the 26th week of pregnancy. However, it is normal for the navel to remain an “innie” or flatten throughout the entire pregnancy. The variation is a predictable result of differing individual body structures responding to the same physiological process.
Managing Discomfort and Skin Care
A protruding navel can sometimes become irritated from rubbing against clothing, leading to mild discomfort, itchiness, or soreness. The stretched skin around the belly button may also become dry or sensitive. Wearing soft, loose-fitting clothing can help minimize friction against the exposed skin.
To protect the area from constant contact with fabric, some people find relief by covering the navel with a small adhesive bandage or a specialized belly button cover. Applying a moisturizing cream or cocoa butter to the stretched skin can also help alleviate dryness and itchiness.
While most belly button changes are harmless, persistent or severe pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Intense, sharp pain, especially if accompanied by a tender bulge, could indicate an umbilical hernia, where abdominal tissue pushes through a weakness in the muscle wall. Seeking medical advice is necessary if the discomfort is more than just temporary irritation or mild soreness.