A change in the appearance of the navel is a common physical phenomenon during pregnancy. Many people with an “innie” belly button notice it becomes flatter or even pushes outward, temporarily turning into an “outie.” This transformation is a harmless result of the body adapting to accommodate a growing fetus. It is a typical part of the process and does not indicate any problem with the pregnancy.
Anatomical Reasons for the Change
The shift in the navel’s appearance is directly related to the increasing size of the uterus. As the fetus grows, the uterus expands upward and outward, progressively occupying more space within the abdominal cavity. This internal pressure pushes against the abdominal wall, which is composed of muscle and connective tissue.
The navel is the remnant of the umbilical cord and is situated at the umbilical ring, a naturally thinner spot in the abdominal wall. The growing pressure from the expanding uterus acts on this weak point, causing the skin and tissue around the navel to stretch and flatten as the abdomen projects forward.
The appearance of a “popped” belly button is due to the underlying tissue being pushed out, not a change in the skin structure itself. For some, the navel simply stretches to become flush with the surrounding skin, appearing flattened. For others, the internal force is enough to push the navel past the skin’s surface, creating a noticeable protrusion.
Timing and Factors Influencing Protrusion
The belly button typically begins to change sometime in the late second or early third trimester of pregnancy. This timeline occurs because the uterus reaches the level of the navel at approximately 20 weeks and continues to expand significantly above it. The most common time for the navel to become noticeably flatter or protrude is around the 26th week, when abdominal pressure is substantially increased.
Multiple factors influence the exact timing and extent of this change. Individuals who have had previous pregnancies may notice the change sooner because their abdominal muscles and connective tissues are already stretched, offering less resistance to the expanding uterus.
Body shape also plays a role in how soon the change is visible. Those with a shorter torso or who carry the baby more outwardly may experience the protrusion earlier due to concentrated pressure on the abdominal wall. Not every person will experience a complete “pop” into an outie; for many, the navel simply becomes shallower and flattens out.
Postpartum Reversion and Skin Care
The belly button almost always returns to its pre-pregnancy state, or very close to it, following delivery. Once the baby is born, the uterus begins shrinking, which drastically reduces the internal abdominal pressure. This decrease in pressure allows the stretched abdominal wall and the navel to retract.
The return to a pre-pregnancy appearance can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The time it takes for the navel to return to its original shape is tied to overall postpartum recovery and the shrinking of the uterus, which usually takes about six to eight weeks. Even if the navel looks different immediately after birth, it typically continues to improve in the months that follow.
Skin Care While Protruding
While protruding, the navel may feel sensitive or become irritated from rubbing against clothing. To increase comfort, wearing loose-fitting maternity clothes can help minimize friction against the skin. Some individuals find relief by covering the navel with a small adhesive bandage to protect the area. If the area develops a painful bulge alongside the protrusion, consult a healthcare provider, as this could indicate an umbilical hernia.