You've noticed your belly is a bit larger and rounder than usual and you're wondering whether you're gaining some belly fat or if you could be pregnant. The question can be resolved with a simple home pregnancy test.
If you're not ready to take a pregnancy test for whatever reason, there may be some other physical signs that can point you in one direction or the other. If you think you may be pregnant, take a test and talk to a doctor as soon as you can.
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Pregnancy Symptoms
Having a large belly is only one sign of pregnancy, and that doesn't usually occur until your second trimester, according to the Office on Women's Health (OWH).
The most reliable physical sign of pregnancy is a missed menstrual period. Other very early signs of pregnancy include swollen or tender breasts, nausea or throwing up (often called morning sickness), frequent urination, exhaustion and food cravings, per the OWH.
However, some pregnant people don't have any of these symptoms. And even if you've been pregnant before, your experience might be entirely different this time. The only way to be absolutely certain that you are pregnant is to take a test.
Signs It Could Be Belly Fat
If you're wondering if you have an early pregnant belly or some belly fat, think about your recent eating habits. Eating more than normal could make your belly stick out a bit more, as could eating more foods that make you bloated with gas, like starchy veggies or dairy products, or make you retain water, such as salty snacks.
Sometimes an underlying medical condition could be causing your stomach to appear swollen, such as constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, liver problems or a growth on one of your organs, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
You're also more likely to gain belly fat as you age. If you're over 50 and your family members also tend to gain weight around their stomach area, you may be storing belly fat, not pregnant.
FAQ
Common Questions
Is a pregnant belly hard or soft?
It can be both. The firmness of your belly may change over the course of your pregnancy, so it's not a reliable sign you're pregnant. For example, if you experience so-called "false labor" or Braxton Hicks contractions, your belly may get very hard, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Certain health problems, such as kidney and liver growths, can also make your stomach feel hard, according to the National Library of Medicine. Belly fat can also feel hard.
What is the shape of your belly when pregnant?
Your uterus and abdomen expand during pregnancy and can make your belly large and round. Some people experience a vertical bulge, called diastasis recti, per Texas Children's, or a bellybutton that pops out, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about the way your belly shape is changing, whether or not you may be pregnant.
Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.