The outward protrusion of the navel, often described as the belly button “popping out,” is a frequent and expected physical change during pregnancy. This transformation occurs when an “innie” navel flattens or turns into an “outie” as the abdomen expands. This temporary change is a normal variation resulting from the body adjusting to the developing fetus.
The Anatomy of the Change
The navel, or umbilicus, is a scar from the umbilical cord and represents a slight natural weakness in the abdominal wall. As pregnancy progresses, the uterus grows significantly, moving up out of the pelvis and into the abdominal cavity. This expansion creates substantial internal pressure that pushes the abdominal wall outward.
The abdominal wall consists of layers of muscle and connective tissue, including the linea alba, a fibrous structure running vertically down the center. The pressure from the growing uterus stretches this tissue, causing the skin around the navel to flatten or push forward. This change is the result of internal force acting on the scar tissue of the umbilicus.
This adjustment is not indicative of structural damage to the abdominal muscles. The change is distinct from conditions like diastasis recti, which involves the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, although both result from the stretching of the abdominal fascia.
Typical Timing and Individual Variation
The phenomenon typically occurs late in the second trimester or early in the third trimester, when the uterus has grown large enough to push past the level of the navel. While this can happen as early as the 20th week of gestation, it is more commonly noticed between the 26th and 28th weeks. The timing depends heavily on the specific body structure and physical history of the individual.
The pre-pregnancy shape of the navel is a major factor influencing the timing and degree of protrusion. Individuals who start with a shallow “innie” may only notice their navel flattening out and becoming flush with the surrounding skin, while those with a deeper navel may never see a significant change. Conversely, a shallow “innie” is more likely to fully protrude into an “outie.”
Individuals who have been pregnant previously may experience the change earlier than those in their first pregnancy. This is because the abdominal muscles and connective tissues have already been stretched and may offer less resistance to the internal pressure. Factors like body shape, abdominal muscle tone, and skin elasticity contribute to the wide range of timing observed.
Care and Postpartum Resolution
A protruding navel can become sensitive because the skin covering it is thin and is now exposed to constant friction from clothing. To manage this sensitivity, wearing loose, soft cotton garments can help minimize irritation to the area. Some individuals find relief by gently taping a small piece of cotton or a soft bandage over the navel to provide a cushion against rubbing.
It is important to be aware of the difference between normal protrusion and an umbilical hernia, which can sometimes be exacerbated by pregnancy. A temporary navel change is typically painless, but a hernia may present as a soft lump or bulge accompanied by dull, aching pain that intensifies with coughing or straining. Any persistent or severe pain should be reported to a healthcare provider for proper evaluation.
After delivery, abdominal cavity pressure immediately decreases as the uterus begins involution, shrinking back toward its pre-pregnancy size. The navel typically begins to retract and return to its original position within the first few weeks to months postpartum. Although the navel usually settles back into an “innie” shape, its appearance may be slightly altered due to the extensive stretching of the surrounding tissue.
Full resolution of the abdominal wall changes can take several months as the body adjusts and muscle tone recovers. In almost all cases, this temporary change resolves naturally without the need for intervention. Applying moisturizing cream to the area can help soothe dry or stretched skin during the healing process.