What causes navel changes during pregnancy and are they dangerous? Why can the navel protrude, darken and become hot during pregnancy? What should I do? What does it mean if the navel darkens in women?

Pregnancy seriously affects not only a woman’s emotional and physical state, but also her appearance. Every day, changes occur in the body of the expectant mother, and the most important of them is the continuous development of the baby. Many women note that along with the growth of the abdomen, the navel changes during pregnancy.

From about 20 weeks, the navel begins to protrude forward, taking the shape of a button. Doctors consider a slight increase in the width of the umbilical ring in the absence of severe discomfort to be quite normal. Why might this appear and how dangerous is it? Let's take a closer look.

I would like to immediately note that not all women experience significant changes in their navel. From the second half of pregnancy, when the belly begins to rapidly increase, many expectant mothers notice that the umbilical cavity gradually smoothes out and loses its usual shape. Shortly before giving birth, the navel becomes convex during pregnancy. Why is this happening?

There is no need to worry, such changes are normal. The navel will return to its previous state after pregnancy and the birth of a child. Factors influencing the change in the shape of the navel in the expectant mother are a large fetus, polyhydramnios, and rapid weight gain - under these conditions, the stomach will grow faster and the navel will protrude.

Why can your belly button hurt?

Pain in the umbilical region is usually associated with the rapid growth of the unborn baby, which is noted with. The skin on the abdomen is subject to excessive stretching, causing discomfort in the form of itching and pulling sensations. This is called tension pain, and the condition is not at all dangerous.

Unpleasant sensations in the navel may be associated with stretching of the umbilical ligament muscles, which have become displaced due to the rapid enlargement of the uterus.

The same discomfort can be explained by weakness of the abdominal muscles of the expectant mother. When they diverge, a phenomenon such as a blue navel during pregnancy is sometimes observed.

Shortly before childbirth, the navel muscles are stretched the most, as a result of which it protrudes forward, causing discomfort, for example, a woman may feel that her navel is itching during pregnancy. This is also normal, no need to worry. The main thing is that this condition is not accompanied by additional unpleasant symptoms.

Less commonly, pain in the navel during pregnancy may appear due to the development of pathological conditions. Therefore, if you experience any discomfort in the umbilical area, you should consult a doctor.

How to reduce pain?

If your belly button hurts or is very painful during pregnancy, you should be examined by a doctor. Until a specialist arrives, it is important to remain calm, not take painkillers and not apply heat to the sore spot. It is necessary to monitor changes in health, accompanying symptoms, and tell your doctor about everything.

If diseases can be excluded, a healthy diet, wearing a special bandage for pregnant women and moderate physical activity will help eliminate nagging pain and discomfort in the umbilical area. It is also recommended to sleep exclusively on your left side, swim and walk more in the fresh air.

Diseases that cause pain in the navel

During pregnancy, the navel can become sick in the early stages and right up to childbirth for more dangerous reasons.

Sometimes this condition is caused by the following diseases:

• umbilical hernia;
• appendicitis;
• diseases of the stomach, liver and pancreas;
• diseases of the urinary system;
• gynecological problems.

Nausea, lack of bowel movements, bloating, tightness and a feeling of pulsation in the umbilical area usually indicate the development of a hernia. If there are accompanying symptoms, this pathology is also indicated by a hot navel. If mechanical pressure on it causes unbearable pain, there is no doubt about the diagnosis.

Pain occurring above the navel often indicates gastroduodenitis and other pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. Exacerbation of existing chronic diseases of the digestive system during pregnancy is not uncommon, since all organs of the abdominal cavity have to function in slightly altered conditions.

Pain below the navel, accompanied by urinary disorders, may be associated with urological problems, for example. In this case, you should not self-medicate, since any infectious and inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system are unsafe for pregnancy.

Discomfortable sensations in the navel area with simultaneous pulling in the lower abdomen indicate increased uterine tone. This condition threatens the continuation of pregnancy, so it is not recommended to ignore the symptoms. For all of the above conditions, you should seek emergency help.

Protrusion of the navel during pregnancy

Many women, after the 20th week of pregnancy, notice that the navel begins to protrude outward, as if opening inside out. The less fat layer on the belly of the expectant mother, the more obvious this sign is.

The protrusion depends on the degree of stretching of the abdominal muscles and the increase in the width of the umbilical ring. Some pregnant women experience fear about this, worrying about the shape of the navel and abdomen in the future. But there is no need to worry, even if your belly button came out and sticks out during pregnancy, after childbirth everything will return to its place.

Darkening of the navel

In addition to the protrusion of the navel, a woman may experience darkening of the skin in the peri-umbilical area and along the abdominal line. This occurs as a result of hormonal changes in the body of the expectant mother and the accumulation of skin pigment in these places.

A dark navel during pregnancy can be observed throughout the entire period, but 6 weeks after birth, the darkening almost completely disappears. Therefore, if the expectant mother has a darkened navel, she can be confident that its normal state will be restored.

If you have a piercing

Among modern women and girls, piercing is often a decoration for such an intimate place as the navel. Doctors have a negative attitude towards this procedure, considering it unsafe.

There is no doubt that the female body and organism undergoes strong changes during pregnancy. The expectant mother is especially interested in the growth rate of the tummy and the behavior of the navel during pregnancy. The metamorphoses that occur with the latter make us not only wonder, but also worry. Let's consider the main points that, along with the question of why the navel protrudes in pregnant women, most often arouse women's interest.

Why does the belly button stick out during pregnancy?

Most women whose gestation period has reached the 25th week notice the transformation of their usual navel into a strange-looking “button”, which also sticks out. Eslulaps, regarding this point, show an enviable unity of opinion, which lies in the logic of the situation. In fact, not a single expectant mother is immune from the fact that the navel sticks out during pregnancy. This happens because the umbilical ring gradually expands under the pressure of the growing belly.

A pulling navel during pregnancy, which causes some pain, means that the skin is stretched or the abdominal muscles are weak. Also, if this may indicate inflammation of appendicitis or intestinal infection.

Concerns about the navel darkening during pregnancy are also unfounded. This situation is a normal consequence of hormonal changes and skin pigmentation.

Navel piercing for pregnant women – is it possible?

The tandem of pregnancy and navel piercing, which, according to medical indications, should be torn off, is considered special. There is no official justification for this opinion. However, there are cases when navel piercing in pregnant women caused intractable stretch marks or skin tears during childbirth. That's why you should give up this accessory, at least for a while.

Another cause of concern may be a bruise around the navel during pregnancy. It is nothing more than veins or clusters of blood vessels visible through thinned skin. Just like a darkening navel during pregnancy - this should not be alarming woman.

Often, expectant mothers are annoyed by the fact that the navel itches during pregnancy, and it is unbearable. This is the result of severe tension and drying of the skin. Moisturizing creams and will come to the rescue.

We hasten to assure you that such a situation when the navel comes out during pregnancy is absolutely normal. This is further evidence of a normally developing baby inside you, whose dimensions are becoming larger. This circumstance is the most comprehensive explanation of why the navel sticks out in pregnant women.

Anyone pregnant who has this? and got the best answer

Reply from User deleted[expert]
Yes, it’s like this for everyone, don’t worry, it won’t come undone, the blue ones are wreaths, there may also be a stripe in the middle of the abdomen (from the pubis to the navel), the pigmentation is like that. Don’t worry too much, apply stretch mark creams. I have two children and this happened with every pregnancy :)

Answer from Yl[guru]
Oh girls, how I envy you. My little one will be one year old in a week, but I remember the whole pregnancy as if it were yesterday. I applied regular cream to my tummy for stretch marks, but where they were supposed to appear, they did. Before giving birth, I generally had the feeling that the navel on my stomach was simply drawn. and then I gave birth and within a year everything fell into place. So, dear mothers, don’t worry in vain, take care of yourself and your babies. Think about the good and look at the beautiful and everything will be fine. Good luck to you!!

Answer from Big girls don't cry[guru]
I had this happen (blue skin around my navel), it was scary. there's really nothing to be afraid of.

Answer from Merely[guru]
I’m 38 weeks, my stomach feels like it’s going to burst, there’s no belly button at all! The only big minus is that I have a piercing in my navel, and because of this, small stretch marks have formed. Do not worry everything will be fine!! ! =))

Answer from helga[guru]
I also had the feeling that I was about to burst, but not at the 28th week, but later, somewhere after the 36th... I couldn’t cope with this disgusting feeling... I just carried myself very carefully and rested more often.

Answer from User deleted[guru]
stretch marks or muscles do not want to relax and the skin is stretched. Better go see a doctor.

Answer from Novikova Vera[guru]
I have stretch marks all over my stomach.

Answer from User deleted[guru]
Natalia! I had the same thing, it’s just that you’re probably carrying a boy - with boys, the stomach is pulled forward, the belly button is out! I had this: Two of my boys had a dark brown belly button! Now they are already 9 months old, but the brown stripe is still there, the color of the navel has faded over time! Don't worry! All this is normal!

Answer from Pumpkin[guru]
could it be varicose veins? Are there any visible veins on your legs by any chance?

Answer from Lyuba[newbie]
buy a bandage urgently, and the gynecologist should measure what size you need, otherwise the stretch marks will be so nasty...

Answer from Ksyutka[guru]
Lubricate with olive oil)) to prevent stretch marks from appearing

Answer from YENATA[active]
If you do not use creams, stretch marks will appear that do not go away after pregnancy...

Answer from Elena[guru]
Why don’t you ask a gynecologist?

Answer from Natasha[expert]
Use Vichy creams for stretch marks both during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Answer from Darling[guru]
don’t worry, your stomach is just stretching, nothing will burst, what are you talking about?

Answer from Natalia Glumina[guru]
It seems so to us...) I also have the feeling that the skin is stretched... :) and the navel can still come out forward or, on the contrary, “dent” into the tummy...) I apply cream for stretch marks, now I’m almost 38 weeks, ttt... nothing, the cream softens the skin very well... I use mustella...)

Answer from Anyuta[guru]
most likely banal stretch marks. Apply cream, otherwise it may stay that way, only they will be light

Answer from Bee26[guru]
I saw that there are very dark stripes along the stomach. Basically, the darker the woman, the darker the stripe.

Answer from Victoria Vlasova[guru]
Can you answer for those who are no longer pregnant? 🙂
There are suspicions that you have stretch marks or so-called stretch marks! If this is them, then this in no way depends on the number of weeks, but only on the elasticity of your skin and hormonal levels! To the great regret of many, they cannot be avoided if they have already begun!
And the second suspicion is simply pregnant pigmentation, it first turns blue and then turns brown! goes away after birth! I had something similar, it’s a pity I can’t see it, it’s easier to tell from the photo!
Have an easy birth!

Pregnancy changes a woman a lot. Already from the first weeks of gestation, her body becomes different. Changes occur with the expectant mother throughout pregnancy, right up to childbirth. These changes in position frighten many women more than they please. They are especially upset by the appearance of the abdomen and navel, which sometimes becomes not only unaesthetic, but also painful.

How does the navel change during pregnancy?

Changes in the navel during pregnancy are associated with the growth of the abdomen. As a rule, in the first trimester this part of the body does not bother expectant mothers. The navel comes out only after the 20th week of pregnancy. At this stage, it takes on the appearance of a small button. Such changes are absolutely normal for all women. If the umbilical ring turns out slightly and does not cause pain, there is no cause for concern.

The larger the belly becomes, the more the navel may protrude. This is explained by the physiological characteristics of the pregnant woman’s body.

Navel protrusion

Why does my belly button stick out? During late pregnancy, the uterus fills the entire abdominal cavity, there is very little space there, and the umbilical cavity fills up. If the expectant mother is not overweight, her belly will not change much. In obese women, the navel may protrude more. “Skinny people” often don’t even face the problem when their belly button comes out.

Sometimes, in slender mothers, the navel may begin to protrude already in the first months of gestation. This is due to weak abdominal muscles. Changes in the navel occur earlier in women carrying a second pregnancy after a recent birth. The reason that the navel has begun to protrude is multiple births or polyhydramnios. Such situations lead to an enlarged belly.

Don't worry too much when your belly button starts to differ in color from your belly. Moderate pigmentation of the umbilical cavity is a common occurrence during pregnancy.

Color change

In many women, in the last trimester, the navel darkens, and a dark stripe appears along the central line of the abdomen (more details in the article:). These changes are caused by hormones. Generally, the darkening goes away completely within a couple of weeks after giving birth, so you shouldn't try to cleanse dark skin.

When should you worry? When the navel during pregnancy not only darkened, but turned blue. This is a possible sign of an umbilical hernia. Blue discoloration in this area may indicate other pathologies - cystitis, fetal death, appendicitis, umbilical cord entanglement of the fetus. In this case, in addition to a bruise, discomfort appears in the area of ​​the umbilical ring.

Painful sensations

Unpleasant sensations in the navel bother almost all expectant mothers. They are associated with an increase in abdominal size and increased stress on the abdominal muscles. Because of this, pain occurs in the umbilical ring, which is greatly stretched. For this reason, a burning and itching sensation often appears in the navel.

The navel sometimes hurts during pregnancy due to spraining of the ligaments that are located near the liver. The pain in this case is short-term.

Other changes

Expectant mothers often complain of itching in the navel area (we recommend reading:). It appears at a variety of stages and is most often associated with the hormonal background of the expectant mother.

In the first trimester, the navel may itch due to increased sensitivity of the skin of the abdomen. Why does the navel itch after 5-6 months? There are several explanations for this phenomenon:

1. the umbilical ring stretches and therefore itches;
2. the abdominal muscles cannot withstand the tension and diverge;
3. the baby pushes and irritates the nerve endings of the abdomen in the navel area.

Sometimes the navel suddenly stops protruding and falls back. If your stomach sinks, you should see a doctor - this happens in many pathological conditions of pregnant women.

What symptoms indicate the presence of a pathological process in a pregnant woman?

A blue navel and pain in this part of the abdomen are dangerous signs. They indicate the likelihood of developing:

If any suspicious symptoms appear, you should immediately call an ambulance. Diagnosing an “acute abdomen” in an expectant mother is very difficult; it takes time, so you shouldn’t waste a minute. If discomfort in the navel area is not associated with acute inflammatory processes, it can be eliminated using available methods.

How to get rid of pain and other unpleasant sensations in the navel?

Various discomforts in pregnant women are considered a normal condition, but most of them are quite manageable. Discomfort in the navel is easily eliminated. The following measures will help reduce physiological pain in the navel area:

1. Movement. If the expectant mother moves, her intestines will begin to work more actively. This will protect her from constipation and bloating.
2. Balanced diet. Why is it important to eat right? For a woman in this position, it is necessary to follow a diet and adhere to a healthy diet to prevent stomach problems. Avoiding spicy or salty foods, marinades, fried, smoked and overly sweet foods is an effective way to improve your health.
3. Bandage. Many modern women have very weak abdominal muscles, so their navel comes out already in the 4th month of pregnancy. A special bandage for expectant mothers will help relieve discomfort in the abdominal area, as well as relieve pain in the spine, and protect against premature birth.

Navel piercing during pregnancy

If the expectant mother has a pierced navel, she should remove the earring while carrying the baby. In this case, she will protect her stomach from an additional source of infection.

Some young mothers in the first trimester of pregnancy want to get a navel piercing so that photographs of a round belly during gestation look more aesthetically pleasing. Doctors categorically prohibit piercing the navel when the baby is already in the mother’s womb. Firstly, the puncture is painful, and any pain during pregnancy is dangerous. Secondly, the wound may become inflamed or begin to fester - this is also an additional burden on the body.