When Your Belly Button Pops

By Ingrid Wells
There are so many changes that your body goes through while you are pregnant. Some of the changes are welcome and cute, while others are more...interesting in nature. One of the changes that you may face while pregnant involves your belly button. That’s right ladies, some women find that their belly button pops out and becomes an outie during pregnancy.

While a popped belly button may bring to mind images of roasted turkeys—it is nothing to be alarmed about, nor is it a permanent condition. Not all women experience the outie button. In fact, there are many women who have had multiple pregnancies and never had an outie.

Opinions run the gamut regarding protruding belly buttons. Some expectant moms find it cute and take it to signify their little one being that much closer to greeting the world. Other moms-to-be think their changing belly button is unpleasant to look at or experience discomfort from clothing rubbing up against it. While still other moms don’t have a strong feeling one way or the other, but simply don't want their belly button to show through their business attire or dressy clothing.

The timing of one’s belly button popping also varies by person, and can occur any time starting in your second trimester. Some women begin noticing a tightening of their belly button or a shallower belly button at around 15 weeks. Changes in your belly button can range from a tightening or flattening, to a slight protrusion, to a full outie button.

If your belly button’s appearance bothers you, there are ways to hide it: You can wear loose clothing or a maternity band such as a Bella Band or a Boppy Support in Style™ Maternity Band may help. Another option is to wear a Miss Oops Popper Stopper. Popper Stoppers are latex free covers that you can affix to your belly button area to conceal a protruding belly button or to protect a sensitive one. As always, it is good to discuss what’s best for you with your own doctor.

One word of caution—If you decide in a pinch to use a bandage to cover your belly button, be sure to use one that is made to be easily removed so that you don’t end up pulling off dry, delicate skin along with your bandage when it’s time to take it off. Some moms have learned this lesson the hard way.

For a chance to win a free Boppy Support in Style™ Maternity Band, included in our Pregnant Belly Giveaway, click here to enter before August 15, 2009.

Has your belly button popped? Tell us how you feel about it and what if anything you do about it?

Other Articles You May Enjoy:
Protruding Navel in Pregnancy, on whattoexpect.com
Week 26 of Pregnancy: Protruding Navel, on whattoexpect.com