When will movies and TV shows finally show a realistic baby bump? This is the question I ask myself every time I see a pregnant character sporting a perfectly round bump. Newsflash: that’s not what all pregnant bellies look like!
Thankfully, pregnant women are taking to social media and finally dispelling the myth of the perfect baby bump. These photos show that bumps come in all shapes and sizes and We are here for these pics.
Most pregnant women have a linea nigra on their bellies
The linea nigra is that dark line that runs down the middle of the belly.
It’s always there but becomes more visible
As the baby grows and because of hormonal changes, the line becomes more prominent. It can also linger after giving birth and may never fully fade from a woman’s body.
Stretch marks are a thing, too
When was the last time you saw stretchmarks on a baby bump in the media? They’re basically never shown, even though they are very common.
Many women own their stretch marks and call them “tiger stripes”
As in, this mama is fierce and has the stripes to prove it. I love it! Way to embrace your changing bodies, moms.
Also, bumps aren’t always perfectly round
Especially if you are carrying multiples, it’s common for your bump to change shape or be more of an elongated shape. It really depends on what position the baby (or babies) is in.
When it comes to shape, no two baby bumps will be the same
Some women “pop”, some carry low, and others carry high — all of these baby bump shapes are normal and healthy.
Just as no two moms are alike, no two bumps are alike
This picture shows that even at the same stage in pregnancy, no two bumps will ever look exactly alike. This is also why you should never try to guess how far along someone is.
Even if you think you’re sure, just don’t say anything
You’ll save yourself and the expecting mom a lot of embarrassment. Also, please keep your hands away from the baby bump, unless you’ve been given permission.
Nothing freaks a pregnant woman out more than having strangers stroking her bump in public. Please keep your hands to yourself!
Drastic differences in people’s baby bumps
Those who remained highly active, or were previously into fitness can sometimes show a smaller bump, with visible ab muscles around the obliques. For some, you might not even be able to tell they are pregnant.
Don’t shame a woman for “not showing” during pregnancy
Model Belle Lucia received comments from trolls after she shared this pic taken just as she was entering her third trimester. Really, people?
Some bumps also have tattoos
We don’t see a lot of images of pregnant bellies with tattoos, even though many women have tattoos on their abdomen.
There also seems to be this idea that a woman’s tattoos will disintegrate upon pregnancy, which may not happen to everyone.
Belly button rings are common, too!
Yes, even moms have belly button rings and many pregnant women keep theirs in as long as it is comfortable.
It might seem like your belly button will defy all laws of physics
It’s totally normal to feel like your belly button has been replaced with that button that pops when the turkey is done cooking.
Also, body hair on baby bumps is a thing and it’s totally normal
I don’t know why this is still taboo. It’s just hair, y’all, embrace it.
Some moms like to get creative with their bumps
This is likely the only time in your life when you’ll want to paint your belly. I say, go for it!
Our bodies always have been, and always will be different
That doesn’t change during pregnancy, it only becomes more pronounced.
There is no “one-size-fits-all” ideal when it comes to baby bumps
They come in every shape and size imaginable and it’s important that we start recognizing that.
These photos and the conversations they generate will help a lot of pregnant women feel more positive about their changing bodies.
If you’re expecting, enjoy the bump while it lasts
Sure, it might make it difficult to sleep, and getting kicked internally is a feeling that never stops being weird, but you will look back on these days fondly.