Postpartum Preeclampsia is when you develop preeclampsia after your baby is born. It typically happens two days after giving birth but can also develop several weeks later, even people who never had preeclampsia can develop postpartum preeclampsia..

Postpartum Constipation is one of those things no one really talks about, I wonder why? We have some helpful insights and reassurance that it happens more commonly than you think during the postpartum period.

A growing baby bump is tricky; it can show come out at different stages of pregnancy. It depends on body type muscle mass, tone and number of previous pregnancies; some bumps are small and neat, and others are big and round, once your body is growing healthy that is the most important thing.  

1st Trimester

Your 1st trimester starts at week 1 of conception to week 13, most people are not showing much at this stage. But bloating may cause the belly to look bigger, but it's not actually a baby bump. The uterus is still small; it can grow from the size of an orange. This is just within the pelvis by the end of the 1st trimester.  

Hormonal fluctuations can cause increased bloating and gas, causing the belly to appear as a small bump. During the first trimester, your uterus sits low in the pelvis, below the pelvic bone, and cannot extend enough to have a visible bump you’ll probably experience a significant amount of fatigue, morning sickness, and breast sensitivity before seeing an actual baby bump.  

2nd Trimester

 Your 2nd trimester week 14 to week 27. The bump is more noticeable; this is when most women pop and their clothes start to fit snug. You guessed itright; it’s time for maternity clothes. The uterus or fundus (the part of a hollow organ such as the uterus or the gallbladder that is farthest from the opening) rises to the belly button and expands your abdomen. In your 2nd trimester, your uterus will grow from the size of a grapefruit to a basketball by the end of the second trimester. During this time your baby grows significantly developing bones, fingerprints, and stronger movements like kicking and punching. You’ll feel your baby’s movements which can feel more vigorous or robust.  Expect skin changes a darkening line on your belly and other darkened spots on your skin due to hormonal changes. Your body starts to expand, which may cause discomfort, and you may feel rib pain. 

3rd Trimester

You’ve made it the 3rd trimester 28 weeks onward, and your bump starts to grow faster because your baby is gaining weight, and the uterus expands higher into the abdomen. Which creates a fullness or tightness in your abdomen as it pushes against your abdomen wall. You’ll be able to see andfeel your baby’s movement such as kicks, and shifts.  Close to the end of the 3rd trimester the baby will drop lower into your pelvis a process called“lightening” which makes breathing easier but increases the urge to urinate. Your belly button can come out towards the end of your 2nd trimester or during your 3rd trimester.  

You may experience some swelling in your hands and feet. As the uterus expands, your supporting ligaments can stretch, causing cramps or sharp pain. It is important to note that wearing supportive belts and using pregnancy pillows can help protect your back, ligaments, and baby bump.  Please remember to rest with your feet up as it gets closer to your delivery to reduce swelling.  

Truth Moment

My belly never popped out with any of my pregnancies; my first child was born 31 weeks. I did have a pregnancy bump and for my second pregnancy, it popped when i was 27 weeks.  

A-Life Postpartum Mom does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The resources provided on our website are for informational purposes only. We are not medical professionals, and you should always consult with your doctor for diagnosis. 

Sources: 

www.thebump.com

www.babycenter.com

www.webmd.com