Many new mothers often wonder How should the belly be during pregnancy: hard or soft? Pregnancy is a time of many changes and an important hormonal revolution. As the months go by, the belly changes and takes shape. Sensations also change over time.
There are times when the belly feels hard and times when it feels relaxed and supple. The sensations vary from woman to woman, as well as from pregnancy to pregnancy. Is there a time when you have to worry? What happens when the belly feels hard and tense?
The belly in the first months
Beyond the joy of hearing the news of a pregnancy, the physical sensations may not be entirely pleasant. Nausea, dizziness or extreme tiredness are some of the typical symptoms of pregnancy. Within the physical changes, the feeling of hardness in the belly is also part of the game in some cases. It is not a sensation of pain but of a certain tension that increases, on many occasions, as the months go by.
This is something completely normal and is related to the natural changes in the body, both at the level of the formation of the placenta and the growth of the uterus, as well as the weight and size that the baby is acquiring. What is important when analyzing how should the belly be during pregnancy, if it is hard or soft, is to take into account the intensity of hardness.
The first thing is to notice if the belly is really hard or just swollen. There are times when the belly simply tightens. It can be after eating in abundance for example. When the belly is swollen there is no pain, although there is discomfort. The swollen belly is common in pregnancy, especially during the first months and due to hormonal changes. It is also frequent in the last stage of pregnancy and after eating since there is less room in the belly and digestion is slower. Other reasons why belly during pregnancy is hard It is due to constipation, cramps, stretch marks and during the development of the fetal skeleton.
Contractions and Braxton Hicks
When the belly is hard, the feeling is one of absolute tension. You can feel the difference just by lying in bed and gently pressing on the area around your navel. If that area is soft, everything is in order because it is a state-specific tension. On the other hand, if the belly feels hard as a rock even in the navel area, it may be good to consult with the obstetrician because it may be contractions.
It's supposed to belly in pregnancy It should be soft but there are times when typical pre-partum contractions appear in which the belly is hard. Are the Braxton Hicks contractions. However, there are big differences regarding labor contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions are low-intensity contractions that last a short time. If you lie down even your belly is likely to relax. Also, they differ from labor contractions because they are irregular and short-lived. They can last about 30 seconds. The pain does not spread throughout the body as in labor contractions, but rather focuses on the belly and lower back.
Braxton Hicks contractions aside, if you feel any strange or intense sensation then it is time to consult. doHow should the belly be during pregnancy?? Generally soft or with some isolated moments of tension. If you feel regular or long-lasting and very intense contractions, it is important to consult your doctor. The same if it is hard and you also notice fflow of blood, fever, pain, stiffness, frequent urination, or recurrent nausea.