Pregnant Belly

A woman's pregnant belly begins to show well into a woman's second and third trimester, which is also when she may notice more rapid weight gain. At prenatal visits, a woman's pregnant belly will be measured as a means to check her growth in relation to the prior measurement. These measurements can indicate developmental problems and play an important role in keeping a woman's pregnancy healthy.

Healthy amounts of weight gain are actually less variable than women may think. Sure, pregnant bellies eat for two. However, for women carrying a single child the Mayo Clinic website suggests women at a normal weight at the time of pregnancy gain about 25 to 35 pounds during the entire nine-month term. Women who were underweight at the time of pregnant should gain between 28 and 40 pounds. Those who were overweight at the time of pregnancy should aim to only gain 15 to 25 pounds. Obese pregnant women should keep their weight gain between 11 and 20 pounds.

For women carrying twins or triplets, the suggested weight gain amounts nearly double.

In addition to the healthy indication a pregnant belly can provide, it's also the glorified symbol of being pregnant. Women may find that as they walk down the street, their belly becomes a conversation-starter and a means for complete strangers to approach them.

A woman who intends to place her child after birth may want to take photos of her pregnant belly as a reminder of the commitment and loving decision she made for the child.