Many pregnant people experience having a B belly in pregnancy, also known as a Plus Size Double belly, but it doesn’t get discussed very often.
What is a B belly?
A B belly or double belly during pregnancy is one that seems to have a crease or band in the centre, dividing the belly into a top and bottom half, similar to the capital letter “B.”
So, when you stand to the side, your bump looks like a B rather than a D.
Symptoms of B bellies
- A visible bulge, just above or below the belly button
- Difficulty in walking or performing everyday tasks
- Lower back pain
- Poor posture
- Leakage of urine when you sneeze or cough
- Constipation
- Feeling weak in your abdomen.
What Causes a B belly?
Body Weight and Size
- A woman with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 has an obese pregnant belly.
- So, a woman who is heavier at the start of her pregnancy is more likely to have a B belly – though it is not guaranteed!
Previous Pregnancy
B belly may arise when the body has not completely recovered from the previous pregnancy or when the following pregnancy is too near.
Natural Belly Shape
Women who approach a pregnancy with an apron belly (that hangs down) or those who carry their weight in their belly (rather than their hips and thighs) – are more likely to develop a B belly, even if it is their first pregnancy.
Fascial Health
The term “facial health” refers to the connective tissues under the skin, which are responsible for your belly form. Eating an unbalanced diet, injured muscles, poor posture, dehydration, or stress may damage your fascia.
This is a frequent occurrence throughout pregnancy. However, for some women, it will resolve itself after birth when the abdominal muscle regains power.
Is a B Belly Harmful to Your Pregnancy?
A B-shaped belly will not affect your pregnancy or labour or predict whether you will have a vaginal or c-section delivery.
If you had a c-section, a belly apron may make healing more difficult, but it is not impossible!
Health Concerns
Those who are overweight are more likely to suffer from:
- Gestational diabetes
- Preeclampsia (high blood pressure)
- Back pain
- Miscarriage
- Still birth
Emotional Concerns
There may also be emotional difficulties associated with having a different belly shape than planned during pregnancy. Understand that every pregnant body is unique, and yours is working hard to nourish and develop your child.
If you have a bump that looks like the letter B, know that you are not alone. Your bump may change form throughout your pregnancy, and even if it doesn’t, it’s not anything you need to be concerned about.