Showing During Pregnancy: What's Normal?

by Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo

I'm 16 weeks pregnant and don't seem to be "showing" enough. Is this normal?

With the variations in women's sizes, waists, pelvises, and figures, there is no official "showing" silhouette that you should try to squeeze into. Also, such factors as swelling, eating habits (large meals vs. smaller meals), and the clothing you choose all have an affect on your "maternal" self-image.

You will start showing soon enough, I promise. In the meantime, let your health care provider tell you if there's anything suspicious about your size—and indirectly about your baby's growth. If there is, that's where ultrasound can settle it. I would suspect, however, that everything is progressing normally with your pregnancy. In a few weeks, you'll probably look at this question and laugh—especially during your last trimester—trust me, they'll be no doubt that you're pregnant!

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