Has your “innie” started popping through your clothes? Many women find they suddenly have a "popped out" belly button during pregnancy, but it's a short-term change.

When does your belly button usually change during pregnancy?

Most women find that their navels begin changing around the end of the second trimester of pregnancy.

What causes belly button changes during pregnancy?

Your rapidly expanding uterus pushes your abdomen forward, making even the most inverted innie belly button become an outie.

What can I do about belly button changes when I'm pregnant?

There's nothing you can do to prevent changes to your navel during pregnancy: Just about every belly button pops at some point during pregnancy. Like so many other pregnancy symptoms, a popped-out belly button is harmless. However, if your navel is irritated from rubbing against your clothes, you can use a specially-designed belly button cover to smooth and protect it. Pregnancy support products like tummy sleeves or tummy shapers can also protect a popped-out navel.

Will my belly button go back to normal after pregnancy?

Yes, your belly button will get right back to its regular position a few months after delivery, although it may look a little stretched out or "lived in." It's a badge of honor to wear proudly!

What is an umbilical hernia?

In relatively rare cases, a popped navel can be a sign of an umbilical hernia, which happens when there's a small hole in the abdominal wall that allows abdominal tissue (like loops of the small intestine) to protrude through the umbilical area.

What causes an umbilical hernia during pregnancy?

Most umbilical hernias are congenital (meaning they're present at birth). In fact, they're common in newborns and usually close on their own after birth. Even when a small hole doesn't close up, it's not likely to cause problems or be noticeable until a growing uterus starts applying pressure, causing the hernia to get bigger and sometimes leading to a painful bulging around the belly button. Expecting multiples can up the odds of an umbilical hernia.

How do I know I have an umbilical hernia?

You might feel a soft lump around your navel that's more noticeable when you lie down, and you might see a bulge under the skin. You might also have a dull achy pain in the belly button area that becomes more noticeable when you're active, bend over, sneeze, cough or laugh hard.

What can I do about an umbilical hernia during pregnancy?

You can wear a belly band to help keep the hernia from bulging and causing pain. Some women find relief by gently massaging the lump until the bulging goes back in. Or, if it's not bothering you, you can choose to do nothing at all.

If, once you deliver your baby, the hernia doesn't recede on its own (or with the help of special exercises recommended by your practitioner), surgery may be required to repair it.

Can I get surgery for an umbilical hernia during pregnancy?

Surgery is not recommended for umbilical hernias during pregnancy unless a loop of bowel slips through the hole and becomes trapped (herniated), risking a loss of blood supply to that area. In that case, your practitioner may recommend that you have a simple operation to repair the hernia, usually during the second trimester.

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