How Pregnancy Changes Your Belly Button

It may sound silly to devote a whole article to the pregnant belly button, but there are a lot of questions on this topic! So here are the answers to some of the most popular questions about the belly button of a pregnant woman and how to help the pregnant belly button.

The Belly Button Pops Out

Sometimes during pregnancy, your pregnant belly button will stick out. Even if you've been an "innie" all of your life, during pregnancy the expansion of your abdomen can cause you to be a "flattie" or an "outie."

There isn't much you can do about this usually temporary condition, except to cover it with clothing or let it all just hang out. Some women have taped something over it to create a more flat appearance under their clothing, like a bandage.

Belly Button Goes Flat

Another variation of belly button changes is that your belly button can go flat. Yes, as your stomach expands with the baby, you may notice that your belly button becomes flat and taut against your skin. This is normal and will usually revert back to your normal belly button once your baby is born. Sometimes this has a flap of skin that lays flat with an indent. This is not a cause for concern.

Itching

Itchy skin, particularly around the belly button, is fairly common. As the skin stretches it may become irritated and itchy. This is usually temporary and normal. Try to keep it clean with soap and water and well hydrated with your favorite lotion for some relief. An over-the-counter hydrocortisone or antihistamine cream can help temporarily.

If you don't find relief in these over-the-counter products, talk to your provider. An isolated itchy navel should not be confused with pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP). This is a diffuse and severely itchy rash and will occur all over the torso, rather than just on the belly button. Your doctor or midwife can give you more information if this is suspected.

Belly Button Pain 

Sometimes pregnant people will have a painful sensation inside their belly button. This can be caused by the stretching of the skin on your abdomen or it can a muscular issue. Always report pain to your doctor or midwife. They may have some suggestions for how to help alleviate the pain, but for most women, it is temporary as the belly stretches.

Belly Button Piercings and Pregnancy

If you have your navel or belly button pierced, you may wonder if you need to remove the belly button ring in pregnancy. If you do need to remove it, when should you do so? Or are there specific rings that work better than others in pregnancy?

Many women have had their navels pierced prior to becoming pregnant. They each make different decisions regarding the belly button ring during pregnancy. Some people choose to remove it at their practitioner's request, especially as the pregnancy progresses. Theoretically, as the pregnant abdomen stretches, the ring could potentially tear through the umbilical skin. Many women choose to use a silicone or plastic ring to keep the piercing open, and replace the original ring after delivery.