Belly Button Pain During Pregnancy

Overview

During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through a lot of changes. Some women's belly buttons change during pregnancy. As your belly gets bigger it is common to experience pain in your belly button, especially in your second or third trimester. 

Causes of belly button pain during pregnancy

If you are  having pain in your belly button, it could be because of your body shape, how you are  carrying, or your skin's elasticity. Or, it could be caused by numerous  other things or medical conditions. Most of the time, the pain isn't dangerous. It should go away on its own or after the baby is born. These are a few examples of the most common ones.

StretchingYour skin and muscles have been stretched to their limits by the end of your pregnancy. As you go through stages of rapid growth, you may get stretch marks, itching, and pain. During all this moving and changing, your belly button is in the spotlight. The belly button  can get irritated as a result of this procedure.³

Piercings

If you have any piercings on your belly button you might want to take it out to  avoid getting an infection. Piercings can take up to a year to heal. So If you have any itching or burning sensations in your belly button area, you might have an infection. If you do have an infection do not  remove the piercing as it can seal the infection and cause an abscess to form. Consult a doctor before removing the piercing.²

Pressure from the uterus

During the first trimester of pregnancy, your uterus is small and does not  reach far beyond your pubic bone. As soon as the uterus begins to protrude, you will then begin to show. This pressure will push on your abdomen and belly button which can cause you to feel discomfort on your belly button.¹

Umbilical hernia

 When there is too much pressure in the abdomen it can cause an umbilical hernia. This condition does not  just affect pregnant women however the chance of developing this condition increases if you are pregnant or obese. 

You may experience some belly button pain but you may also notice a bulge near your navel, swelling, or vomiting. If you have any of these symptoms, you should visit a doctor as this could lead to serious complications. Without treatment, the hernia can trap any of the organs or other tissue in your abdomen and reduce blood supply which could be life-threatening^.1 

Management and treatment for belly button pain during pregnancy

You can try the following to reduce belly button pain that is caused by pregnancy : ^[4],[5]

• Lying on your side or your back as you sleep. 
• Wearing a belly band helps support the belly band and prevent skin stretching. 
• Engaging in water-based activities to relieve added belly or back weight. 
• Dressing in cotton clothing that is  breathable, comfy, and light. 
• Massaging cocoa butter or any other moisturising  moisturiser  into the area near the belly button. 

You should consult your doctor if the discomfort in your belly button persists or becomes  worse over time so they can determine whether there is another issue causing it.

When to call your doctor

Speak to a doctor if the pain in your belly button lasts for an extended period of time, is very severe, or develops with other symptoms. If it hasn't gone away after four hours, you should phone your doctor and get treatment as soon as possible.

Summary

Belly button pain during pregnancy is common but if the pain is persistent, it is important to see a doctor to identify the underlying reason and receive the proper care.

FAQs

Is belly button pain common

Mild belly button discomfort is normally not a reason for alarm. Those who have considerable and persistent pain or discomfort, however, should see a doctor. Belly button  pain may be caused by an umbilical hernia. This may develop during pregnancy due to abdominal muscle changes.

Is belly button pain a sign of miscarriage

Belly button pain or mild stomach pain in early pregnancy (during the first trimester) is usually caused by your womb expanding, your ligaments stretching as your bump grows, hormones, constipation, or trapped wind. However, cramping and discomfort in the lower abdomen might indicate a miscarriage.

Is belly button pain also an early sign of pregnancy

The area surrounding your navel has the thinnest abdominal wall. This region may become sensitive and painful as a result of the increased pressure caused by pregnancy. However, belly button pain alone is not a sign of pregnancy. 

At what stage of pregnancy is belly button pain common

Belly button  pain is common, especially in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.