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Athiya Shetty, the Indian actress and wife of KL Rahul, is in the limelight as she debuted her baby bump. She was on her way to attend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series in Australia. This public appearance comes after she and her husband, cricketer KL Rahul, announced their pregnancy in November 2024.
The couple had shared their joyous news on social media, stating, "Our beautiful blessing is coming soon. 2025," with a visual of baby feet and an evil eye charm. Continue reading to learn more about when a mother's baby bump becomes visible.
At What Month Do Mothers Get A Visible Baby Bump?
#AthiyaShetty flaunts her baby bump as she steps out with #AnushkaSharma.🫶🏻#Trending pic.twitter.com/oEWsNIR0ei
This question often comes to mind for women who are pregnant for the first time: when will their belly start to show? According to Dr Gouri Rai, an obstetrician-gynaecologist, Dr. Gouri Women & Fertility Clinic, Indore, a baby bump is not visible during the first three months of pregnancy because the baby's growth is quite slow at this stage. Below are key points regarding when a baby bump becomes visible during pregnancy.
- Normal Growth: Many women worry that not having a visible belly indicates a lack of growth in the baby; however, this is not the case. The baby's growth is normal during this time.
- When the Bump Appears: The baby bump typically starts to show at the end of the fourth month or the beginning of the fifth month.
- First Pregnancy Considerations: For first-time mothers, the baby bump may appear a bit later due to tighter abdominal muscles.
- Normal Variation: It is normal for the belly not to be visible in the early months, and this does not affect the baby's growth or health.
- Belly Size Variation: The size of a woman’s belly can vary significantly from person to person, and this variation does not impact the health of the baby.
- Focus on Health: In the first three months, it’s important for women to pay attention to their diet and lifestyle, following their doctor’s advice to support proper baby development.
How To Care For Baby Bump?
Caring for your baby bump during pregnancy involves several important practices to ensure both your comfort and the health of your growing baby. Below are some essential tips for caring for your baby bump during pregnancy.
- Stand and Sit Properly: Use a wide stance for balance and sit in supportive chairs. Consider using a cushion for lumbar support.
- Footwear: Wear low-heeled shoes that support your arches to avoid straining your back.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in safe activities such as walking or swimming to strengthen your back and improve overall health.
- Prenatal Classes: Consider joining yoga or stretching classes designed for pregnant women.
- Balanced Diet: Eat a variety of healthy foods, including iron-rich options like lean meats, beans, and leafy greens.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your health and digestion.
- Moisturise: Use cocoa butter or any other moisturiser to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks on the body.
- Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen daily to protect against increased pigmentation and skin changes.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: Use heating pads or ice packs on sore areas to relieve pain.
- Sleep Comfortably: Sleep on your side with pillows for support between your knees and under your belly.
With all that being said, a baby bump typically becomes visible between the end of the fourth month and the beginning of the fifth month. However, it is normal for first-time mothers to show up later. Emphasising proper nutrition, regular check-ups, and self-care will support both the mother's comfort and the baby's healthy development.