Belly Button Changes During Pregnancy

Introduction:

Belly button alteration during pregnancy is a normal process. The belly button (navel) is where the umbilical cord is attached to the embryo. The umbilical cord adjoins the fetus to the placenta. The cord supplies the embryo with nutrients and oxygen and deposits the wastes away from the embryo. After the delivery of the fetus, the umbilical cord is not needed anymore. The physician slits the cord, and a small section is left from the belly of the fetus. After a few weeks, the remaining part of the umbilical cord falls off, and all that is left is the baby's belly button. The changes occur in the second trimester.

What Are the Belly Button Alterations During Gestation?

Popping Out of Belly Button:

• Sometimes during gestation, the belly button sticks out.

• Nothing much can be done about this generally as it is not a permanent condition, except to cover it with clothing. Some women paste tape on the belly button to develop a more flat appearance underneath the clothes.

• If the belly button pops out, the physician checks it to rule out a hernia. This sometimes happens during gestation or postpartum (after the delivery).

• At times there is abnormal bulging that does not become flat upon pressing. Many women develop umbilical hernias during gestation or make a pre-existing hernia more evident. Umbilical hernias develop in less than one percent of pregnancies.

Umbilical Hernia:

• An umbilical hernia occurs when the parts of the internal organs abnormally pass through a hole in a nearby muscle. These conditions occur because of elevated abdominal pressure. The hernia is a common finding developed during gestation.

• The umbilical hernia could be the reason for an enlargement associated with pain and tenderness around the belly button. These alterations can be life-threatening if the intestines pass through the abdominal muscle (diaphragm) because the organs get trapped with decreased blood flow.

• Symptoms that will help the woman determine if they developed a hernia include a soft lump that is more evident as they lay down, pain around the area, and severe aches while sneezing and bending.

• The women should consult a physician to ensure everything is safe and determine necessary treatment options. Some surgeries can revert this if it is severe, but this is of high risk during gestation. The surgery can be done after the baby’s delivery.

Dark Lines:

Some pregnant women develop dark lines around their belly button. The dark lines are a normal finding due to skin pigmentation and hormonal alterations. It also develops due to light bruising due to blood vessel leakage under the skin as there is stretching. The belly button popping out during gestation can become extra sensitive and develop what looks like a dark ring or bruise if irritated. It can sometimes occur due to clothing.

Linea Nigra:

The dark line starts from the belly button and ends at the level of the pubic bone. Not all women will develop it during gestation. It is usually present before pregnancy but is named linea alba, which describes a “white line” that is not visible.

Flattering of the Belly Button:

• Another category of belly button alterations is that the belly button can become flat. As the stomach expands with the fetus, the woman can visualize the belly button becoming flat and taut against the skin.

• This alteration is normal and will usually revert to the normal belly button once the fetus is delivered. In some cases, women can notice a flap of skin that attaches flat with an indent. This alternation is not a reason for concern.

Itching of the Belly Button:

• Itchy skin surrounding the belly button is the most common finding during gestation. This occurs as the skin surrounding the belly button stretches, causing dryness and itchiness. This alternation is temporary and normal.

• The skin is cleaned with soap and water and is well hydrated with the lotion for some relief. Hydrocortisone or antihistamine cream can help temporarily only if the physician recommends utilizing them.

• If the itching does not stop and there is no relief with these over-the-counter products, consult the physician. The isolated itchy navel has similar symptoms as Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP). Pruritis is an extensive and severely itchy rash that occurs all over the body's trunk rather than on the belly button.

Painful Belly Button:

• Pregnant women, in some cases, develop severe pain inside the belly button. The reason is due to stretching of the skin or muscle of the abdomen. Always report pain to the physician. For most people, the pain is temporary as the belly stretches.

• If an uncontrollable sharp pain feels like stabbing and does not go away after a minute, immediately report it to the physician.

Piercing of Belly Button and Gestation:

• Many people have a prior history of navel piercing before becoming pregnant. These women make different decisions regarding the belly button ring during gestation. Some women detach their piercings upon the physician's suggestion, especially as the gestation progresses.

• As the pregnant abdomen stretches; the ring can tear through the skin. Many people piece a silicone or plastic ring to ensure the piercing is not closed and replace the original ring after delivery.

What Are the Reasons for Belly Button Pain During Gestation?

• During gestation, as the fetus grows, the uterus (womb) expands its size more than usual to accommodate the growing fetus. The expansion causes pain in the abdomen and also the belly button.

• The uterine growth in the second and third trimesters and the fetus growth exerts pressure in the abdomen and eventually the belly button.

• These are the reasons for belly button pain, discomfort, and itchiness.

• The increased weight and the internal organs shift, causing the belly button to stretch. Skin stretching is the reason for belly button pain and discomfort.

• The popped-out belly button is the reason for increased sensitivity and pain.

• An umbilical hernia is a reason for elevated pain.

• Navel piercings also elevate the belly button pain.

Conclusion:

The belly button alternations during gestation are a part of the normal process. However, a few alternations are not normal. In case severe pain and discomfort does not resolve within time then it should be reported to the physician immediately. One must not ignore such alterations in the belly button during gestation.