Weirdly shaped big belly

[Joy27]

I've always had quite a flat stomach thanks to genetics and exercise - if I ever put on a little weight it would be on my lower abdomen as a little soft paunch. I've never had a sticky out tummy. Don't worry- [not smug emoticon]- I have a huge arse to make up for it.

Now I'm 13+ weeks pregnant, and though I'd love to have a little bump (a fried of mine has a lovely bump already at only a week ahead of me- , can't help it), I've noticed that it's the top of my stomach that is sticking out. It's almost like a little bulgy bump, and it's definitely not the baby (way too high- more like where my stomach is). It's relatively firm, sort of drum-like, and not squishy. It sticks out noticably further than my lower abdomen where the blinkin pregnancy is actually taking place, and has even caused people to say "ooh you're showing already". Meanwhile the baby seems to be staying snugly tucked into my childbearing hips. It looks altogether odd.

Has anyone else had this? Is it just me putting on weight due to the extra snacks I've been scoffing to ward off sickness and the fact I've stopped my exercise classes? But then it's not squishy and isn't where I'd normally put on weight. Or is it just one of those pregnancy things? Or just me?

[anniebigpants]

Ive got the same, though cant remember last time i had a flat stomach. Im now 22 weeks and showing quite a lot but its still top of stomach which is hard, bottom part is still squishy. This is my second DC and i cant remember it being like this with the first one.

[Joy27]

It's annoying isn't it?!

I wonder whether it's because I'm a little "bunged up".

The thing is, I can feel my uterus at the bottom, it's hard and round but not sticking out. Unlike the Freak Belly.

Sympathies!

[lynniep]

I've always had a 'harder' bump just underneath my boobs when I'm pregnant. The bit below it is just lynniep belly and lovely and squishy. This has always confused me too as I know which way baby is lying and theres no apparent reason why is more prominent higher up. It just is. I have a high bump. It seems to affect me more in the breathing department (I'm 25 weeks now) too.

[Joy27]

Glad to read that I'm not alone!

It's not such a big deal, really, but I am haunted by the idea that I might develop a weird B-shaped tummy which goes in halfway down, when I get a bona fide baby bump!

[mogend77]

My theory (I have had the same experience, though not the flat pre-pregnancy tummy unfortunately) is that it shows & feels firm higher up earlier because your lower organs are being pushed up to make way for the womb.

[Joy27]

mogend that is an excellent theory! Makes sense as my weird bulging upper abdo definitely looks/feels "full" of something rather than being fat or gas alone! Having said that I am get quite podgy too and would just really like a lovely round little bump.