Cone bump

[FudgeFlies]

Hi,

I’ve noticed that when I’m sitting up from lying position, my bump goes into a cone/pointy shape. It’s not painful it just looks weird. I’ve googled and searched on here, it sounds like diastasis recti (abdomen muscles splitting) however I could only find info/posts from women who have given birth already. I’m only 18+5 weeks, is this too early to experience this? Will it get worse? I’ll bring it up at my next appointment (which will be over the phone) but thought I’d get some reassurance and experiences from here :)

Hi I’ve been getting the same the last few days but I’m 37+4, like you say google is not helpful! My next appointment is Friday so going to ask MW then but I’ve just been trying to use my stomach muscles less if that makes sense 😳😂 like pushing myself up with my arms more 🤷🏽‍♀️

I get this. Google "coning" and "doming". It's to do with the abs splitting along the linea alba. It means you need to not rely on your abs to make movements.

It's quite normal in pregnancy. I had 3 children in 3 years. I'm now left with a 6 finger permanent gap. I constantly look pregnant. I will need surgery to repair. Not to scare you but ask your physio for a support band. Roll out of bed if you can

Good to hear I’m not the only one.
I’ve googled yes, but not useful at all, haven’t read anything about it happening this early on!
Would a support band benefit during or after pregnancy?
And yes, I’ve been starting to roll out of bed and not use my ab muscles to get up!

I had that 3 times, I just started rolling out of bed. Bounced back after each birth, out the hospital in size 8 jeans so for me it didn't cause any permanent damage/issues that needed to be worked on. I was pretty careful about not putting my abs under stress in general though.

@treetf that’s good to hear! I’ll have to be extra careful not to put too much strain on them

Yep dead normal. I've had four dc and it happened with them all, my tummy is fine and went back to (almost) normal after having them.

I have this too and have been wondering what it is/if it's normal! I'll have to start being more careful!

I made sure to roll out of bed etc from quite early on because of this, but I then ended up with hip pelvis pain because I stopped making proper use of other muscles in my abdomen and pelvis (because I just pushed myself up/over with my arms) . So you have to make sure you still use muscles in your bum/back and trans abdominal muscles. Sorry if this sounds a bit complicated but try squeezing your bum muscles and tensing the very bottom of your stomach when you get up and squeezing your knees together when you roll over.

As others have already said it is normal, it's where the linea alba stretches as your abs move to the side - this is a line of connective tissue. It's important not to strain the muscles as that can tear the linea alba and you can then be left with problems.
Most people recover well after birth, even if they tear, but it is worth avoiding sudden or resisted abdominal work. To strengthen the supporting muscles look at doing some pregnancy Pilates or yoga, they have the added benefit of supporting your pelvis too so can help to reduce PGP.

Thank you everyone. Will definitely start rolling out of bed instead of sitting up and using other muscles too - this might take some practice lol x

I'm 11 weeks with my second and this has started for me again. Started about 24 weeks with my first. Only now have I realised it's a thing, I just thought it was my bump moving last time but obviously this time round my bump isn't that high up so early. I've got a pregnancy support belt, should I start using it now? As I'm picking up my 8 month old all the time still so can't really not use my stomach muscles.

I noticed this a few weeks ago. I haveade a concerted effort to not use my stomach muscles as much and if I notice my stomach starting to dome when moving I stop and adjust the way I move. I've stopped noticing it some when I generally move about.
I am trying to use it as a reminder than my stomach muscles need so care and try not to worry too much more about it because I freaked myself out with too much googling when it first happened. It has reminded me that I need to take care of my muscles more so I have downloaded a kegle app to make sure I'm doing my pelvic floor exercises.

Glad to hear it’s quite common.