The navel has darkened. Why can the navel protrude, darken and become hot during pregnancy? What should I do? Where to go, what to do if your belly button starts to hurt during pregnancy

Pregnancy seriously affects not only a woman’s emotional and physical state, but also her appearance. Every day, changes occur in the body of the expectant mother, and the most important of them is the continuous development of the baby. Many women note that along with the growth of the abdomen, the navel changes during pregnancy.

From about 20 weeks, the navel begins to protrude forward, taking the shape of a button. Doctors consider a slight increase in the width of the umbilical ring in the absence of severe discomfort to be quite normal. Why might this appear and how dangerous is it? Let's take a closer look.

I would like to immediately note that not all women experience significant changes in their navel. From the second half of pregnancy, when the belly begins to rapidly increase, many expectant mothers notice that the umbilical cavity gradually smoothes out and loses its usual shape. Shortly before giving birth, the navel becomes convex during pregnancy. Why is this happening?

There is no need to worry, such changes are normal. The navel will return to its previous state after pregnancy and the birth of a child. Factors influencing the change in the shape of the navel in the expectant mother are a large fetus, polyhydramnios, and rapid weight gain - under these conditions, the stomach will grow faster and the navel will protrude.

Why can your belly button hurt?

Pain in the umbilical region is usually associated with the rapid growth of the unborn baby, which is noted with. The skin on the abdomen is subject to excessive stretching, causing discomfort in the form of itching and pulling sensations. This is called tension pain, and the condition is not at all dangerous.

Unpleasant sensations in the navel may be associated with stretching of the umbilical ligament muscles, which have become displaced due to the rapid enlargement of the uterus.

The same discomfort can be explained by weakness of the abdominal muscles of the expectant mother. When they diverge, a phenomenon such as a blue navel during pregnancy is sometimes observed.

Shortly before childbirth, the navel muscles are stretched the most, as a result of which it protrudes forward, causing discomfort, for example, a woman may feel that her navel is itching during pregnancy. This is also normal, no need to worry. The main thing is that this condition is not accompanied by additional unpleasant symptoms.

Less commonly, pain in the navel during pregnancy may appear due to the development of pathological conditions. Therefore, if you experience any discomfort in the umbilical area, you should consult a doctor.

How to reduce pain?

If your belly button hurts or is very painful during pregnancy, you should be examined by a doctor. Until a specialist arrives, it is important to remain calm, not take painkillers and not apply heat to the sore spot. It is necessary to monitor changes in health, accompanying symptoms, and tell your doctor about everything.

If diseases can be excluded, a healthy diet, wearing a special bandage for pregnant women and moderate physical activity will help eliminate nagging pain and discomfort in the umbilical area. It is also recommended to sleep exclusively on your left side, swim and walk more in the fresh air.

Diseases that cause pain in the navel

During pregnancy, the navel can become sick in the early stages and right up to childbirth for more dangerous reasons.

Sometimes this condition is caused by the following diseases:

• umbilical hernia;
• appendicitis;
• diseases of the stomach, liver and pancreas;
• diseases of the urinary system;
• gynecological problems.

Nausea, lack of bowel movements, bloating, tightness and a feeling of pulsation in the umbilical area usually indicate the development of a hernia. If there are accompanying symptoms, this pathology is also indicated by a hot navel. If mechanical pressure on it causes unbearable pain, there is no doubt about the diagnosis.

Pain occurring above the navel often indicates gastroduodenitis and other pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. Exacerbation of existing chronic diseases of the digestive system during pregnancy is not uncommon, since all organs of the abdominal cavity have to function in slightly altered conditions.

Pain below the navel, accompanied by urinary disorders, may be associated with urological problems, for example. In this case, you should not self-medicate, since any infectious and inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system are unsafe for pregnancy.

Discomfortable sensations in the navel area with simultaneous pulling in the lower abdomen indicate increased uterine tone. This condition threatens the continuation of pregnancy, so it is not recommended to ignore the symptoms. For all of the above conditions, you should seek emergency help.

Protrusion of the navel during pregnancy

Many women, after the 20th week of pregnancy, notice that the navel begins to protrude outward, as if opening inside out. The less fat layer on the belly of the expectant mother, the more obvious this sign is.

The protrusion depends on the degree of stretching of the abdominal muscles and the increase in the width of the umbilical ring. Some pregnant women experience fear about this, worrying about the shape of the navel and abdomen in the future. But there is no need to worry, even if your belly button came out and sticks out during pregnancy, after childbirth everything will return to its place.

Darkening of the navel

In addition to the protrusion of the navel, a woman may experience darkening of the skin in the peri-umbilical area and along the abdominal line. This occurs as a result of hormonal changes in the body of the expectant mother and the accumulation of skin pigment in these places.

A dark navel during pregnancy can be observed throughout the entire period, but 6 weeks after birth, the darkening almost completely disappears. Therefore, if the expectant mother has a darkened navel, she can be confident that its normal state will be restored.

If you have a piercing

Among modern women and girls, piercing is often a decoration for such an intimate place as the navel. Doctors have a negative attitude towards this procedure, considering it unsafe.

During pregnancy, the body changes a lot. Internal restructuring and external changes are taking place. This is a normal natural process that lasts throughout the entire period of pregnancy. Changes in the functioning of internal organs and hormonal levels often lead to unpleasant symptoms that bother the expectant mother.

How does the navel change during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the navel darkens due to increased melanin production

Almost all changes in the navel during gestation are caused by stretching of the uterus and enlargement of the abdomen. Expectant mothers encounter this phenomenon starting from the second trimester of pregnancy. The navel protrudes slightly forward, becomes like a small button, itches and can change color. In the absence of pain and other unpleasant symptoms, a woman has no reason to worry.

Navel protrusion

After 20-25 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus gradually fills the entire space of the abdominal cavity. There is less and less space left for the internal organs, even the umbilical cavity is filled. These changes cause protrusion of the navel.

Another reason for the navel protruding outward is weakness of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. In women who neglect physical activity before and during pregnancy, muscle tissue is less elastic and quickly loses its strength and elasticity.

Women most often experience changes in the shape of the navel if they are overweight, have polyhydramnios, or have multiple pregnancies. The short period between the current and previous pregnancy becomes another provoking factor.

Color change

Most expectant mothers notice that during pregnancy the navel and the skin around it darken, and a dark stripe appears in the middle of the abdomen. These changes are caused by restructuring of the body and increased production of sex hormones, as a result of which skin pigmentation changes.

Not just a darkened, but a blue navel should be a cause for concern. This may be a sign of illness or a serious pregnancy complication. In addition to color changes, women experience pain in the umbilical ring and other alarming symptoms.

Intestinal infections accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. The navel becomes hot, begins to prick and hurt. Pathologies are dangerous not only due to exhaustion and dehydration of the expectant mother’s body, but they provoke an increase in the tone of the uterus and can cause premature birth.

Due to the fact that the enlarged uterus displaces all internal organs, pain during inflammation of the appendix can be localized not only on the right side of the abdomen. The navel, lower abdomen, and right hypochondrium begin to hurt. Added to the unpleasant sensations are bluish skin around the umbilical cavity, nausea, vomiting and increased body temperature.

The causes of intestinal colic are often flatulence or constipation. This condition does not pose a threat to the unborn child, but causes significant discomfort to the pregnant woman. Characteristic symptoms of intestinal dysfunction are pain in the navel and a feeling of “bloating” in the abdomen.

If the navel protrudes strongly, hurts and turns blue or black, this may be due to umbilical hernia. On palpation, a lump is felt in the navel area. A woman should not ignore such symptoms.

To the main symptoms pathologies of the digestive system include pain in the navel, discoloration of the skin around it, nausea, defecation disorders, dryness and bitterness in the mouth. The intensity of discomfort depends on the form, stage and nature of the disease.

Painful sensations in the navel, excessive protrusion and discoloration of the skin may indicate gynecological pathologies: threat of miscarriage, frozen or ectopic pregnancy. Such complications are accompanied by severe cramping pain, a feeling of pulsation in the abdomen, bloody discharge from the vagina, and an increase in body temperature.

If a woman's navel turns black during pregnancy, this may indicate that the fetus has become entangled in the umbilical cord. This condition is very dangerous for the unborn child. Entanglement leads to poor circulation, lack of oxygen and hypoxia.

Other changes

Expectant mothers often experience itching in the navel area. This symptom can bother a woman from the very beginning of pregnancy. It is caused by changes in hormonal levels. In addition, the navel may itch due to increased sensitivity of the skin of the abdomen.

After 30 weeks of gestation, other causes of itching appear:

• umbilical ring stretching;
• excessive tension of the abdominal muscles, as a result of which they diverge;
• active movements of the baby, during which he can irritate the nerve endings in the navel area.

Sometimes the belly button can fall back. If at the same time the stomach also sank, the woman urgently needs to seek help. Such symptoms may be signs of dangerous diseases.

When will the belly button color return to its original color?

Changes in pigmentation appear already in the first trimester of pregnancy: the navel becomes brown, and a dark stripe appears on the abdomen.

All changes are reversible. The darkening of the navel will disappear as soon as the woman’s hormonal levels stabilize after childbirth. This happens differently for everyone. For some, the color becomes the same 3-4 months after the birth of the baby, for others - a few weeks after the start of menstruation. The only exception is the brown color of the nipples - after the first pregnancy it remains that way forever.

Not every pregnant woman experiences changes in pigmentation due to increased levels of adrenal hormones.

What can you do if pigmentation appears during pregnancy?

Any discomfort that worries the expectant mother must be reported to the gynecologist at the appointment. Only a doctor will be able to determine the cause of the pain, the change in color of the navel and the skin around it.

If unpleasant symptoms appear, a woman should not take any painkillers or laxatives on her own. Such actions will significantly complicate making a correct diagnosis.

If the navel has darkened due to changes in hormonal levels, and there are no other alarming symptoms, the woman will not be prescribed any treatment. It is possible to conduct ultrasound and Dopplerography to exclude the possibility of fetal circulatory disorders and the development of other pathologies.

The expectant mother is advised to carefully monitor hygiene and take a contrast shower to increase the firmness and elasticity of the skin. An important point is the prevention of stretch marks. To avoid the appearance of stretch marks, you need to regularly moisturize the skin and use a special cream or oil.

If complications during pregnancy or other dangerous diseases are detected, the woman is hospitalized in a hospital for therapeutic procedures.

Anyone pregnant who has this? and got the best answer

Reply from User deleted[expert]
Yes, it’s like this for everyone, don’t worry, it won’t come undone, the blue ones are wreaths, there may also be a stripe in the middle of the abdomen (from the pubis to the navel), the pigmentation is like that. Don’t worry too much, apply stretch mark creams. I have two children and this happened with every pregnancy :)

Answer from Yl[guru]
Oh girls, how I envy you. My little one will be one year old in a week, but I remember the whole pregnancy as if it were yesterday. I applied regular cream to my tummy for stretch marks, but where they were supposed to appear, they did. Before giving birth, I generally had the feeling that the navel on my stomach was simply drawn. and then I gave birth and within a year everything fell into place. So, dear mothers, don’t worry in vain, take care of yourself and your babies. Think about the good and look at the beautiful and everything will be fine. Good luck to you!!

Answer from Big girls don't cry[guru]
I had this happen (blue skin around my navel), it was scary. there's really nothing to be afraid of.

Answer from Merely[guru]
I’m 38 weeks, my stomach feels like it’s going to burst, there’s no belly button at all! The only big minus is that I have a piercing in my navel, and because of this, small stretch marks have formed. Do not worry everything will be fine!! ! =))

Answer from helga[guru]
I also had the feeling that I was about to burst, but not at the 28th week, but later, somewhere after the 36th... I couldn’t cope with this disgusting feeling... I just carried myself very carefully and rested more often.

Answer from User deleted[guru]
stretch marks or muscles do not want to relax and the skin is stretched. Better go see a doctor.

Answer from Novikova Vera[guru]
I have stretch marks all over my stomach.

Answer from User deleted[guru]
Natalia! I had the same thing, it’s just that you’re probably carrying a boy - with boys, the stomach is pulled forward, the belly button is out! I had this: Two of my boys had a dark brown belly button! Now they are already 9 months old, but the brown stripe is still there, the color of the navel has faded over time! Don't worry! All this is normal!

Answer from Pumpkin[guru]
could it be varicose veins? Are there any visible veins on your legs by any chance?

Answer from Lyuba[newbie]
buy a bandage urgently, and the gynecologist should measure what size you need, otherwise the stretch marks will be so nasty...

Answer from Ksyutka[guru]
Lubricate with olive oil)) to prevent stretch marks from appearing

Answer from YENATA[active]
If you do not use creams, stretch marks will appear that do not go away after pregnancy...

Answer from Elena[guru]
Why don’t you ask a gynecologist?

Answer from Natasha[expert]
Use Vichy creams for stretch marks both during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Answer from Darling[guru]
don’t worry, your stomach is just stretching, nothing will burst, what are you talking about?

Answer from Natalia Glumina[guru]
It seems so to us...) I also have the feeling that the skin is stretched... :) and the navel can still come out forward or, on the contrary, “dent” into the tummy...) I apply cream for stretch marks, now I’m almost 38 weeks, ttt... nothing, the cream softens the skin very well... I use mustella...)

Answer from Anyuta[guru]
most likely banal stretch marks. Apply cream, otherwise it may stay that way, only they will be light

Answer from Bee26[guru]
I saw that there are very dark stripes along the stomach. Basically, the darker the woman, the darker the stripe.

Answer from Victoria Vlasova[guru]
Can you answer for those who are no longer pregnant? 🙂
There are suspicions that you have stretch marks or so-called stretch marks! If this is them, then this in no way depends on the number of weeks, but only on the elasticity of your skin and hormonal levels! To the great regret of many, they cannot be avoided if they have already begun!
And the second suspicion is simply pregnant pigmentation, it first turns blue and then turns brown! goes away after birth! I had something similar, it’s a pity I can’t see it, it’s easier to tell from the photo!
Have an easy birth!

Pregnancy is not only hormonal changes, but also daily external changes due to the continuous growth and development of the fetus. The belly of the expectant mother becomes larger, rounded, the skin becomes tighter, and sometimes the navel begins to protrude against this background.

What happens to the navel during pregnancy?

From the second half of pregnancy, when the belly begins to increase significantly, the navel may also become convex. These changes are completely normal and are due to one of the following reasons:

• high water;
• rapid weight gain;
• multiple births.

In these conditions, the belly of the expectant mother rounds much faster, which is why the umbilical cavity is smoothed out, and the navel itself protrudes outward.

Why can your belly button hurt?

Pain in the navel is a rather uncomfortable feeling, both physically and mentally. It worries and makes you worry not only about your health, but also about the condition of the baby.

Reference! Nagging pain in the navel area is a type of normal.

Natural causes of belly button pain include:

• Skin stretching. The abdomen of some pregnant women increases in size very quickly, because of this the skin on it becomes very tense, which is reflected in pain in the umbilical cavity.
• Physiology. The baby grows and takes up more and more space, causing the internal organs to shift.
• Low abdominal muscle tone. In unsportsmanlike mothers, pain in the navel is much more common. This is due to the fact that the abdominal muscles simply cannot cope with the increasing load.
• Hormonal changes. In some cases, the cause of discomfort is hormones that soften ligamentous tissues.

From the above it follows that pain in the navel is normal and natural if:

• it is short-term;
• discomfort does not occur systematically;
• no bleeding;
• body temperature does not rise above normal.

In all other cases, you should consult a doctor in order to minimize the risk of miscarriage.

Diseases that cause pain in the navel:

Monitoring changes in how you feel during pregnancy is extremely important, as cutting, stabbing, or cramping pain may indicate health problems.

- gynecological diseases

If the pain in the lower abdomen radiates to the navel and is accompanied by vaginal discharge, then there are problems with the pelvic organs. In this case, you should not hesitate to visit a gynecologist, since the cause of unpleasant sensations may be:

• semolina hypertonicity;
• ectopic pregnancy;
• risk of miscarriage.

- hernia (umbilical or strangulated)

This condition is accompanied by vague symptoms of gastrointestinal distress: constipation, heartburn, bloating, nausea and vomiting.

Important! Without timely treatment, a hernia can develop into intestinal necrosis.

The disease requires urgent medical diagnosis, and in some cases, surgical intervention.

- appendicitis

Discomfort in the navel area may indicate inflammation of the appendix. Moreover, the pain is so strong that the expectant mother feels its echoes with every movement. The distinctive signs of appendicitis are as follows:

• pain in the hypochondrium on the right side;
• feeling of nausea and vomiting;
• bowel problems (diarrhea or constipation).

Under no circumstances should you try to eliminate such pain on your own - at the first signs you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

- food poisoning

Not everyone can create a correct and balanced menu during pregnancy, especially when unusual food cravings or desires to combine incompatible foods appear.

Reference! An intestinal infection can cause uterine hypertonicity and cause miscarriage.

Food poisoning is characterized by the following symptoms:

• severe, cutting, cramping pain;
• nausea and vomiting;
• loud rumbling in the stomach;
• high fever and chills.

The first thing to do in case of poisoning is to take a few tablets of activated carbon and call a doctor at home.

- gastrointestinal problems

Unpleasant sensations in the navel and above can worsen in women with chronic or untreated gastrointestinal diseases. The feeling of heartburn, mild nausea and colic after eating does not become an unpleasant surprise for the expectant mother. In this case, the doctor, in order to reduce the level of discomfort, prescribes the patient to take enzyme preparations.

During the second trimester, food begins to move down the esophagus more slowly than usual. It is absolutely normal if during this period there will be stabbing and cutting sensations in the stomach.

Reference! You can avoid problems with intestinal peristalsis if you adhere to the principles of a diet for pregnant women.

Piercing and navel pain during pregnancy

Navel piercing is a fairly popular piercing among young girls. Below are five facts about how this decoration affects the condition of a woman in an interesting position:

1. If the puncture is done long before pregnancy, it does not pose any danger to the health of the mother and child.
2. It happens that piercing is carried out in the early stages of pregnancy, even before the expectant mother finds out about her new status. In this case, it is better to remove the earring and let the wound heal. If this is not done, then as the abdomen grows, the puncture will increase in size and begin to fester.
3. Piercing does not interfere with a woman until 5-7 months of pregnancy. As your belly increases, it is better to replace your metal earring with jewelry made from safe, flexible plastic.
4. The earring will need to be removed immediately before childbirth or caesarean section.
5. To prevent infection, regularly wipe the puncture site with an antiseptic.

Prevention of discomfort

When pain in the navel is due to physiological reasons, the doctor is simply unable to help the patient with medication. She herself will have to take care of reducing the level of discomfort. The following tips will help you relieve unpleasant symptoms:

• Sleep on your side or on a special semicircular pillow for pregnant women. This will help reduce skin tension on the abdomen and relieve stress on the abdominal muscles.
• Play sports. Do light exercises at home or attend specialized courses for expectant mothers. Don't forget about daily walks in the fresh air.
• Wear a “mother belt.” It takes on part of the load and relieves discomfort when standing.
• Use special cosmetics for stretch marks. Creams, lotions or oils moisturize the skin well, make it elastic, and relieve itching and irritation.

Note! Women who used stretch mark creams during pregnancy regain their skin tone and firmness much faster after childbirth.

Conclusion

Pain in the navel and its protrusion are completely natural processes caused by the enlargement of the uterus and the growth of the child. However, you should not treat everything too carelessly: pregnancy is a condition in which reinsurance is never superfluous.

Especially for- Elena Kichak

Pregnancy changes a woman's appearance. The tummy increases as the baby needs more and more space inside. Expectant mothers often worry about their belly button. The closer to childbirth, the more it emerges and changes. It's only natural that moms worry about why pregnant women's belly buttons pop out.

Causes

According to observations of pregnant women, by the 25th week the navel noticeably protrudes and protrudes in all expectant mothers (see photo). Sometimes it seems that he is about to turn inside out. If a woman is thin, this is especially noticeable.

Many pregnant women have a natural fear that the navel will not return to normal. Such fears are unnecessary. The fact that the navel protrudes in pregnant women is associated with stretching of the muscles of the peritoneum, as a result of which the umbilical ring enlarges. After childbirth, it will decrease, and the navel will return to its previous state.

Sometimes a pregnant woman may notice that her navel has darkened (see photo). Such changes are associated with hormonal changes in the body. They affect skin pigmentation, causing the umbilical ring to change shade. There is no need to worry about your belly button protruding and darkening: within a few weeks after giving birth, the color of the skin around your belly button will return to its previous state.

Until the beginning of the second trimester, the pregnant woman does not notice any special changes in the shape and color of the navel. However, if the expectant mother had an umbilical hernia, it may begin to grow during pregnancy. If you have had this disease and your belly button protrudes a lot during pregnancy, you should consult your doctor.

Is it possible to get a piercing?

Pregnancy and piercings are not always compatible. Officially, the procedure is not prohibited for expectant mothers, but piercing can cause serious complications during childbirth and stretch marks that do not go away after the birth of the child. If your belly button sticks out during pregnancy, then it becomes clear why you should not get a piercing at this time. Leave the decoration for the period after birth and calmly carry and give birth to the baby.

If you decide to get a piercing during pregnancy, the cause of concern is often a bruise in the navel area. As the navel protrudes, the skin around it becomes thin, veins and blood vessels may become visible and even burst. Bruising, if not bothersome, should not be a cause for concern if the piercing was done before pregnancy. But a woman in this position should not undergo this procedure.

If the navel itches and comes out during pregnancy, this indicates that the skin around it has become very thin and dry. To soften it, you can use moisturizing cosmetics; stretch mark cream is perfect.

It is quite normal for the belly button to protrude during pregnancy. Some women see this as a benefit. So, an everting navel indicates that your belly is growing, and the baby is growing with it. This fact fully explains why the navel comes out and sticks out.

If your belly button hurts

Pain and discomfort in pregnant women may be due to the fact that the skin is stretched, the navel protrudes, and the baby inside is growing rapidly. Sometimes it seems as if the navel is being stretched from the inside. This process is completely natural; new sensations should not frighten a woman.

As soon as childbirth passes, the navel returns to its original place, and the painful sensations disappear. If you are not bothered by colic, fever, abdominal pain, or diarrhea, then you should not be afraid of a protruding navel.

The reason that pain develops in the navel area may be heavy physical activity during pregnancy. The abdominal muscles tense, as a result the woman feels pain and tingling. If muscle tone is weak, an umbilical hernia develops, which persists after childbirth. The longer the period, the greater the likelihood that this pathology will develop.

The hernia itself is not a dangerous disease. If a woman wears a bandage and follows the doctor’s recommendations, then there is nothing to worry about. When a hernia develops, you should not lift weights or put too much stress on the body, as this will lead to intestinal strangulation. This situation requires urgent surgery, which is extremely undesirable during pregnancy.

If the pain in the navel area is minor and does not bother you, you do not need to pay attention to it. They only confirm natural changes in the body.

However, sometimes a protruding and painful navel is a sign of a serious illness:

Appendicitis in this case, the pain will spread to the entire right side of the abdomen.

Gastrointestinal infections, pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and high fever.

Other gastrointestinal diseases.

Gynecological diseases, which often become acute during pregnancy.

If a woman feels discomfort, it is better for her to seek help from a doctor. Perhaps the situation is not serious and there is no need to worry. Laboratory tests will help to conduct a thorough diagnosis. However, it is very dangerous to carry out an independent course of therapy for a pregnant woman. It’s better not to take risks and trust your doctor.