Is it normal for the navel to protrude during pregnancy?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Yes, it is normal for your belly button to pop out during pregnancy. As your uterus grows and pushes your abdomen forward—typically around the second or third trimester—an "innie" navel often becomes an "outie." This change is harmless and usually reverses after delivery. However, if you notice significant bulging, pain, or a firm lump near your navel, it could signal an umbilical hernia and warrants evaluation by your doctor.

Not sure if what you're experiencing is typical pregnancy changes or something that needs medical attention? Every pregnancy is different, and subtle symptoms can sometimes point to conditions worth addressing early. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand your body's signals and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

During pregnancy, your abdominal wall stretches and your uterus enlarges, which can cause your navel (belly button) to protrude. This is a common, normal change due to the increased intra-abdominal pressure and the natural changes in connective tissue. In many women, what appears to be just a more prominent navel is simply part of the overall stretch and growth of the abdomen. However, if the protrusion of the navel is accompanied by pain, discomfort, or other unusual symptoms, it may indicate an umbilical hernia or another issue that could require medical attention. Studies have shown that umbilical hernias in pregnant women are not uncommon, and while many cases are benign, they sometimes require monitoring or intervention. If you're concerned about the changes in your navel or experience additional symptoms, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to better understand your symptoms before consulting your healthcare provider for further evaluation and peace of mind.

(References)

Kulacoglu H. Umbilical Hernia Repair and Pregnancy: Before, during, after…. Front Surg. 2018 Jan 29;5:1. doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2018.00001. PMID: 29435451; PMCID: PMC5796887.
Haskins IN, Rosen MJ, Prabhu AS, Amdur RL, Rosenblatt S, Brody F, Krpata DM. Umbilical hernia repair in pregnant patients: review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Hernia. 2017 Oct;21(5):767-770. doi: 10.1007/s10029-017-1633-8. Epub 2017 Jul 22. PMID: 28735364.
Tallhage S, Årestedt K, Schildmeijer K, Oscarsson M. Incidence and risk factors for umbilical cord prolapse in labor when amniotomy is used and with spontaneous rupture of membranes: A Swedish nationwide register study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2024 Feb;103(2):304-312. doi: 10.1111/aogs.14717. Epub 2023 Nov 15. Erratum in: Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2025 Jan;104(1):245. doi: 10.1111/aogs.15027. PMID: 37969005; PMCID: PMC10823388.

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