Why Do I Feel a Lump in My Stomach When I Am Lying Down?

When you lie down, your abdominal muscles relax, and this can sometimes cause certain lumps or bumps to become more prominent. One possibility is a Spigelian hernia, where a small portion of tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle. These hernias may seem to appear or disappear depending on your position because the pressure and the alignment of tissues change. Another common cause is a lipoma, which is a benign, fatty growth that generally feels soft or firm and is usually harmless. A lipoma might shift slightly with changes in posture, making it more noticeable when you are lying down. Sometimes other soft tissue masses can also be felt more easily in a relaxed state. Although these lumps are often benign, it's important to have any new or changing lump evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out less common causes or complications. Your doctor may do a physical exam and imaging studies, such as an ultrasound, to determine the nature of the lump and whether any treatment is needed.