What Causes Larger Than Expected Belly During Pregnancy?

Posted on Mon, 7 Apr 2014

Question: Hi Doctor, I have a question regarding of my belly how is look like. During the day until evening my 5 weeks pregnancy is so huge almost like 3 mos pregnant and my husband found it is too big for the time being. I am size 10 but before I did FET my belly already bit bulgy. Can it be the two embryos being implanted.. ? Or is just only gas.. ? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer: an ultrasound would be needed Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic There are different causes for being larger than expected during pregnancy, some of these are: (1) multiple pregnancy- this means more than one baby present (2)large single baby (3)incorrect dates (4)ovarian cysts (5)fibroids (6)polyhydraminos which is extra fluid in the sac (7)it may also be related to gas as mentioned or due to excess weight gain The only way to determine the cause would be an ultrasound. This would be done either at your doctor's office or at a ultrasound center. This is the only method to determine the size of the baby and if there is more than one present I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (14 hours later)

Hi Dr. XXXXXXX I just had an ultrasound and non of number 4,5 & 6 are present. But my Obgyn said my uterus is doubling the size and the lining is thickening. At the moment we couldn't see any sac/embryo inside my uterus. When exactly the sac is present ? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (4 hours later)

Brief Answer: normally 4 to 6 weeks Detailed Answer: Hi The gestational sac can be seen by 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy. It grows approximately 1mm a day. If your doctor did not see the sac in the last ultrasound , may suggest repeating in about a week to see if he or she can identify it at that time. Usually can be seen after waiting for a few days. Please feel free to ask anything else

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (23 hours later)

Hi Dr. XXXXXXX I always feel so sleepy recently.. it's usually in late afternoon. Why does it happen since I haven't done a lot. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: normal in pregnancy Detailed Answer: HI Fatigue and tiredness are common symptoms of pregnancy particularly in the early part of it. This is normal and does indicate any problems

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar