What is a B Belly During Pregnancy? [Causes + Support]
Having a B belly in pregnancy, also known as a plus size double belly, is something many pregnant people experience, but it doesn't get discussed very often.
We're answering your questions and talking all about having a plus size pregnant belly!
What does B Belly mean?
It can take longer to show when you're plus size and pregnant. And when your stomach has a “waistband” in the middle, the belly gets “divided” between the top and the bottom – you have a B-shaped belly or double belly.
So, when you stand to the side, if your bump looks like a B rather than a D – you have a B belly.
We know it can be disheartening when the shape of your pregnancy bump isn't what you imagined, so please know you're not alone!
We're answering your top questions and sharing photos of plus size pregnancy bellies below.
Disclosure: Plus Size Birth is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
What causes a B belly?
There are a few reasons why someone might have a stomach that looks divided.
If you spend a little time researching online, you'll read a lot of people on message boards venting about having a double belly. Some blame their B belly on wearing pants that are too tight.
It has more to do with the band of connective tissue, or fascia, beneath the skin.
Fascial wellbeing and skin tightness significantly affect your stomach shape. Being well-hydrated, stretching, and yoga can help with your fascial health.
During pregnancy, your abdominal muscles and connective tissues become very stretched with your growing uterus. This can cause your stomach to stick out when the space between your left and right stomach muscles has widened.
Diastasis Recti can also change how your stomach looks.
If you have an apron belly, a lower belly area that hangs down, that can also give you a divided stomach.
What is a B belly in pregnancy?
So you might be wondering, will I have a B belly during pregnancy?
Having a B-shaped stomach is far more common when you have an overweight pregnant belly.
People with “muffin tops” usually get a B belly during pregnancy.
Know that carrying part of your bump high and part of your bump low is totally within the realm of “normal” and healthy.
If you start noticing any swelling, tenderness, or discomfort on the lower part of your stomach, be sure to inform your care provider because it can be a sign of edema.
What maternity clothes flatter a B belly?
Any form-fitting top or dress will show the shape of your belly during pregnancy. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with showing off and celebrating your B!
With that said, many people wonder how they can smooth out their bump. Belly bands are one of the best ways to conceal a B belly for those interested.
There's a helpful list of plus size maternity bands and belts to find the size you need.
Combine a belly band with plus size maternity dresses (that are flowy below the bust area) or plus size babydoll tops and you're almost always guaranteed to look pregnant without emphasizing the B.
Thankfully nowadays, it's far easier to find plus size maternity clothes and clothing options for bellies of all shapes and sizes.
Does having a B belly affect pregnancy?
Beyond the appearance of your stomach, having a B belly doesn't affect pregnancy. It also doesn't have an influence on labor or the type of birth you'll have.
With that said, your belly shape can make monitoring a little more challenging during nonstress tests and labor. So a great tip is to bring your belly band when you're going in for monitoring or packing your hospital bag.
Wearing your belly band can help to hold the monitors in place.
When preparing to give birth, inquire if you can access wireless monitoring that often works better for plus size people during labor.
People with a larger lower abdominal area need special care when recovering from a c-section.
While having this belly shape is common during pregnancy, be sure to address any questions or concerns with your care provider.
Will my belly become D-Shaped?
Does a B belly go away during pregnancy?
Some women joke that they are ready to deliver when their B becomes a D. However when it comes to pregnant belly shapes, some people never experience a complete D belly.
This can be quite disappointing.
Yet, there are countless people who wouldn't care about the shape of their body or how many stretch marks they got just for the opportunity to be pregnant. So, try not to be so hard on yourself!
Let's hear people talking about their plus size pregnant bellies.
“When I got pregnant, not only did I learn to embrace my body, but I owned it. I lost all sorts of modesty and showed it off like it was nothing. I even had my first ever professional photos of myself done. And if I say so myself, I was proudly a plus-sized pregnant goddess.” – Courtney
“I always thought that I would have that cute little D belly that regular girls have until I realized I wasn't regular, and that was okay. I was growing life inside me.” – Kayla
“Wow! I just thought I had a fat pregnant belly. And now I feel a little less alone knowing a b belly is pretty common.” – Sarah
“Support bands are great for shaping. They also relieve a great deal of pelvic pain, and I love Belevation support underwear.” – Betsy
“Being pregnant totally changed how I view my body and that my body is able to do amazing things.” – Emily
“I wore a lot of babydoll-styled tops and remembered that I was growing a miracle!” – Rachel
Remember, having a B-shaped belly before, during, and after pregnancy is normal. So, embrace your bump!
Common FAQs about B Bellies
What causes a B belly?
A B-shaped pregnancy during pregnancy can be caused by a restriction of the connective tissue, or fascia, underneath the skin. Diastasis Recti can also impact your belly shape.
Are B bellies normal?
It's completely normal to have a B belly before, during, and after pregnancy. Some people experience emotional distress when their belly shape or size doesn't meet their expectations. It's important to remember that pregnant bellies come in many sizes and shapes and have unique marks.
What should I wear to support my B belly?
Belly bands are helpful during pregnancy to support your belly and smooth out a b-shape. Maternity pants with a belly panel or leggings also enhance a D-shape. And these bottoms pair well with babydoll or asymmetrical style tops.
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It’s great to see a post about this <3 I went to great lengths to hide my 'B' belly. When I took belly pics I would use the fold over waistband yoga pants to hide the lower part and make my belly look more round. I never realized there were other women going through the same thing!
Me too! I didn’t fall in love with my bump until 8 months when it popped into a D. Then I had my baby early so I didn’t get to enjoy it for very long. Next time I’ll love it the entire time!
I didn’t realize that it mattered. I am more concerned about what’s going on inside than I am about how the outside appears. Just my 0.02.
Pregnancy is such an individualized experience. Some people are more concerned about the inside – others the outside.
Thank you for this! I just entered my 2nd trimester as a first timer and when I asked my non-plus size friends and family about this, they looked at me like I was crazy.
So glad you found this resource, Nae! You’re NOT alone.
This is great to read cause I have the biggest B belly lol. This is my second pregnancy and it can be so hard to find maternity clothes that fit and to even look pregnant instead of fat lol. I don’t look pregnant until 8 months which is so hard but I’m glad I’m not the only one.
You’re not alone 🙂
I have a B belly and did all through pregnancy. It wasn’t until much later that I really felt I looked pregnant. Thank you for all you do to help increase visibility, awareness, representation, and resources for plus size women, moms, and pregnancies. <3
You’re so welcome! Thanks for all your support. I’m so happy for you and your family.
I’m glad to see this. I just started fertility injections yesterday, and this has been a constant worry of mine. I want to LOOK pregnant not just bigger!
I can sure understand wanting to look pregnant. Even if you do end up having a B Belly, there are tips here to help smooth out the B. Most importantly, I think it’s important to focus on what your body is DOING rather than what it looks like.
Wouldn’t the usual maternity pants that go over your belly help with this? I kind of have a “b belly” on a regular basis, but when I am ready to start showing off a pregnant belly, wearing the maternity pants with the band that covers my whole stomach pretty much completely smoothes everything out. 🙂
Absolutely! Maternity jeans that have a built-in band do help to smooth out a B Belly.
I had the same B belly also its nice to see I’m not alone
You’re sure not alone!!!
I was able to wear my regular clothing because of my B belly until about 7 1/2 months when I grew into a D belly. From there I lived in yoga pants 🙂
Awesome! And yes, yoga pants for the win!
Help! I need help dressing my B Belly particularly for my baby shower. I naturally want to wear a cute dress or skirt but because of my B belly most of the time it just looks like my dress is too small.
We have lots of plus size maternity dress options here – https://plussizebirth.com/plus-size-maternity-clothes/
Thank you so much for this post. I’ve been having a hard time with this. I’m 26 weeks and I really want to look more pregnant than “bumpy”. I was afraid that my belly might not ever look more like a “d” belly, so you’ve really made me feel better. Even if it doesn’t go away completely, at least I know I will look more pregnant than I do now.
Wearing a belly band helps “lift” the bottom part of the belly for a more round look.
Yes, so true Tonya!
I just found this site today and love it! I am plus sized and pregnant with my 3rd child. I didn’t know my belly looking the way it does had a name, and I am really glad to know now that it does. I can’t wait to read the tips about dressing better in pregnancy.
I know this post is YEARS old but hoping you may be able to help.
Backstory (As short as I can 🙂 ) : I used to be a size 0, my 1st child came and I soared to a 16. He nearly died of SIDS and now has severe disabilities. Depression, anxiety, and guilt was “solved” by eating. I went up to a size 20. During that period I had my 2nd child and just didnt care about my body. Went up another 2 sizes. FINALLY, I realized how unhappy I was being so overweight. I’m very short so I looked even bigger than I was. I started eating healthier and trying to exercise. I started losing and got down to a size 14/16 and found out I was prego with surprise #3.
Now: I’m 20 weeks and even though I’ve continued losing (approved by my doctor and done in a healthy way) because I’d gotten so big and have a bad back injury that prevents hardcore stomach exercise I still have a lot of loose skin, cellulite, and the B belly. I ordered a belly support band (Belly Bandit) but no matter how I put it on I feel like it doesn’t fit the way it should. It either pushes some of my lower belly out the bottom or causes a big roll at the top. Am I doing something wrong? Is there one made specifically for B bellies? Also, we have a formal gala for a charity for my son’s therapy center to go to and while my dress hasn’t come in yet I dont think the band will work under it. Is there anyway to help shape my belly better without the band, something that would work under a semi- form fitting dress? Thank you for ANY help!
Please don’t think I’m by any way saying women shouldn’t love their body at any size. I just wasn’t happy. 😉
Hi Amy! Thanks for sharing your story and I’m sorry for all you’ve been through. Sounds like a lot. Give yourself some grace. Here’s a helpful resource with more belly band options – https://plussizebirth.com/plus-size-maternity-support-belt/
Im glad i found your site. ….. honestly this makes me feel down to see i dont have a full D belly :/ n is my first pregnancy. Im trying to find a good plus size maternity support belt.. so that it can take some type of shape. Dont like much the one at motherhood. Any suggestions ladies. .. would really appreciated. That would make me feel better 🙂
I’m glad you found the site Denise and here’s another resource for you when it comes to support belts and other accessories – https://plussizebirth.com/plus-size-maternity-support-belt/
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this link. It took me a while to find attached I am so glad I’m not the only one with a B belly. I thought something was wrong. The video is fantastic, made me cry but only cos I was happy to see if was not alone
Thank you again
Michelle
Xx
I’m so glad you know Michelle that you’re not alone!!!
Hi! I’m not a plus size but I had an abdominal surgery to remove a tumour and had to get a mesh placed inside. Now that I’m pregnant my tummy is divided in 2 and it just feels like i have a belt in the middle of it digging in. In my case my belly will never turn to a D shape because the mesh does not expand. The bigger my tummy gets, the more uncomfortable it feels. But it all be worth when I get my bundle of joy in my arms 🙂
Agreed! It’s totally worth it!
All I did was cry.
Oh Aunye that makes me sad!
Reading this gave me such a break through! I am normally a size 14-16 and have a belly shaped like this normally. The bottom part of my belly is rounding out nicely but I still have that darned waistband affect in the middle. I have literally had people tell me that my belly does not look like a baby belly “yet”. So grateful for not being alone in this!
You are not alone Krista!!
So glad I found this, comforting to know I’m not the only one. I am prego with my 3rd and never looked like this with the other two. I am also at my pre-pregnancy weight I was at with my first so I’m kind of bummed it doesn’t look like the others. But I have also had 2 c-sections. I wonder if that makes a difference. I have been so worried my belly links like this since I’m 18 wks and you still can’t “tell” I’m pregnant. I’m still wearing my normal jeans and I can pull them up and down without unbuttoning them. I have been freakung out thinking maybe my baby isn’t growing but this would make sense. I also read a comment about this belly presentation being a sing of a posterior baby mine was way in there towards the back at the last US and we were unable to get a decent picture. Any way glad I found this and for sharing. Nice to know I’m not alone 🙂
You sure aren’t alone mama <3
So relieved to know there are other women who have the same shaped belly. Mine went like this when I gained weight and have always been self conscious about it. I kind of hoped it would round out with pregnancy but I guess I should just be happy about having a bb.
But now I’m kind of worried about how it will look afterwards.
You’re not alone Tanya! My belly pretty much went back to looking the same as before…just a little more fluffy to the touch.
That’s Good to know. Did you ever use any tummy sleeves or shapers Before, during or after? Did they make a difference? I imagine them make everything feel more secure?
So, did this mean the baby bump will begin above the belly button? I am just 13 weeks and excitedly waiting for the first signs of a bump, but not sure where to look?
It’s really different for every body. Congrats on your pregnancy!!
It depends where the baby is sitting! I’m 19w and am not showing yet at all
I’m so glad to find other women who experience this. I’ve always had the b shape, even after losing 124 lbs. This is my second pregnancy (23 weeks) and for both of my pregnancies, I never developed a d belly, always a pronounced b belly, with the upper part being bigger. A bit disappointing to not experience the traditional d belly pregnancy, but as long as my boys are healthy, inside of the womb and outside, I’m one happy momma. Just glad to know I’m not alone!
It’s really nice when we find out that we’re not alone!