Suck In A Pregnant Belly: Unlocking The Truth!

Expectant mothers who need to conceal their bumps ask, is it safe to suck in a pregnant belly? Would my baby be hurt if I do so? Don’t worry – you’re not the first mom to throw this question out!

Generally speaking, your baby is perfectly still and safe even when you suck your stomach in. The pressure to do so isn’t actually enough to have adverse effects on your baby. Just refrain from doing it for long periods or when lying down because of gravity and pressure.

This article will actually be focused on that – as well as other myths that have been debunked by science over time! I don’t know about you, but I know a lot of soon-to-be moms and older mothers who believe in such myths – so, we’re here to find out the truths behind them!

Your Stomach During Pregnancy

In understanding the anatomy and physiology of your tummy during pregnancy, three key things are involved:

• Abdominal Muscles
• Amniotic Sac
• Uterus

The amniotic sac’s fluid is essential in keeping the growing infant safe and guarded. It helps protect the fetus from outside stressors by acting as a shock absorber. It’s why low-pressure shocks and actions don’t have any effect on the baby such as a regular bump to the table. 

The amniotic fluid, according to the American Pregnancy Association, protects your little angel from many things like temperature changes, umbilical cord compression, as well as enabling your baby to move around and use its growing muscles.

Along with it, the uterus has an endometrium, which is a thick muscle lining that adds protection, and, of course, the abdominal muscles, which is the exterior or the crust of it all.

Can You Suck In a Pregnant Belly? Debunking Myths and Addressing Concerns

Let me tell you, first thing – yes, it is generally and medically safe to suck in and kind of compress your belly even when you’re pregnant. However, a few things happen when pregnant women try to suck their bellies in!

Experts and researchers all agree that sucking in your belly while pregnant is safe.

             Sucking your stomach in while you’re stood up should neither disturb nor cause discomfort for your baby. However, it’s best to avoid it while you’re lying down.”

Is It Safe to Suck In a Pregnant Belly? When It’s Safe and When It’s Not

Now, let us actually get into it a little deeper, if you may. We hear a lot of things from already-parents and medical professionals that actually contradict each other.

Generally speaking, sucking in your stomach is safe for both the mother and the baby when:

• The mother is standing up
• It’s done occasionally
• For short periods

It is, however, unsafe if momma’s is lying down as it can cause disturbances to the organs due to the combination of gravity and pressure. Dr. Ellie Rayner, Founder of Maternity Collective and Certified Obstetrician, says that doing this can compress organs and make mothers feel uncomfortable.

Sucking a pregnant belly MUST be avoided while facing up while the woman is lying down. Any movement of the like can place pressure on the stomach’s large blood vessels, supplying oxygen to the fetus.”

Along with this, some other adverse effects can trouble soon-to-be moms. These include:

• Poor Posture
• Breathing Problems
• Pressure on Organs

4 Myths About Pregnancy Debunked For You!

As a bonus, we’ve debunked a few of the most common myths about pregnancy!

Myth: You Should Not Exercise While You Are Pregnant

Exercising is considered safe for women who have healthy pregnancies or those that are normal. It doesn’t increase the risk of miscarriage, early delivery, or low birth weight, as per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

However, they warn women to avoid exercising on their backs during pregnancy and that they should always consult their OB-GYNS and doctors before doing anything.

Myth: You Are Eating For Two, So Have All You Want

It’s a total myth! It’s a common notion that you should consume infinite amounts of food and eat like you’re pregnant. It’s true that you need more calories and nutrients to support your growing baby’s growth and development, but it doesn’t mean you should increase your food consumption or eat everything you want without thinking about the quality and balance of your diet.

Myth: Having Sex During Pregnancy Is Dangerous For The Baby

No, it’s not! In fact, sexual intercourse, as well as other forms of similar activity don’t relate to pregnancy risks. Dr. Anna Shope, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist at UW Neighborhood Shoreline Clinic says that sexual activity doesn’t really complicate pregnancy.

Sexual intercourse and orgasm are not associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications or preterm birth.”

Myth: Hot Tubs And Steam Rooms Are Okay

It is generally fine for pregnant women to visit and use hot tubs. However, certain risks are involved that may not be that fine for expectant mothers. These include:

• Overheating
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Dehydration

Should you use hot tubs, be sure not to soak yourself for more than 20 minutes! Moreover, refrain from raising the temperature above 38 degrees Celsius!

What Are Pregnancy-Safe Exercises? 

All exercises are considered safe for women who have healthy pregnancies. However, there are a few that standout and are actually “healthy” for ladies. These include:

• Walking 
• Mild Swimming and Water Workouts 
• Low-Impact Aerobics 
• Modified Yoga and/or Modified Pilates 
• And Others

NOTE: Consult your healthcare professional or your OB-GYN first before doing any type of exercise or workout.

What Are Exercises Pregnant Women Should Avoid?

And while exercising is deemed healthy, there are a couple that women should completely avoid. Quite obviously, these regimens would be those that are extremely tedious and effort-consuming, but to give you a more concrete idea, women, generally need to avoid are typically those that put you at a higher risk of injury.

To be more specific, these include:

• Exercises that involve falling or put you at risk of falling
• Heavy-bouncing activities
• Exercises that have the chance of hitting you in the abdomen
• Contact sports
• High-altitude exercises and activities

Other Related Questions About Sucking A Pregnant Belly In

What Happens If I Squeeze My Stomach While Pregnant? 

What basically happens is, your stomach tightens and will give the illusion that it doesn’t have a bump. Your baby is safe, so don’t worry! You only suck your abdomen in, not including the sac and the fluid!

Can Your Belly Be Soft While Pregnant? 

As the uterus grows to make room for the developing baby, it’s typical for a woman’s belly to become firmer and rounder during pregnancy. The tummy might seem squishy at times, despite the fact that it usually gets firmer as the pregnancy goes on.

Obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Sangeeta Sinha claims that a number of variables, including the mother’s body composition, the baby’s position, and the amount of amniotic fluid, might affect how firm the stomach is during pregnancy.

How to Hide a Baby Bump? 

Hiding a baby bump for work, for an event, or for any reason you may have is actually easy! The best and most common ways of doing so, though, are:

• Wearing Loose Clothing
• Proper Posture
• Layering Your Clothes
• Vertical Lines Instead of Horizontal
• Dark Patterns and Colors

FAQs

I know that there are a lot of other questions about sucking in your stomach while your pregnant that remain unanswered. So, we did our best in finding and answering some of them for you so you don’t have to go someplace else!

Can My Baby Feel When I Touch My Belly? 

Yes, they’re able to respond to rubbing or movement on the belly at around 26 weeks into the pregnancy. At 22 weeks, they’re already able to feel pain. Earlier than that, however, they don’t!

How Protected is the Baby in the Womb From Bumps?

Your little angel is protected more than you think they are. Other than the exterior abdomens, they’re also placed inside the amniotic sac filled with amniotic fluid, acting as a protective barrier. Along with that, the uterine muscles are also there, too!

How to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Stretch marks is actually a common feat during pregnancy. 8 out of 10 women grow and develop stretch marks, as per the NHS. There are, however, a few things women can do to try and prevent it or lessen its development, but the best way would be to gain pregnancy weight slowly and gradually.

Final Verdict

Some women want to conceal their baby bumps for an event, for work, or for whatever reason they have. And although it’s entirely safe to suck in a pregnant belly, it’s best to avoid it for prolonged periods not just because of the fact that it can be bad for your baby’s development, but also because of how it can have adverse effects on you, too.