Skip to main content
Last Updated on: October 31, 2023

Every woman’s body and pregnancy is different — nevertheless, many of us become confused or even worried when our bodies do something abnormal. If you’ve recently become pregnant, you may notice that your baby bump looks a little different than what you imagined.

If you’re wondering, “why is my baby bump so high,” this article is for you!

Usually, a “high” baby bump is nothing to worry about. However, if your baby bump is higher than expected, there may be a few reasons why.

Everyone’s Baby Bumps Are Different

Surrogate Mom - California Surrogacy Agency - Joy of Life® Surrogacy

Firstly, it’s important to note that every baby bump is different. There is no “right” baby bump. Some women’s bumps grow more quickly, some have a wide appearance, some are hardly visible, and, yes, some “carry high.”

Remember, it’s normal to worry about the appearance of your bump — and usually, it’s nothing to worry about.

Carrying High vs. Low During Pregnancy

Whether a mother carries high or low can depend on a number of factors, including the mother’s body type, the position of the baby, and even the number of pregnancies that mother has had.

Women with shorter torsos may appear to carry higher, while those with higher torsos may appear to carry lower. The baby’s position can also affect the appearance of the bump, where lower bumps are likely to appear when the baby is in a breech position. If a woman has a wider pelvic structure, that may also contribute to a bump appearing lower.

Why Is My Baby Bump So High?

If you’re carrying high, there are a few potential reasons.

  • You have strong abdominal muscles: If you have a strong set of abs, your baby can tend to settle higher up in the womb. Women on their first pregnancy may also be able to hold the baby tighter, giving the appearance of a higher bump.
  • You’re at the beginning of your pregnancy: High baby bumps are especially common early on in pregnancies. Many women who carry high early in their pregnancies will find that the bump travels downwards in the third trimester. This can happen from engagement, where the baby’s head moves down into the pelvis in preparation for birth.
  • Your placenta has settled high: A high bump is caused by the placenta settling high up in the womb, which brings the baby and the umbilical cord up high, too.

Does a High Bump Mean You’re Having a Boy (or Girl)?

An old wive’s tale suggests that carrying high means you can tell the baby’s gender, with some suggesting it’s a boy and others a girl. However, studies have shown that this is merely an urban myth.

What Part Of The Stomach Grows First When Pregnant?

Many women wonder if their high baby bump is caused by the upper part of their stomach growing first. However, it doesn’t really work this way.

When you become pregnant, your uterus is the first part of your stomach to grow. Around the fourth or fifth month, the uterus will have expanded to the point where it presses against the abdominals.

The “bulge” can emerge in different places for different women. Usually, it’s caused by a combination of your baby’s position in the uterus and the strength of your abdominal muscles.

Will My Baby Bump Change Position?

It might! Many women find that their bump seems to “drop” quite quickly towards the end of their pregnancy. This usually occurs because the baby has dropped before being born. However, some babies don’t drop until just before labor begins.

Remember, everyone’s pregnancy is unique! The position of your baby bump does not usually indicate anything about the health of the pregnancy. If you’re concerned about your baby bump, we encourage you to consult with your healthcare provider.

Learn More About Pregnancy with Joy of Life Surrogacy

Whether you have questions about pregnancy or are interested in becoming a surrogate or intended parents, Joy of Life is here to support you. We are a team of surrogacy experts based in Southern California and serving future families across the United States. Contact us today for more information!

Joy Millan

Author Joy Millan

I’m Joy, the founder and CEO of Joy of Life. With a professional background as a fertility clinician, I’ve spent thousands of hours working with surrogates and intended parents alike. As a mother of two, I often wished for more support and a deeper commitment to care for those embarking on non-traditional family-building journeys. This is why I established Joy of Life: to create a more robust, compassionate experience in parenthood for both parties involved with surrogacy. In 2021, I stepped back from daily operations at Joy of Life to fight cancer. Fortunately, the combined 20 years of experience from our incredible team has allowed me to focus on my health & recovery. I continue to provide company guidance and serve as the head liaison for our network of doctors, clinicians and caregivers.

More posts by Joy Millan