Question: I’m only 10 weeks pregnant, but my bump is already showing. Does this mean I’ll have a big baby?

Answer: Having an early bump doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have a big baby. In your case, at the 10th week of gestation, the fetus is still very tiny and has yet to protrude above the pelvic cavity. The bump could be due to abdominal muscle separation. Women who have strong abdominal muscles usually don’t show their bump until much later, as their core muscles are effectively holding the bump in.

If this is your second pregnancy, the curve tends to be more obvious. This is because the main abdominal muscles (called the rectus abdominus) were pulled apart during your previous pregnancy to accommodate the fetus’ rapid growth during the second and third trimesters. The separated muscles thin out during the pregnancy and weaken the abdominal wall muscle.

Wind in the abdomen can also cause an early bump. During pregnancy, the high progesterone level relaxes the bowel muscle and makes the bowel movement more sluggish. When the food stays in the intestines for a longer period of time, the bacteria have more time to work on it, resulting in the build-up of gas.

You may try these tips to reduce the amount of trapped wind:
•  Avoid fizzy drinks and eat slowly to avoid swallowing air. Have many small meals instead of a few big ones.
•  Steer clear of gas-producing food, such as onions, cabbage, fried foods, rich sauces, sugary sweets and beans.
•  Have regular bowel movements: A brisk walk is enough to have an effect on your digestion.
•  Start the day with a cup of warm water – or, better still, warm water with lemon juice 20 minutes before breakfast. Have gentle morning exercise to stimulate your digestive system.