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Why Is The Abdomen Not Bulging At 16 Weeks Of Pregnancy?
hey! okay, so i havent been able to get to a doctor yet. im 16 weeks had a postive test at one month, but i cant feel a lump no matter how hard i look, im not large, nor am i petite, im athletic so right in between when i stand up my stomach is hard but is it because im bloated and have abs? help im worried there isnt a baby
posted on
Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 18 Nov 2015
Answered on
Wed, 18 Nov 2015
Last reviewed on
Hallow Dear,
The uterus is felt abdominally after 12 weeks of pregnancy; however it is rather expert's job to feel it at that period. By 16 weeks, the uterus has risen midway between umbilicus and the bone at the lower part of abdomen at mount of Venus. If you palpate in the lower part of abdomen, you may feel a firmish counter there. If you cannot appreciate it, you may get it confirmed from any midwife, nurse or doctor.
If there is any doubt, the best option is to go for ultrasonography. It will not only confirm the viability of the baby but also measure the duration of pregnancy and can estimate tentative expected date of delivery. Also it will evaluate by and large normalcy of the foetus. Hence, even if you can palpate the uterus per abdomen, I would advise you to go for a baseline ultrasonography scan.
Wishing you happy motherhood,
Dr. Nishikant Shrotri
The uterus is felt abdominally after 12 weeks of pregnancy; however it is rather expert's job to feel it at that period. By 16 weeks, the uterus has risen midway between umbilicus and the bone at the lower part of abdomen at mount of Venus. If you palpate in the lower part of abdomen, you may feel a firmish counter there. If you cannot appreciate it, you may get it confirmed from any midwife, nurse or doctor.
If there is any doubt, the best option is to go for ultrasonography. It will not only confirm the viability of the baby but also measure the duration of pregnancy and can estimate tentative expected date of delivery. Also it will evaluate by and large normalcy of the foetus. Hence, even if you can palpate the uterus per abdomen, I would advise you to go for a baseline ultrasonography scan.
Wishing you happy motherhood,
Dr. Nishikant Shrotri
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