Every mother-to-be has done it in their life - doing a little mirror check every morning, turning sideways to see if there's the slightest roundness to their belly. Whether it's your first baby or your fourth, wondering when you’ll start showing is one of those common, curious milestones every pregnant woman anticipates. But here’s the thing. Every pregnancy is different than others; hence, sometimes you pop early. And sometimes, no signs show up until the second trimester. 

When do you start showing pregnancy?

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to knowing when pregnant women start showing. So, your body and routine can tell when do you start showing pregnancy. Most women start to "show" between 12 to 16 weeks, but it depends on a variety of factors as follows:

• First-time moms often show up a little later because their abdominal muscles are tighter and haven’t been stretched by a previous pregnancy.

• Second-time (or more) moms may show earlier — sometimes as early as 8–12 weeks — because their body remembers what to do, and those stomach muscles are already a bit more relaxed.

• Body type also plays a big role. If you're naturally slim, you might notice a bump sooner than someone with a higher body fat percentage.

• Bloating in early pregnancy (hello hormones!) can make it feel like you're showing, even if it's not baby just yet.

Should I be worried if I haven't started showing yet?

In most cases, not showing is not a cause for alarm. Hence, the short answer to it is “No.” Here are the reasons why you shouldn’t be worried if you haven’t started showing up yet. 

• Some women carry high, some low. Some carry out front, others more evenly around their waist and hips. Your height, muscle tone, body shape, and even your baby's position in the womb all affect how and when you start showing. 

• If this is your first pregnancy, your abdominal muscles are likely stronger and less stretched out. It means it takes longer for the uterus to visibly push out against the abdominal wall.

• Even if your belly doesn’t look different, your baby is growing rapidly inside. Your healthcare provider will monitor this with ultrasounds and measurements during prenatal visits. So if they’re not concerned, you shouldn’t be either.

• A tilted uterus can make your bump less noticeable in early pregnancy. It typically corrects itself as your uterus grows upward. Also, if your baby is lying more toward your back (posterior position), your belly may appear smaller.

Just like some other pregnancy symptoms, there’s no “perfect” time to tell when does a pregnant woman start showing. Some bellies bloom at 12 weeks, others at 20. Whether you're impatiently checking the mirror or already feeling those waistbands stretch, know this: your body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. So relax and enjoy your motherhood journey before you hold your little one in your arms. Trust the process, stay connected with your healthcare provider, and remember — your bump will come. And when it does, it’ll be one more magical moment in the wild, wonderful journey of pregnancy.