Pregnancy comes with a slew of bodily changes. While some are to be expected, others might throw you for a bit of a loop (looking at you, “pregnancy nose“). Among these more unexpected shifts is the evolving firmness of your pregnant belly – that sudden switch from soft and supple to hard and tight. If you haven’t experienced this before, the sudden change might send you running to search things like “why is my pregnant belly sometimes hard and sometimes soft?” Thankfully, experts say there’s a fairly simple explanation, and it’s usually not anything to be concerned about.
If your pregnant belly feels hard one day and soft another, there’s no need to panic. According to the doctors we spoke to, it’s totally normal to experience stomach tightness at some point during pregnancy. Your stomach may even feel hard on one side, which can signal a few things about your pregnancy (including when your little one might arrive). Read on for more information about why this happens and what it means, according to ob-gyns.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Christine Greves, MD, is an obstetrical and gynecological surgeon at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.
G. Thomas Ruiz, MD, is the lead ob-gyn at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center.
Why Is My Pregnant Belly Sometimes Hard and Sometimes Soft?
It’s hard for doctors to know exactly why your stomach might be hard or soft without an examination. However, on a general level, there are a few common causes to keep in mind:
- Muscle Stretching: If it’s early in your pregnancy, you may feel some stomach tightness because your core or abdominal muscles are being stretched, says Christine Greves, MD.
- Anatomical Changes: “If it’s before 13 weeks, your uterus is still inside your pelvis,” Dr. Greves says. “It’s a muscle, and that may feel hard.” But as your uterus stretches out beyond your pelvis, it may feel softer since there’s amniotic fluid inside, she explains.
- Braxton Hicks Contractions: If you’re later in your pregnancy, a belly that feels hard sometimes and soft at other times could indicate you’re having Braxton Hicks contractions, says G. Thomas Ruiz, MD. In case you’re not familiar, Braxton Hicks contractions are the body’s way of preparing for labor (usually in the second or third trimester), per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Worth noting: Dr. Greves says that experiencing this close to your due date could also be a sign of real labor, meaning your baby is coming soon.
Why Does My Stomach Feel Tight and Heavy?
There’s a few possible reasons. “Sometimes it can just be a sensation that people have with Braxton Hicks,” Dr. Ruiz says. “If the stomach balls up, it feels perceptively heavy.” This sensation could also be due to round ligament pain, which is a common discomfort that can happen on one or both sides of your belly, going down to your groin, Dr. Ruiz explains. If you’re worried about changes to your stomach, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider, so they can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action, if any.
OK, but Why Is My Stomach Hard on One Side?
If your stomach feels hard on one side, it’s likely because of how your baby is positioned. As your baby grows, space inside your uterus becomes tighter, leaving your baby less room to wiggle around. If your stomach feels hard on one side, there’s a chance you could be feeling your little one’s spine or legs, Dr. Greves says.
Ultimately, if you’re dealing with what feels like random hardness and softness in your pregnant belly and you have concerns, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. They can give you a physical exam if they find it necessary, and offer more personalized medical advice.
– Additional reporting by Chandler Plante
Korin Miller is a writer specializing in general wellness, health, and lifestyle trends. Her work has appeared in Women’s Health, Self, Health, Forbes, and more.
Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for PS Health & Fitness. Previously, she worked as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributed to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. In her free time, she overshares on the internet, creating content about chronic illness, beauty, and disability.
