Outie belly buttons are less common than innies, with about 10-15% of people having an outie, but pregnancy can temporarily cause an innie to become an outie.
How Common Are Outie Belly Buttons? | Exploring Belly Button Changes in Pregnancy
Outie belly buttons are often a topic of curiosity, especially during pregnancy when changes to the body can affect the appearance of your navel. I recall my sister sharing how her belly button started to pop out during her third trimester, something that took her by surprise. She had always had an innie belly button, but as her pregnancy progressed, it seemed to transform into an outie. Many women experience similar changes during pregnancy, even if they had an innie their whole lives.
In this article, we’ll explore how common outie belly buttons really are, what causes the belly button to change during pregnancy, and whether these changes are permanent. We’ll also answer common questions about belly buttons and provide insights into what you can expect as your body grows during pregnancy.
What Determines Belly Button Shape? | The Science Behind Innies and Outies
Belly buttons are essentially scars left from where the umbilical cord was attached at birth. After the umbilical cord is cut and heals, the remaining scar tissue forms your navel, which can either sink inward (an innie) or protrude outward (an outie).
1. Innies vs. Outies: What’s More Common?
Most people have innie belly buttons. In fact, around 85-90% of the population is born with an innie. Outie belly buttons are much less common, making up about 10-15% of people. While both types are completely normal, the shape is determined by how the skin and scar tissue heal after the umbilical cord is cut.
2. What Causes an Outie?
Outies can form for a few different reasons:
- Scar tissue formation: Sometimes, the scar tissue from the umbilical cord heals outward, creating a small bulge.
- Umbilical hernia: In some cases, an umbilical hernia can cause the belly button to push outward. This occurs when part of the intestines protrudes through the abdominal wall near the belly button.
- Genetics: The way your belly button forms is largely determined by genetics and the way your body heals after birth.
Table 1: Prevalence of Belly Button Types
| Belly Button Type | Percentage of Population | Characteristics |
| Innie | 85-90% | Navel sinks inward |
| Outie | 10-15% | Navel protrudes outward |
Pregnancy and Belly Button Changes | Why Innies Become Outies
During pregnancy, many women notice that their belly buttons change in appearance, especially as their baby bump grows. This is a common experience and usually not a cause for concern.
1. Why Do Belly Buttons Pop Out During Pregnancy?
As your baby grows and your uterus expands, the skin and muscles around your abdomen stretch to accommodate the growing baby. For some women, this stretching causes the belly button to protrude outward, making it look like an outie—even if they’ve had an innie their entire life.
2. When Does This Change Typically Happen?
For most women, this belly button change occurs during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. By this point, the baby bump has grown significantly, and the skin around the navel becomes stretched, sometimes pushing the belly button outward.
3. Is It Permanent?
The good news is that in most cases, the belly button returns to its normal shape after pregnancy. Once the baby is born and the abdominal muscles and skin return to their pre-pregnancy state, the belly button usually sinks back in, especially if it was an innie before pregnancy. However, for some women, especially those who develop an umbilical hernia, the outie might remain post-pregnancy.
Table 2: Belly Button Changes During Pregnancy
| Trimester | Belly Button Changes | Why It Happens |
| First trimester | No noticeable changes | The baby is still small |
| Second trimester | Belly button may start to flatten or pop out | Uterus and baby bump grow significantly |
| Third trimester | Belly button may fully protrude | Skin and muscles are fully stretched |
What is an Umbilical Hernia? | When Outies are a Sign of a Hernia
While an outie belly button is usually nothing to worry about, in some cases, it can be a sign of an umbilical hernia. Umbilical hernias occur when part of the intestines push through the abdominal wall near the navel, causing the belly button to bulge outward.
1. Causes of Umbilical Hernias
Umbilical hernias can occur in both children and adults. For pregnant women, the pressure from the growing baby can cause or exacerbate a hernia. Factors that can increase the risk of an umbilical hernia include:
- Multiple pregnancies: Women who have had multiple pregnancies may be at higher risk of developing a hernia.
- Excessive weight gain: Rapid or excessive weight gain during pregnancy can increase abdominal pressure.
- Weak abdominal muscles: If the abdominal muscles are weak or stretched, they are more likely to allow a hernia to form.
2. Symptoms of an Umbilical Hernia
If your belly button is protruding and you notice any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign of an umbilical hernia:
- Pain or discomfort around the belly button
- Swelling that worsens when you cough or strain
- Tenderness when pressing on the bulge
If you suspect you have an umbilical hernia, it’s important to talk to your doctor, especially if the hernia becomes painful or changes in size.
Table 3: Signs and Symptoms of an Umbilical Hernia
| Symptom | Description | When to Seek Medical Attention |
| Bulging belly button | Outward protrusion of the navel | If accompanied by pain or tenderness |
| Pain or discomfort | Especially when coughing or straining | Persistent or severe pain |
| Swelling around the navel | Bulge increases in size | If the swelling doesn’t go away |
When Should You See a Doctor? | Monitoring Belly Button Changes
Most changes to your belly button during pregnancy are completely normal, but there are situations where it’s a good idea to consult your healthcare provider.
1. Signs of an Umbilical Hernia
As mentioned earlier, if you suspect you have an umbilical hernia, especially if it causes discomfort, it’s important to see a doctor. While many hernias don’t require immediate treatment, severe cases might need surgical intervention after childbirth.
2. Pain or Discoloration
If your belly button becomes painful, discolored, or if you notice any unusual discharge, this could indicate an infection or other complication. It’s important to seek medical advice if these symptoms appear.
3. Persistent Outie After Pregnancy
If your belly button remains an outie long after your baby is born and this bothers you aesthetically or physically, you can discuss your options with your healthcare provider. Some women choose to undergo cosmetic surgery to restore the appearance of their belly button, particularly if an umbilical hernia is involved.
FAQs – How Common Are Outie Belly Buttons?
How common are outie belly buttons?
Outie belly buttons are relatively uncommon, with about 10-15% of the population having an outie. Most people are born with an innie, which accounts for the remaining 85-90% of belly buttons. Outies are often caused by how the umbilical cord scar heals or by the presence of an umbilical hernia.
Can pregnancy turn an innie belly button into an outie?
Yes, pregnancy can temporarily cause an innie belly button to turn into an outie. As the uterus expands and the abdominal skin stretches, the pressure can push the belly button outward, making it appear like an outie. This change is usually temporary and resolves after pregnancy.
Do all pregnant women get an outie belly button?
Not all pregnant women will develop an outie belly button, but many do experience changes in their belly button shape as their baby bump grows. Whether or not your belly button pops out during pregnancy depends on factors like the size of your baby, the amount of abdominal stretching, and your natural belly button shape.
Is it normal for my belly button to hurt during pregnancy?
Mild discomfort or stretching around the belly button is common during pregnancy due to the expansion of the uterus. However, if you experience sharp or persistent pain, it could be a sign of an umbilical hernia or another issue, and you should consult your doctor.
Will my belly button go back to normal after pregnancy?
For most women, the belly button returns to its normal shape after childbirth, especially if it was an innie before pregnancy. However, it may take several weeks for the skin and muscles to tighten back up. In some cases, if a hernia developed or if the skin remains stretched, the belly button may not fully return to its pre-pregnancy appearance.
What causes outie belly buttons in newborns?
Outie belly buttons in newborns are usually caused by the way the umbilical cord scar heals. In some cases, a small umbilical hernia may push the belly button outward. Most umbilical hernias in infants resolve on their own by the age of 2-3 years, but if they persist or cause complications, surgical correction may be necessary.
Can you prevent your belly button from popping out during pregnancy?
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent your belly button from popping out during pregnancy, as it’s primarily caused by the natural stretching of the skin and abdominal muscles. However, wearing a maternity support band can help reduce the pressure on your abdomen and may minimize the extent of belly button changes.
Is an outie belly button a sign of an umbilical hernia?
An outie belly button can sometimes be a sign of an umbilical hernia, but not all outies are caused by hernias. If your belly button has always been an outie, it’s likely just a result of how your umbilical scar healed. However, if you notice a new bulge or discomfort, especially during pregnancy, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor to rule out a hernia.
Do outie belly buttons need to be fixed?
Most outie belly buttons don’t require any treatment, as they are a natural variation. However, if an outie belly button is caused by an umbilical hernia that’s painful or growing, it might require surgical correction, especially if it causes discomfort or affects your quality of life.
Can an umbilical hernia cause complications during pregnancy?
In most cases, umbilical hernias during pregnancy don’t cause serious complications and can be monitored by your healthcare provider. However, in rare cases, the hernia can become incarcerated or strangulated, meaning that the intestines get trapped, cutting off blood supply. This requires emergency medical attention.
Conclusion: How Common Are Outie Belly Buttons? | Pregnancy Changes and What to Expect
While outie belly buttons are relatively uncommon—found in only about 10-15% of the population—pregnancy can cause temporary changes that make an innie belly button pop out. This change is usually caused by the stretching of the skin and muscles as your baby grows and typically resolves after childbirth. If your belly button changes during pregnancy or if you suspect an umbilical hernia, it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider to ensure everything is progressing normally.