When Do You Start to Show During Pregnancy?
ATHENS, GA MATERNITY & NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
“Because even though it might feel like forever right now, one day, you’ll look back and think—wow, I grew a whole human. That was pretty incredible.”
Pregnancy is a weird and wonderful time. One day, you feel totally normal, and the next, your leggings are suddenly too tight, and strangers are side-eyeing your stomach, wondering if it’s a baby or just a big lunch. So, when do you actually start to show? And more importantly—when does that adorable baby bump become photo-worthy?
Let’s break it down.
The Timeline: When Will Your Baby Bump Make an Appearance?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer because every pregnancy (and every belly) is different. But in general, here’s what you can expect:
First-time moms: You might not notice much of a bump until 16 to 20 weeks. Before that, it’s more of a “maybe-I-ate-too-much” situation.
Second (or third, or fourth) pregnancies: Your bump tends to show earlier—sometimes as early as 12 to 14 weeks—because your body’s like, “Oh, we’ve done this before. Let’s just get straight to it.”
Body type matters: Taller women with longer torsos might not show as early, while petite women might notice a bump sooner simply because there’s less space to hide it.
By 20 to 24 weeks, most people can tell you’re pregnant without you having to clarify, “No, really, there’s a baby in there.”
Why Do Some Women Show Sooner Than Others?
A few things play into when your bump makes its grand debut:
✔ Your uterus has a plan of its own. Every body carries differently, so even if your friend showed early, you might not. (And vice versa.)
✔ Your core muscles are working behind the scenes. If your abs are strong, they might hold things in a little longer. If not, well… that bump might pop sooner.
✔ How you’re built matters. A short torso = bump shows up early. A long torso = baby has more room to stretch before making a visible appearance.
✔ Second pregnancies are like muscle memory. Your body remembers how to be pregnant, so things expand quicker the second time around.
Okay, So When’s the Best Time to Book Maternity Photos?
Once your bump is officially out and proud, the best time to schedule your maternity session is usually between 28 and 34 weeks. Here’s why:
✔ Your belly is round and noticeable—but not so big that you’re uncomfortable.
✔ You’re still feeling good (and can move around without needing a nap every five minutes).
✔ It’s the perfect balance of bump is showing and baby isn’t arriving tomorrow.
If you’re expecting twins (or more!), you might want to schedule a bit earlier, around 24 to 28 weeks, since baby bumps with multiples tend to grow at lightning speed.
It’s never too early to book
If you’re thinking about maternity photos, now’s the time to book! Photographers fill up quickly, and waiting too long might mean scrambling for a last-minute session when you’re already feeling super pregnant.
Want to see how other moms have embraced their bump? Check out my maternity gallery for inspiration! Need help picking out what to wear? I’ve got you—head over to my style guide for tips!
No matter when your bump decides to show up, capturing this season of life is something you’ll never regret. Because even though it might feel like forever right now, one day, you’ll look back and think—wow, I grew a whole human. That was pretty incredible.
If you need a maternity session in the greater Athens, GA area—including Jefferson, Watkinsville, Commerce, and the surrounding areas—reach out to me! I’d love to help capture this special time for you with a session that feels as unique and beautiful as your pregnancy. Let’s chat and schedule something perfect for you!