Is a bigger belly a sign of pregnancy?

An enlarged abdomen does not necessarily indicate pregnancy, as there are multiple possible causes for abdominal enlargement. Specifically, although pregnancy is a common cause of an enlarged abdomen, especially during the second and third trimesters, when the fetus develops and the uterus expands, resulting in a visibly protruding abdomen, abdominal enlargement may also be related to other factors. For example, obesity, abdominal bloating, ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity), and abdominal tumors can all lead to an increase in abdominal size. Therefore, one cannot conclude pregnancy solely based on abdominal enlargement.

When facing abdominal enlargement, individuals should perform self-observation and assessment. Pay attention to the rate of abdominal growth, whether it is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or missed periods, and whether there are any physical discomforts or abnormal sensations. If pregnancy is suspected, a pregnancy test using a home urine test kit or a blood HCG test at a hospital can be conducted for confirmation. If abdominal enlargement is accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, or difficulty breathing, prompt medical attention should be sought for detailed examination to rule out the possibility of other underlying conditions.