I am 16 weeks pregnant. Should I be able to feel my uterus if I touch my stomach?

Question

I am a first time mother to be at 27 and books say I should but I have no idea what I am looking for..and why would I be doing this? Just so I can reassure myself that things are progressing..first time jitters. Thanks. Anyone else going nuts like this?

I have been to the dr--but as anyone on hmo healthcare knows, you spend all of 5 minutes with them and they hardly have time to answer all questions---some seem more pertinent at the time--hence asking a community rather than an dr...

Thanks to all with helpful advice..like I said, this is my first time and I am a bit nervous...especially with 4 weeks in between appts..nerve wracking!!!

Answer 1

I just had my first baby 8 weeks ago. If you lie on your back and press below your belly button, your stomach should feel a little firmer there than anywhere else. That's your uterus. If you're 16 weeks, then you should start feeling the movements in the next few weeks, and trust me, that makes you feel better. For me, I was about 19 - 20 weeks and I was feeling little fluttery movements. Sort of like gas bubbles in the area below my belly button. Within a couple of weeks after that I could feel very light kicking, and it got stronger as the baby grew. I drove myself nuts trying to feel the baby. But don't worry.....by about your 7th month when the little darling is doing Riverdance on your bladder at 3 A.M., you'll have no questions as to exactly where your baby is!!

Answer 2

I was at my 15 week appointment about 2 weeks ago and the doctor said my uterus is about 3 inches below my belly button. I am not showing with this pregnancy as quickly as I did with my two daughters. I will be 20 weeks by the end of the month and I have been feeling the baby move like crazy. I know what to feel for but I have even felt it lying down with my hand on my lower abdomen. Everything will be fine. I was getting concerned too cause this pregnancy is so much different from my last two but the doctor says I'm right where I should be and all is going perfectly. It's exciting and scary all at the same time. Best wishes, you'll be fine.

Answer 3

RE:
I am 16 weeks pregnant. Should I be able to feel my uterus if I touch my stomach?
I am a first time mother to be at 27 and books say I should but I have no idea what I am looking for..and why would I be doing this? Just so I can reassure myself that things are progressing..first time jitters. Thanks. Anyone else going nuts like this?

Answer 4

I completely know what you are going through! I am 17 weeks right now (first pregnancy) and I am constantly pushing around on my stomach trying to locate my uterus. It feels different all the time, depending on whether I've eaten, or if I'm bloated, etc. So I never know what I'm looking for. I'm also frustrated waiting for that first "flutter" of the baby moving that the books and doc say I should experience any day now. I just wish someone could tell me EXACTLY what I should be looking for! Anyway, good luck and God bless! :)

Answer 5

Yes, you can feel your uterus. What you need to do is measure your fundus. Which if you are 16 weeks measure out 16 centimeters. Place the end at the top part of your pelvic bone and measure up 16 centimeters. Where the 16 reads is the top of your fundus. It should almost feel like a ball....kinda reminds me of the sun slowly rising out of you pelvis. It will feel very firm and you will know that your not pushing on it anymore when you go too high and it starts to feel soft.

Answer 6

Um no. you cant. the only way you are going to know where your baby is, is by its kicking. When your baby gets bigger and starts to run out of room you will be able to feel her through your skin sometimes but not always. This will usually be around 8-9 months when your not really growing but the baby still is. PLus dont push on your belly to much..it makes it sore. Good Luck.

Answer 7

As a first time mum you might not be able to feel it, only because you are not sure what to look for. When you go to the doctor then you might ask them how to feel for it. This will help so you then can recognise what it feels like for next time you are worried. Don't panic, soon enough you will wish the kicking would stop.

Answer 8

yes u should feel ur uterus like 3 fingers below ur belly-button. im 16 weeks as well--first time mommy to be too---and actually i have felt the baby move--like 2 times--when u go to ur dr. write down all questions u may have---and ask them as ur health provider they need to answer any questions or concerns u may have.

Good luck

Answer 9

lol, im 13 weeks today, and at maybe 1 week i knew where my baby was, maybe odd, but i knew it was on the left side, i always felt a pain. and on thursday i was playing with my tummy ( pushing down slightly) and i thought i could feel the baby, in the left side, it got confirmed when i went to my dr. visit on monday that that was where my baby was, now i have to wait 7 weeks to get to find out whther its a boy or girl, (everyone says girl, but gosh i want a boy) oh and you said uturus not baby, my babd, actually i cant, dont know how your supposed to tell, alls i know is my tummy is already poking out and i havent gained a pound yet (morning sickness >:( )
but if your a "skinner" person i guess you could feel it...not sure, they say im small build, and can feel it?? im a first time mom at 17, but im 18 in a week so, congrats though!!! i maybe goin crazy but its a good crazy

Answer 10

some women can it you feel just bellow your belly button you should feel a sort of hard mass...about your 20th week the uterus will be at your belly button