Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Why Do You Feel Ridges in Your Stomach When Pregnant?

When I rub my stomach I feel these ridges that I've never felt before. Sometimes they feel thick.

Answer:

Without knowing how far along you are it's a little hard to answer, but I suspect what you're feeling is your baby's body.

Earlier in pregnancy you could be feeling the top of your uterus just starting to rise out of your pelvis. This feels strange to a lot of women and can seem like a ridge.

But later in pregnancy it's most likely parts of your baby's body - you can feel feet, hands, knees, and elbows. As your baby gets bigger you can also feel the curve of the back of their neck and you can feel their back. Sometimes you can even feel the bumps along their spine!

This is all very normal, and it's also very normal for where the bumps and ridges are to change as your baby shifts and moves. Sometimes babies will poke their hands, feet, etc. out in uncomfortable ways in or wedge them into your bones in a way that hurts. You can gently push on your belly and it will usually encourage your baby to move.