pregnancy and the growing belly

[bioclock1]

I"m 15 weeks and wondering for all those who have been here before, at what point can I expect my stomach to be big and not just because of bloating? I wake up in the mornings and I'm actually scared b/c my stomach is as flat as it was before i became pregnant ( i have stomach pooch but i can make it flat by pulling up with my hand). I've always had this pooch and the fact that I can make it look flat worries me. Is this normal? Just by eating one meal, usually breakfast, I immediately look 5 months pregnant from bloating! But....i wonder, when will my belly be there to stay? Does that require "popping" first?
One other question...i'm 15 weeks fetal age....should I go by that when reading books or by a 17 week gestational stage? In other words, many books and people talk about "popping" at 20 weeks. Are they talking about gestation or fetal age?

Thanks ladies!!!

[bioclock1]

thanks for the reply! It's weird b/c when i lie down i also have this large swelling. MOst of it's fat though. hahahahaha! I'm so nervous about our appt thurs and even though we're finding out the gender, i mostly just want to be reassured that everything is going well with our lil one!!!

[Willow10]

My stomach is just as flat as before when Im standing but when I lay down I have a large hard grape fruit sized bulge about an inch under my belly button. Thats the only time I even feel pregnant! or look it. I heard a lot of people the first time around dont pop untill 20 wks too! I wish I would sooner bc after I eat I just feel bloated not pregnant! Also I only really read/hear the weeks being referenced by anyone as the gestational age.

[bioclock1]

thanks lmk26!! I guess it's strange then that my doctor is going by fetal age... but that's what he said. That's why its so confusing! :)

[lmk26]

i wouldnt worry about not showing yet. with my first i was about 21 weeks before i started to show properly. i looked no different really prior to that. this pregnancy is my third and i am showing already and i am only 15 weeks gestational age. it really depends on the person and if it is your first or not.
as for going by fetal age or gestational age i always go by gestational age as that is what the doctors go by. i would think they mean gestational age in the book as well.
hope this helps :)