I’ve seen videos circulating on social media claiming that a woman’s lower belly pouch is a natural curve in the body caused by the uterus, not to be viewed as a physical flaw. While the sentiment promoting body positivity and acknowledging the natural curves of female bodies is commendable, the assertion that any fat patch below the belly button is caused by the uterus is a misconception.
A normal-sized, non-pregnant uterus is anatomically situated below or at the level of the pubic bone. Meaning, it is generally not noticeable physically or visually through the abdominal wall unless you’re pregnant and the uterus is growing, or if you have something like fibroids in your uterus that make it larger.
What is true about this claim is that the presence of a bulge or curve in the lower abdomen typically constitutes a normal physiological characteristic, resulting from the way fat is deposited in the female body and where the bowels are. It’s entirely normal and common to have a curve to your belly, and for the abdomen not to be totally flat or concave.
During pregnancy, the uterus typically doesn’t ascend to the level of the belly button until approximately five months in, and it may become discernible in the lower abdomen around 10 to 12 weeks pregnant. Conditions such as uterine fibroids or large ovarian cysts can cause uterine enlargement, resulting in a palpable mass, bulge, or fullness in the lower abdomen.
I note all this because misattributing such a change to a “normal uterus” based on viral content could lead to too many delays in the diagnosis of serious gynecological conditions. If you do feel something hard in your pelvis, like a mass, or observe a new bump or bulge in your lower abdomen, see your gynecologist for an exam and an ultrasound. Gynecologists frequently encounter patients who discover fibroids precisely through this manner. This commitment to anatomical accuracy is vital to counteract the existing misinformation about women’s bodies and to empower individuals with precise knowledge for their health. For more myth-busting information, read my book It’s Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (but Were Never Told)
