Pregnancy 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!!!

[sprarah]

I didnty show until just over 6 mos with my first......I have pics of me on the beach in florida at 6mos and I didnt look preggo at all. But once it popped out it grew way too fast.....then came the stretch mark (horrible thing they are) It was sad actually cuz I didnt feel I spent too much time pregnant lol

[bioclock1]

thanks ladies...this makes me feel better. It's not that i'm not patient, I just worry that a flatter looking tummy may mean the uterus/baby isn't growing properly.

Victoria01...actually, my doctor has been going from fetal age since my 1st appointment b/c he said that was more accurate. That's why I'm so confused. Should I tell ppl I"m 17 weeks or 15 weeks (fetal?) One of the books I have breaks down the chapters into gestational age but also tells you what the fetal age is. SO i have to read "week 17 gestational, week 15 fetal). It's confusing!!

[mamaofonetrying42]

Most 1st times dont show in till 18-25weeks! Give or take.

[Victoria01]

Your doctor will go by gestational age, which is from your LMP, as will most books. I am 15 and a half weeks, and just started to show. If this is your first pregnancy, then you will probably show later than someone who has been pregnant before.

[alisasmom]

My first child my stomach didn't get big in till a week or 2 before the 6 month and then after that your stomach will look bigger every morning, I'm having my second baby and i'm only 13 weeks an d look like i'm already 5 months.