I know. It sounds like the most frivolous pregnancy complaint in the world, but it can actually be quite painful. Belly button pain is caused by the pressure of the expanding uterus on your belly button. It is most annoying at around the 20th week of pregnancy. After that, the tenderness starts to subside.
Many women find that their belly button (or navel) becomes quite sore and tender in the last few months of pregnancy. For women with an ‘inny’ belly button, it may be the first time this part of your body has seen the light of day! The previously ‘protected’ skin of the navel, can rub frequently on clothing, making it feel a little raw and tender. Along with this, you may also experience a stretching or splitting sensation, that comes with the normal separation of the abdominal muscles behind it, make this area particularly uncomfortable.

Wearing underwear that goes ‘over the belly’ (‘grandma undies’) may help protect the tender skin of the navel, and reduce other clothes from rubbing on it. Massaging creams or oils in may also be soothing. If you have not already done so, removing your belly ring is probably advisable now (if you have one). If you have difficulty seeing this part of your body, ask your partner to or look at the skin (or you can use a mirror). This is to make sure you have not injured your belly while ironing, or scraping up against something (easily done!).