Belly Shapes and Hidden Health Clues

One of the more serious conditions suggested by a distended belly is ascites, the pathological accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. This condition typically manifests as a visibly swollen, often taut abdomen that may feel heavy and appear like a pregnant belly. Ascites is most commonly a symptom of advanced liver disease, such as cirrhosis, but can also be caused by heart failure, kidney failure, pancreatitis, or certain types of cancer, particularly those affecting the ovaries, colon, or stomach.