Thanks for all the comments. I guess no matter what the cause of my extended belly, its still uncomfortable so I'm going to try the belly belt. I figure I'll need it eventually! Its just hard to tell when you are a little overweight to start with. I live in the sticks far away from family and friends - but the people around me here at work do know that I'm pregnant so I'm not worried about 'giving it away'! I just need to be comfy because I have a reasonably physical job.

This may be a silly question but what exactly does 'popping' mean? I gather that is something to do with your placenta's position?