Bloating during pregnancy.
One possible cause of bloating during pregnancy is hormonal fluctuation. Pregnancy hormones relax the womb, and the digestive muscles also relax, slowing digestion.
This can lead to constipation, a common challenge for pregnant women, and constipation can cause a person to feel bloated.
Bloating often develops in the first trimesterTrusted Source, and it may get worse during the third trimester — beginning in week 29 — as the fetus takes up more space and presses on surrounding organs.
Also, women who have IBS prior to pregnancy may find that their symptoms become worse or more frequent during pregnancy. IBS causes frequent pain in the abdomen, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and other symptoms.
In addition, heightened emotions and awareness of their bodies can make pregnant women more aware of sensations in their small intestines. For this reason, a pregnant woman may feel bloating more intensely than someone who is not pregnant.
Some women have found over-the-counter (OTC) supplements, such as probiotics, and stool softeners to be helpful. However, doctors do not tend to recommend laxatives, OTC or otherwise, to pregnant women.
Be cautious about taking any medication or supplement during pregnancy, including herbal products, and discuss all symptoms and treatment options thoroughly with a physician.
One of the most effective ways to ward off bloating during pregnancy is by preventing constipation. Strategies for this include:
- drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day
- gradually increasing the intake of fiber by eating more fresh fruit, dried fruit, and whole grains
- making regular physical activity a priority