Mums, do you constantly feel as though your belly is about to explode? You’re not alone. Many women experience bloating during pregnancy at some point or another.
Not only is it unsightly, making you look like you have ingested two extra meals, but it is also annoyingly uncomfortable.
As hormone levels rise during pregnancy, all muscles in the body, including those in the digestive tract, relax. This can result in burping, bloating and flatulence as digestion slows and gas builds up in the system. They may cause unpleasant gastrointestinal sensations after a hefty meal.
Why Do We Feel Bloated
Published in International Scholarly Research Notices, Gastroenterology, a study revealed that 10 to 25 per cent of healthy people experience bloating. However, more women suffer from it than men, and it has something to do with their hormones.
Menstruating women can attest to that.
“You can blame your hormones,” says Dr Carrie Smith, assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, in a TODAY story.
“Before menopause, for most women, bloating generally is a monthly occurrence, and follows a pattern.”
Part of the menstrual cycle which causes bloating is called the luteal phase, which begins right after ovulation and lasts for about two weeks.
The uterine lining starts to prepare for a possible pregnancy during this period, and estrogen then takes a bit of a nose-dive and then begins to rise and remains high.
Another hormone also kicks in: Progesterone.
All these changes wreak havoc on women’s digestive tract.
“When estrogen is high, women seem to retain more water,” said Dr Holly Thacker, director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Specialised Women’s Health.
Water retention equals bloat.
The report also says:
“Some of the effects of progesterone—when it’s high, like during the luteal phase of menstruation, right after ovulation—include what doctors call delayed GI transit time, which means exactly what you think it does: food moves more slowly through your intestine, resulting in constipation and bloating.
However, when progesterone decreases and bleeding begins, you may experience an increase in bowel activity. That means some women may get diarrhoea and bloating.”
Not only that, women bloat through the ages, whether you’re a young woman or already in your mid-ages.
Dr Lori Tishler, medical director for the Phyllis Jen Center for Primary Care at Brigham and Women’s Hospital says that when women’s estrogen begins to fluctuate at the peri-menopausal stage (mid-forties), it results in water retention, gas, and bloating.
Bloated or Pregnant?
Bloating can be a sign of pregnancy, as hormonal changes and slowed digestion can lead to increased gas production and digestive discomfort. However, bloating can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as gastrointestinal issues or menstrual cycle changes.
It’s important to note that bloating alone is not a reliable indicator of pregnancy and should be evaluated in conjunction with other symptoms, such as missed periods, nausea, and breast tenderness. If you suspect you may be pregnant, it’s important to take a pregnancy test and talk to a healthcare provider about any symptoms you are experiencing.
Pregnancy Bloating
Bloating occurs in late pregnancy due to the enlarging uterus and hormonal surge. The uterine cavity takes up more room in the abdominal cavity, pushing the stomach forward and making digestion more difficult.
You will feel bloated after eating as a result of this during your pregnancy. As a result, you may get heartburn, acidity or constipation.
It’s common for pregnant women too to bloat.
“There are higher levels of progesterone and your intestine slows down,” she says.
“Basically, slower contractions mean potential constipation, gas, and bloat.”
The good news is that bloating is relatively harmless, and women shouldn’t worry too much about it.
“Many women worry that something really bad is going on, and part of our job as doctors is to reassure them that sometimes bloating is really nothing more than just bloating,” Dr. Tishler says.
“But we all know it’s not much fun.”
Symptoms of Bloating During Pregnancy
So how can you tell whether you are bloated? Watch out for the following signs:
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Abdominal distension: Bloating during pregnancy can cause the abdomen to feel swollen or distended, making it uncomfortable to wear tight clothing.
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Gas and flatulence: Increased gas production during pregnancy can lead to frequent burping, passing gas, and feelings of abdominal pressure.
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Constipation: Bloating during pregnancy can also be accompanied by constipation, which can cause discomfort, cramping, and abdominal pain.
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Appetite changes: Pregnant women may experience changes in appetite, including cravings and aversions, which can contribute to bloating and digestive issues.
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Fatigue: Bloating during pregnancy can lead to feelings of fatigue and low energy, making it difficult to engage in daily activities.
Extreme Bloating in Early Pregnancy
Extreme bloating during early pregnancy is a common symptom that many women experience. Bloating occurs due to hormonal changes in the body, which can lead to an increase in gas production and intestinal activity. The expanding uterus also puts pressure on the digestive system, causing it to slow down and resulting in bloating and constipation.
While bloating can be uncomfortable, it is usually not a cause for concern unless it is accompanied by severe pain or other symptoms.
What Causes Bloating During Pregnancy
There are a lot of factors that can lead to this feeling of bloating and discomfort during pregnancy, such as:
Constipation during pregnancy can lead to bloating and gas. As food passes through the digestive tract, it spends a longer period of time in the intestine, allowing for better nutrient absorption by the fetus. However, dry stools take longer to reach the rectum and can cause faecal matter to accumulate, leading to bloating and increased gas production.
What’s in your diet can also contribute to bloating during pregnancy. Certain foods, such as gluten-containing foods for those with gluten intolerance or dairy products for those with lactose intolerance, can be difficult to digest and may induce flatulence, leading to feelings of bloating and discomfort.
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Bacteria in the digestive tract
Imbalances in the bacterial colonies in the colon can also cause bloating, gas, and flatulence during pregnancy.
A rapid increase in weight can also lead to feelings of bloating and discomfort during pregnancy. As hunger increases, it is common for pregnant women to consume more food, leading to increased calorie intake and sometimes fatigue. This can result in feelings of bloating and unpleasantness over time.
During pregnancy, the body experiences significant hormonal changes that can affect digestion and lead to bloating. The hormone progesterone, in particular, can cause relaxation of the muscles in the digestive tract, leading to slower digestion and increased gas production.
Pregnant women may inadvertently swallow more air while eating or drinking, which can lead to feelings of bloating and discomfort.
Stress can also contribute to digestive issues, including bloating. Pregnant women may experience increased stress levels, which can exacerbate digestive problems and lead to bloating.
Foods That Cause Bloating in Pregnancy
Certain foods might cause odorous gas and bloat in pregnant women. Vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, beans, Brussels sprouts, onions, broccoli, artichokes, and asparagus contain unabsorbable carbohydrates. As a result, sulfur-filled vapours may be created, giving off a foul odour.
- Fibre-rich foods include chickpeas, lentils, green gram, and pigeon peas. Too much high-fibre meals, on the other hand, might produce bloating and gas. A high-fibre diet, on the other hand, may assist some people to minimise gas and bloating.
- Seeds like sunflower, poppy, and fennel produce gas in the colon, causing flatulence.
- Fruits like apples, mangoes, raisins, prunes, cherries, watermelon, and peaches contain unabsorbable carbohydrates. Because they are unable to be digested by your body, they end up in your colon, resulting in farts and gas.
- Carbon dioxide generated by soda, wine, and beer can cause burping.
- Bloating and flatulence are caused by fructose-rich fruit juices.
- Wheat, wheat bran, and wheat products promote fermentation in the large intestine, which can produce gas and bloating.
- The artificial sweetener sorbitol, which can be found in a variety of foods and beverages, has been related to the formation of gas.
Pregnancy Bloating – When Does it Start and When Will It Stop?
Bloating during pregnancy is a common and uncomfortable symptom that can start as early as the first trimester and last throughout the pregnancy. While it may not completely disappear until after delivery, there are strategies that pregnant women can use to alleviate symptoms of bloating.
Home Remedies for Pregnancy Bloating
Though prescription medications are not ideal, it may be necessary to address bloating at times. In stool softeners, docusate sodium is a safe active component. Mineral oil is also a safe substance. However, before using any laxative or medication, always consult your doctor.
Applying a heating pad to the abdomen can help relax muscles and ease discomfort caused by bloating.
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Take over-the-counter medications
Certain over-the-counter medications, such as simethicone, can help reduce gas and relieve bloating. Talk to a healthcare provider before taking any medications during pregnancy.
Some natural remedies, such as ginger tea and peppermint oil, may help alleviate bloating and other digestive issues. Talk to a healthcare provider before using any natural remedies during pregnancy.
Smoking can lead to a variety of issues, including acidity. If you haven’t yet, this is your sign to break the habit as it will not help you at all during your pregnancy.
You should exercise every day to stay active, keep your system running, relieve gas, and prevent bloating. Gas will not be able to depart your system if you do not exercise and instead sit all day, resulting in bloating.
Simple activities such as pelvic rocking might also help with gas release. However, you should seek medical advice before commencing any workout program.
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Yoga and relaxation techniques
Practice yoga or breathing and relaxation techniques with the help of a professional during your pregnancy. If you have hyperventilation syndrome, which is caused by being very anxious or aroused, you may need to take in extra air.
The yoga positions listed below can help with bloating and gas:
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- Extend your side angle in this pose.
- Triangle position
- Sitting while stretching
- Cats and cows in various poses
- Child’s pose
For pregnant women, not all stances are appropriate. Please with your doctor or a yoga instructor before performing these exercises.
Keep track of everything you eat and how much gas you get in the six hours following each meal. Keep a food diary to determine which foods make you unwell.
You’ll be able to discern which foods are good for you and which do not produce bloating if you keep track. A nutritionist can help you follow a healthy pregnancy diet. Fresh foods are usually preferable to processed or frozen ones. You can choose pesticide-free organic meals that are free of genetically modified components.
When to Consult Your Doctor About Pregnancy Bloating
Gas and bloating are prevalent throughout pregnancy. If they’re severe and come with other symptoms, though, you should consult a doctor right away:
- Increased cramping and pain in the abdomen
- Stools containing blood
- Contractions that start before the 36th week of pregnancy are considered early.
- Severe constipation and diarrhoea
- Severe vomiting and nausea
Depending on your health and the severity of the problem, your doctor may prescribe medicine.
Image Source: iStock
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