What causes bloating during pregnancy and how can it be relieved?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Bloating during pregnancy is a common symptom caused primarily by rising progesterone levels, which slow digestion and increase gas buildup. Simple remedies include eating smaller, more frequent meals, staying hydrated, limiting gas-producing foods (like beans and carbonated drinks), and engaging in light exercise such as walking or prenatal yoga.

While bloating is usually harmless, it can sometimes signal an underlying issue that needs attention. Because pregnancy symptoms often overlap and vary from person to person, the fastest way to understand what's driving your discomfort—and what to do next—is to take a free, instant, online symptom check. In just a few minutes, you'll get personalized insights to help you decide whether home remedies are enough or if it's time to talk to your doctor.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover what’s causing pregnancy bloating Learn if bloating needs care today Find out if pregnancy bloating is serious See OTC options for pregnancy bloating Find a doctor for pregnancy bloating Understand medically proven pregnancy bloating relief Check likely causes of bloating in pregnancy

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Explanation

When you are pregnant, your body makes lots of hormones that help the baby grow. One of these changes is that your tummy doesn't digest food as quickly as before. This slower digestion can make you feel gassy or full, resulting in bloating. Also, as your uterus grows, it gently pushes on your stomach and intestines, which can add to the feeling of bloating or fullness. To help relieve this discomfort, try eating smaller meals more often instead of big meals, and choose foods that are gentle on your stomach. Drinking plenty of water and staying active with light exercises like walking can also help your digestion move along more smoothly. Some people find that avoiding foods that cause gas, like beans or carbonated drinks, can make a big difference. Remember, if your bloating becomes very uncomfortable or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms, you can use our free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your discomfort. It is also a good idea to talk with your doctor, as they can help figure out the best ways to ease your symptoms safely.

(References)

Einarson A, Maltepe C, Boskovic R, Koren G. Treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: an updated algorithm. Can Fam Physician. 2007 Dec;53(12):2109-11. Erratum in: Can Fam Physician. 2019 Jan;65(1):8. PMID: 18077743; PMCID: PMC2231543.
Longo SA, Moore RC, Canzoneri BJ, Robichaux A. Gastrointestinal Conditions during Pregnancy. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2010 Jun;23(2):80-9. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1254294. PMID: 21629625; PMCID: PMC2967327.
Foley A, Burgell R, Barrett JS, Gibson PR. Management Strategies for Abdominal Bloating and Distension. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2014 Sep;10(9):561-71. PMID: 27551250; PMCID: PMC4991532.

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