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Published on: 4/7/2025

What Causes Bloating During Pregnancy and How Can It Be Relieved?

Bloating during pregnancy is often caused by changes in hormones that slow down digestion, and it can be helped by making a few gentle lifestyle and dietary changes.

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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, it is a good idea to talk with your doctor. 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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