Why It Happens

Bloating during pregnancy is a common and expected symptom caused by hormonal changes, slower digestion, and physical shifts in the body. These changes start early and often persist throughout the pregnancy.

Progesterone Surge: This hormone rises rapidly during pregnancy, relaxing muscles — including those in the GI tract — slowing digestion and increasing gas buildup.

Uterus Expansion: As the uterus grows, it puts pressure on the intestines and stomach, disrupting normal digestive flow.

Reduced Stomach Acid: Pregnancy often lowers acid levels, impairing food breakdown and leading to fermentation.

Iron Supplements: Prenatal vitamins high in iron can slow down motility and increase constipation-related bloating.

Fluid Retention: Hormonal shifts promote water retention in tissues, contributing to a puffy or bloated feeling.

Sources: Healthline, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, WebMD.

How to Manage

Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Prevent overwhelming your digestive system by spreading intake throughout the day.

Walk Daily: Gentle movement helps stimulate digestion and reduce gas buildup.

Try Warm Fluids or Teas: Ginger or chamomile tea can ease discomfort and support gut motility.

Talk to Your Doctor About Iron: Adjust your supplement dosage or switch forms if it’s worsening bloating.

Focus on Hydration and Fiber: Prevent constipation by drinking water and eating soluble fiber-rich foods.

Pregnancy bloating is manageable — small, supportive habits can make a big difference in daily comfort.

Key Biomarkers

• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

• High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP)

Expert-Backed Reads

• Heard of hsCRP? Test for This in Your 30s To Live Longer

• ESR (Sed Rate) Test: Detect Chronic Inflammation and Improve Longevity

• A Guide on hs-CRP Test for Inflammation and Heart Health

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