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What Bloating During Pregnancy Is

Abdominal bloating is a condition in which the abdomen (belly) feels full and tight, usually due to gas. This uncomfortable feeling, unfortunately, is very common in pregnancy and tends to get worse in the later stages.

Why Bloating During Pregnancy Happens

Progesterone, a pregnancy hormone, causes the gastrointestinal tract to relax and slow down your digestion. This allows the nutrients from your food to enter your bloodstream and reach your baby, but the slower metabolism also leads to bloating. (It's also the reason why constipation happens during pregnancy.)

As your baby grows and your uterus expands, they'll both press more on your stomach and intestines. This is why you'll feel more bloating during the later stages of your pregnancy.

How to Relieve Bloating During Pregnancy

• Drink lots of water to avoid constipation, which aggravates bloating.

• Eat foods rich in fiber.

• Avoid gas-producing foods, such as cabbage, beans, fried foods and onions.

• Eat 6 or 8 smaller meals instead of 3 or 4 large ones.

• Eat slowly to break down foods so it's easier to digest and so you don't swallow air.

• Relax.