Pregnancy is a special and exciting time for soon-to-be mothers, but it can also come with unexpected changes or sensations. One of the most common changes experienced is bloating and cramping. While the cause of these symptoms is usually not serious, they can make early pregnancy uncomfortable and worrisome. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes and treatments of bloating and cramping early in pregnancy. We will also explore the importance of seeking medical advice if the symptoms become worse or persist for an extended period of time. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of how to manage these common pregnancy discomforts.
Tips:
If you think you might be pregnant, the best time to take a home pregnancy test is 1 week after you first miss a period. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in 2017, home pregnancy tests are 97 percent accurate when used properly at the right time.
A blood test must be performed in a clinic or at a doctor’s office because it can frequently detect pregnancy much earlier.
If you get a positive result on a home pregnancy test, you should call your doctor right away, according to the Office on Women’s Health. The doctor can prescribe a more sensitive test and perform a pelvic exam to tell for certain if you’re pregnant.
To keep you and the fetus healthy, the Office on Women’s Health recommends you see a medical professional as early as possible in your pregnancy. You can then schedule regular prenatal visits throughout your pregnancy.
Once you enter the second trimester of pregnancy, a lot of the physical changes and signs of pregnancy you experienced in the first trimester will start to go away. Any symptoms that interfere with your daily life should be discussed with your doctor. You can attempt to find solace and comfort for your pregnancy together.
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Your body will go through significant changes in early pregnancy. You might experience symptoms like nausea, breast tenderness, and, of course, a missed period.
A home pregnancy test is a good first step to take if you suspect you might be pregnant. These tests are widely accessible in pharmacies and other stores without a prescription.
If the outcome is positive, schedule an appointment with a physician. To confirm your pregnancy, they will conduct an examination and another test. After that, you can begin a prenatal program to protect both your and the fetus’s health.
Last medically reviewed on September 23, 2021
Bloating is thought to be a result of the estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuating during the menstrual cycle.
The 156 participants of one study completed a survey about their menstrual history and gastrointestinal symptoms before and during their periods. The results indicated that 62% of the women had premenstrual bloating, and 51% had bloating during their menses.
As a result of implantation bleeding, spotting in the first few days of pregnancy can happen as early as six days after conception. After the fertilized egg implants into the uterus, light spotting is a sign of implantation bleeding.
Additionally, it’s conceivable that multiple factors contribute to bloating Sometimes, a confluence of the aforementioned factors can result in bloating.
Cysts can cause pain and bloating in the lower abdomen. Rarely, ovarian cysts can be cancerous, which is why it is best to have a doctor check out cysts when they occur.
How to get rid of bloating during pregnancy
While you’re likely to experience some bloating during pregnancy no matter what you do, controlling constipation can lessen the accumulation of uncomfortable gas. Here are a few tips that can help:
By keeping your digestive system moving, staying hydrated helps prevent constipation, a common cause of gas and bloating.
Another way to prevent constipation during pregnancy is to eat a lot of fiber-rich foods, such as leafy greens, legumes, whole grains (such as whole wheat bread or pasta), and fruits. On the other hand, abruptly increasing your dietary fiber intake may lead to gas. If you don’t already consume fiber regularly, gradually add it to your diet.
The more food you consume in one sitting, the more gas you will produce. Six small meals a day, or three moderate meals and two or three snacks, will not only maintain your nutrition levels to better nourish your child, but they’ll also keep your digestive system from becoming overworked, preventing heartburn and gas pains.
If you typically eat your lunch in five minutes or less, you are probably also swallowing a lot of air. The air will ultimately settle into your stomach as uncomfortable gas bubbles (painful for you, not your baby) and bloating.
In spite of your busy schedule, try your best to eat slowly while pregnant. In addition to reducing your abdominal discomfort, you’ll also be treating yourself to a well-earned break.
Additionally, anxious eating during pregnancy causes air swallowing and, you guessed it, bloating (lunch eaten while finishing a report; dinner consumed while arguing with your mother on the phone).
Try not to add stress as a side to your sandwich. Before and during your meal, pause and take a few deep breaths to help you relax. Also, keep in mind that a “lunch break” actually refers to a break.
FAQ
Is bloating and cramping normal in early pregnancy?
Changing hormone levels might cause increased gas, bloating, and constipation during the first trimester. All of these gastrointestinal issues can cause cramping sensations.
What does early pregnancy bloat feel like?
Is bloating and cramping normal at 4 weeks pregnant?
Can early pregnancy cause tummy cramps?