To think there must be something wrong?

[rumpehpumpeh]

Since I can remember I've always felt bloated. There's 2 days a month about a week before my period when I feel slim but other than that I look between 3 - 6 months pregnant.

I've been offered a seat on the tube many times and asked by many random people if I'm pregnant (wankers! But that's another thread).

I'm 5 foot 3 and fluctuate between 9 stone and 9 stone 3llbs - never over or under in the last 3 years.

I do ALOT of exercise. I run between 15 - 25 miles a week. I do 2 spin classes per week. I cycle to and from work every day (10 miles) and swim once or twice per week.

My diet is average I think. A typical day is Granola, an orange, a wrap, salad or sandwich for lunch. Crisps most days, they are my downfall. Dinner is salmon or chicken, veg and sweet potatoes or rice. I often have an ice cream

Alcohol wise, I drink maybe twice a week.

This morning I was in tears trying to find a dress to hide my stomach. It protrudes, I look 6 months gone today.

Surely with the exercise and the not that bad (or am I in denial) diet I shouldn't have this problem?!? What is wrong with me?!? Does anyone have the same problem, or have a miracle cure for bloat? I know it's not a real problem in the real world but it's affecting my life and confidence, I feel disgusting....

[TerrorAustralis]

From what you've described, I'd think there is some kind of reaction going on to something in your diet or some other intestinal problem (google SIBO). Although the mention of your menstrual cycle makes me wonder if there's a gynaecological issue. Do you have any other symptoms?

Have you ever tried an elimination diet? As a start, you could try cutting out wheat and sugar for a few weeks to see if it makes a difference.

[peripateticparents]

I second terror ... Try cutting out wheat and dairy completely for a few weeks. And see if it changes things. Sugar also helps but might be a step too far. I suspect possible gut reactions and wheat and dairy are common culprits

[CreepyPasta]

Google 'Diastasis Recti' it's not always caused by childbirth. If you do a lot of exercise (especially running) you might have muscle separation

[myownprivateidaho]

I would just see a doctor and ask them. I guess you could start eliminating stuff on your own, but there's always a danger of confirmation bias etc.

[Albadross]

I have this exact thing - I've literally just googled it (for the millionth time) and found something on Quora about a tight 'Soas'...

www.quora.com/Why-cant-I-cross-my-legs

[JessieMcJessie]

Have you been to the doctor? Not wishing to alarm you but my colleague had this and was sadly diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She has just got the all-clear though.

[sparechange]

Cut wheat out for a few weeks
If that doesn't work, try yeast

Do you do Pilates? It flattens the internal stomach and core muscles which in turn flattens the abs and makes everything look well, flat

[Albadross]

Sorry 'psoas'. I was actually googling because nursery told me my 3 year old says crossing his legs hurts and as a consequence he's unable to sit for circle time. Could be inherited, I've had this very severely despite lots of exercise just like you, and my BMI is 20.5 so like you I'm not at all overweight. A guy at work asked me if I was pregnant too

[choccybiscuit]

I have this quite a lot actually. Doctor recommended the FORMAT diet. Try it, it's really helped me. I found the things that blood my stomach are onion and garlic which is in a lot of ready made stuff, it quite a common food to bloat you. Also react to apples and honey. It's definitely worth it in my imo.

[choccybiscuit]

*FODMAP diet

[Wolpertinger]

You eat a lot of stuff high in FODMAPs - if you are sensitive to them, then they'll be causing bloating.

Worth seeing a doctor.

[LoreleiGilmoreIsMyBFF]

I feel your pain, rumpehpumpeh - I'm the same height as you and a couple of pounds heavier. The rest of me is ok, but I've had a big stomach since my teens. One of the best things about being pregnant was finally having a reply when people asked 'When is it due?' ! I might try the no wheat, no dairy thing ( the thought of no pizza or ice cream is a bit worrying though....)