Bloating AIBU (embarrassing)

[Javanaise]

Found this a bit embarrassing so I've name-changed.

I had a bikini wax last weekend, and the woman doing the wax asked if I was pregnant (I'm not). I completely understand why she asked this, as she just wanted to check for health risks, but I found it really embarrassing

I had a slight bulge on my stomach when I went into the waxing place, which is presumably why she thought to ask.

In terms of context, I've recently been trying to drink much more water than usual, as I was told by the GP recently that I don't drink anywhere near enough. I'd drunk quite a lot before going into the waxing place (and also needed the loo by that point .)

Also, I think I bloat quite badly in general, although I try to eat healthily. (On a typical day, I'll probably have eggs or yoghurt with berries and nuts for breakfast, fish or meat with veg and a carb for lunch and fish or meat with quite a lot of veg for dinner). I don't drink alcohol, and have cut down on coffee (around a cup every few days), and, as mentioned, have really increased my water intake.

Also, since going through a stressful time a couple of years ago, when I started getting symptoms of indigestion (which, after going to a few doctors, was diagnosed as physical symptoms of stress), I've noticed that this will flare up again, especially when I'm stressed. In fact, this can sometimes flare up when I'm not aware I'm stressed, and then it'll lead me to realise that I'm stressed or anxious.

Any tips on how to relieve the bloating please? Is it worth me getting a check-up for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or something similar, or just eliminating foods from my diet and seeing how I feel without them (wouldn't know where to begin though!)

Thanks :)

Just wondering as well for anyone who has IBS, what you tend to normally eat and drink? I.e. for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Thanks :)

It could be a number of things, and the digestive systems is notoriously difficult to regulate: one man's nectar is another's poison! So it's would be a good idea to have a private chat with your pharmacist, who will confirm whether you need to see a GP. Also, don't forget that it is normal for women not to have a perfectly flat tum, it's just how our bodies are programmed to survive.

So although it's unlikely there is a cause for concern, I would like you to bear the following information in mind (it's highly unlikely and anworst case scenario, but regrettably overlooked which leads to late diagnosis and poorer recovery rates): www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer-of-the-ovary/Pages/Symptoms.aspx