Bloating and hard stomach - advice needed

[K2012]

Good morning ladies

I’m 16+4 today since the beginning I’ve suffered with bloating and my stomach goes hard, looks like a ball and it lasts for about half an hour. It used to happen about twice a week. In the last week it’s almost every day and can last for an hour where my stomach is really hard and can happen 1-2 times a day. Sometimes I can feel my stomach is stretching especially on the sides. There’s no pain or cramping or bleeding just a little bit of discomfort.

Any advice or is this normal and will this happen more often in the next few months?

Are you pooing regularly ?
Have you mentioned it to the MW/GP ?

Hi @GoodnightGrandma I used to go toilet 4-5 times in the beginning and then I became a bit constipated around week 8-10 advised by GP to take some Lactulose for a few days which helped. Haven’t taken it since. I only go toilet once a day now but I don’t feel constituted anymore.

No I haven’t mentioned it to GP or midwife yet

I’ve been told that peppermint tea helps with gas and bloating

Your tummy going hard like a bowling ball is likely to be braxton hicks contractions. These happen more frequently, as does bloating if you are dehydrated. Have you been drinking around 100oz water every day?

Thanks @Derbee will try peppermint tea.

Thanks @EmpressCixi for the reply. Yes I drink a lot of water about 2 litres a day.

Any other advice? In the last few days it seems to happen more frequent now especially after I’ve eaten and it’s a bit uncomfortable now

Have left a message with midwife to call me

What’s your diet like? Digestion slows right down in pregnancy, so it’s more important than ever to be taking in enough fibre etc.

6 smaller meals rather than 3 larger ones is better for reducing bloating and gas.

Drinking plenty of water is vital.

Probiotics like yoghurt can help.

Gentle exercise, even a walk can help avoid build up of gas.

It’s worth seeing what helps you, because it does tend to get worse as you get more pressure on everything as your pregnancy progresses. Good luck

I am getting the same at 14 wks. Total inflation and feel like I can't breathe or move properly. Usually after I've eaten. My digestion has basically ground to a halt and so I was assuming it was trapped air and incredibly slow moving food. Pls let me know if you get any answers.

Thanks @Derbee for the advice

@Qwerty2000 I will. Waiting for midwife to get back to me.

Hi @Qwerty2000 spoke to midwife today. She said my symptoms sounds like trapped wind and constipation and advised me to eat more fiber, fruit, vegetables, drink more water, keep active and if it doesn’t help take some Lactulose. She said if it doesn’t get better I can contact maternity triage for more advice.