PT HEALTH WATCH: What pregnant women should know about bloating, warning signs

Bloating, a feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen, is common during pregnancy because hormonal changes slow digestion, increasing the likelihood of gas and constipation.

Although often harmless, persistent or unusual abdominal discomfort, particularly when accompanied by severe pain, vomiting, fever or vaginal bleeding, may indicate a condition requiring medical attention.

To explain the causes, management and warning signs of pregnancy-related bloating, PREMIUM TIMES spoke with Halimat Jimoh, a midwife, who also cautioned against self-medication.

Why bloating occurs during pregnancy

Ms Jimoh said bloating could occur at any stage of pregnancy, although some women experience it more during the first trimester because of hormonal changes.

She explained that increased progesterone levels relax the muscles of the digestive tract, slowing the movement of food through the intestines. This can cause gas accumulation, constipation and abdominal discomfort.

As pregnancy advances, the growing uterus may also put pressure on digestive organs.

According to her, pregnancy-related bloating is generally mild, may come and go, and can improve after passing gas or having a bowel movement.

However, she advised women not to assume that every episode of abdominal discomfort is a normal pregnancy symptom.

Warning signs women should not ignore

Ms Jimoh said severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, fever and vaginal bleeding should prompt medical assessment.

She noted that conditions such as gastrointestinal infections, appendicitis, gallbladder problems and intestinal obstruction could cause abdominal discomfort and swelling.

Severe upper abdominal pain, particularly on the right side, accompanied by a severe headache, changes in vision or sudden swelling of the face and hands, could indicate pre-eclampsia, a potentially serious pregnancy complication.

Other warning signs include difficulty breathing, fainting and a significant deterioration in the woman’s general condition.

She also advised women to seek immediate assessment if they notice reduced or absent fetal movements after their baby’s movements have become established.

Managing bloating safely

According to Ms Jimoh, fizzy drinks, beans and other gas-producing foods may worsen bloating in some women, while large meals and very fatty foods may increase digestive discomfort.

She recommended eating smaller, more frequent meals, eating slowly and drinking enough water. Gentle physical activity, such as walking, may also support digestion and relieve constipation.

For women experiencing constipation, she advised increasing fibre intake through fruits, vegetables and whole grains, while ensuring adequate fluid consumption.

However, she encouraged women to identify their individual food triggers rather than unnecessarily eliminating entire food groups from their diets.

Dangers of self-medication

Ms Jimoh warned against taking medicines or herbal preparations for bloating without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.

She explained that over-the-counter medicines are not automatically safe during pregnancy, as their suitability may depend on the stage of pregnancy and the woman’s individual circumstances.

She added that products described as natural are not necessarily safe, particularly when their ingredients have not been adequately studied in pregnancy or may interact with other medicines.

The midwife advised women to disclose their stage of pregnancy, medications and supplements to their healthcare providers before taking anything for persistent bloating or constipation.

She also cautioned that self-medication could mask symptoms of an underlying condition requiring treatment.

When to seek medical care

Ms Jimoh urged pregnant women to seek urgent medical attention when bloating occurs alongside severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, vaginal bleeding, fever, fainting or difficulty breathing.

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Sudden swelling of the face or hands, severe headache, visual disturbances and severe upper abdominal pain also require prompt assessment because they may indicate pre-eclampsia.

She reiterated that reduced or absent fetal movements warrant immediate assessment.

According to her, persistent, severe or unusual symptoms should be investigated rather than simply treated as digestive discomfort.

She encouraged women to seek professional advice whenever they are unsure whether a symptom is normal, stressing that timely assessment can help identify complications and prevent delays in care.