Pregnancy Gas: Causes, Relief Tips, and What Worked for Me💨
Let’s be real—pregnancy is full of unexpected changes.
At 23 weeks, I wasn’t prepared to feel like I had a balloon inflating inside me.
The bloating, the trapped gas, the burping… it wasn’t exactly glamorous 😅
But as I found out, it’s all incredibly common. Here’s what causes it, what I experienced, and how I found relief.
💨 What Causes Gas and Bloating During Pregnancy?
There are several key reasons why you might feel extra gassy during the second trimester:
1. Hormones (especially progesterone)
Pregnancy hormones cause your digestive muscles to relax, slowing down how quickly food moves through your gut.
This gives gas more time to build up.
🔎 Source: Mayo Clinic – Pregnancy discomforts
2. Your growing uterus
By 23 weeks, your uterus is getting bigger and starts pressing on your intestines.
This can make digestion sluggish and trap more air inside.
3. Dietary triggers
Certain foods are more likely to cause gas during pregnancy, including:
- Beans, lentils, broccoli, cabbage
- Carbonated drinks
- Dairy (especially if you’re mildly lactose intolerant)
4. Reduced activity
On days when I didn’t move around much, the bloating was noticeably worse.
Staying active (even light walking) helps your digestion work more smoothly.
✅ What Helped Me Feel Better
Here’s what made a noticeable difference for me:
☕️ Warm drinks
Cold drinks made the bloating worse. A warm cup of water or peppermint tea helped relax my belly.
🚶♀️ Gentle movement
A 10–15 minute walk (even around the living room!) helped relieve trapped gas.
🛏 Lying on my left side
This position helps with digestion and circulation—especially helpful before bed.
🫶 Being mindful of triggers
I cut back on beans, fizzy drinks, and raw cabbage for a few days—and it helped a lot.
🧘♀️ Deep breathing
Light belly breathing helped me relax my abdominal muscles, especially when I felt super full.
⚠️ When to Talk to Your Doctor
Gas and bloating are usually harmless, but see your care provider if you notice:
- Severe, sudden or persistent abdominal pain
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Fever
- Decreased fetal movement
🔎 Reference: WebMD – Gas and Bloating During Pregnancy
💬 Final Thoughts about Pregnancy Gas
Gas and bloating might not be the most talked-about pregnancy symptom,
but they can seriously affect your comfort and mood.
If you’re at week 23 and feeling like a human balloon—you’re not alone.
A few small changes (and a little patience) can make a big difference.
Take care of yourself, move gently, and give your body a little grace. You’re growing a human 💛
🔗 Want more real-talk pregnancy posts?
Check out my Mom Mode category for relatable info, reviews, and experiences.