Week 26 • Second Trimester
Bloating & Gas at Week 26
Abdominal swelling and excessive gas production
🔍 What Causes Bloating & Gas at Week 26?
- •Progesterone relaxing intestinal muscles
- •Slower digestion and gas buildup
- •Growing uterus compressing intestines
- •Swallowing more air
- •Constipation worsening gas
- •Certain foods fermenting longer
✓ Normal Signs
- ✓Feeling full and swollen
- ✓Passing gas frequently
- ✓Worse after meals
- ✓Relieved somewhat by passing gas
⚠ Concerning Signs
- ⚠Severe pain with bloating
- ⚠Unable to pass gas at all
- ⚠Vomiting with severe bloating
- ⚠Fever
💊 Relief Strategies
- ✓Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
- ✓Avoid gas-producing foods (beans, broccoli, cabbage)
- ✓Drink plenty of water
- ✓Walk after meals to aid digestion
- ✓Avoid carbonated beverages
- ✓Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- ✓Try over-the-counter simethicone (Gas-X) if approved
🏥 When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Severe abdominal pain with bloating
- ⚠Unable to pass gas for extended period
- ⚠Vomiting with distension
- ⚠Fever or chills