As your baby is growing, your body is rapidly changing. These changes may include digestive issues such as constipation, gas, and bloating; while they're no fun, they seem to come with the job of carrying a baby, especially during the second trimester.

What Causes Bloating, Constipation, and Gas during Pregnancy?

Blame the hormone progesterone. While progesterone is essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy (it literally means pro-gestation) it's also responsible for bloating and gas episodes. This hormone causes the smooth muscle, the ones that move digested food through your gastrointestinal tract, to relax. Your gut will work slower, giving your body more time to get all the nutrients for the baby, as well as giving you discomfort and a bloating feeling.

During the second trimester, the growing uterus begins to press down against the stomach and intestines. You can expect constipation, nausea, and heartburn. These may also increase the discomfortable feeling of bloating during pregnancy in the second trimester.

What Can You Do About It?

Besides being patient, there are several food hacks and changes in your daily meals that will help with the bloating discomfort. Try these to reduce bloating, constipation, and gas during pregnancy in the second trimester.

1. Drink Plenty of Water

Eight glasses of water a day becomes really important in pregnancy. Water helps food pass through the intestines and keeps feces moving, which avoids constipation. Less constipation means less bloating. Plus, water has great benefits for staying healthy. Drink one glass of water before every meal and drink water constantly, don´t wait until you feel thirsty.

2. Fiber Rich Foods

Fiber-rich foods include salads, vegetables, and fruits. They are full of vitamins and nutrients and will help move things through the intestines. Fiber supplements are also available, so no excuse is valid here. They will highly help with constipation during pregnancy in the second trimester.

3. Eat Smaller Meals More Often

This will help your digestive system from getting overloaded and having more time to process the food. Because small meals don't defuse the stomach, it will also help relieve the heartburn sensation.

4. Reduce Your Beans

Beans are the kings of the food gas club. Moderate your intake, as they produce tons of gas and cause your stomach to bloat. Other gassy foods include cabbage, onions, and milk products. Try to avoid fatty foods and fried products, as well, as they may feel heavy in your stomach and exacerbate the gastrointestinal hassles.

5. Keep Moving

Walking, prenatal yoga or moderate exercise stimulate your digestive system, encouraging movements in your bowels and emptying the content.

More on Pregnancy Symptoms

Besides constipation during pregnancy in the second trimester, as the baby grows more and more inside the womb, other not so pleasant sensations might begin. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare for it and stay calm.

1. Heartburn

Also caused by progesterone, heartburn feels like a burning sensation in the mouth of the stomach. Tricks for bloating during pregnancy in the second trimester will also help with the heartburn sensation. Try reducing spicy and seasoned food as well as black drinks (coffee, tea, Coca Cola, chocolate), which will worsen the symptoms.

2. Mild Swelling of Ankles and Feet

Starting at about week 22 of pregnancy and lasting until delivery, the excess liquid in your body can penetrate your ankles and feet. To reduce pomposity, try to keep active and avoid long periods of standing. Don´t worry, drinking lots of water won't worsen the swelling.

3. Backache and Achiness in Lower Abdomen

The extra weight you've gained in the last few months is starting to put pressure on your back and in your pelvic bones. To prevent the pain from becoming too uncomfortable, wear comfortable shoes, sleep on your side, and do some stretching or exercise. All of this will help your muscles to loosen up.

4. Congestion

This is totally normal and doesn´t mean you caught the flu at work or at a family meeting. Hormonal changes will cause your nose to become runny, which can lead to stuffy nose and snoring at night.

5. Breast Enlargement

Breast growth unlikely to happen after the first trimester? Not true. Your breasts will keep on growing. Celebrate by shopping for a comfortable and firm sports bra. Plus, you will need this for doing exercise while pregnant.

Conclusion

Changes might seem uncomfortable, but in the second trimester, you are really getting used to the baby. Morning sickness has gone away, and your body is getting a curvier look. The feeling of a human being inside of you becomes more real as each month goes by. Keeping healthy habits will not only help reduce the discomfort of the changes but also nourish the baby. In case the symptoms get worse or are unmanageable with home remedies and healthy habits, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor.