Upper stomach bloating in pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones can relax digestive muscles, allowing food and gas to move more slowly. As pregnancy progresses, pressure from the uterus may add fullness, reflux or early satiety. Bloating can also follow constipation or a food that was previously tolerated. Food Intolerance and Lactose Intolerance remain possible, but bloating alone does not show that either condition is present.

Eat smaller portions more often, chew slowly and stay upright after meals. Drink fluids regularly and include fibre gradually if your maternity team says it is suitable. Gentle walking can support bowel movement when you feel well. Avoid starting laxatives, herbal products or elimination diets without checking with your obstetric or maternity team. A nutrition professional can help if eating has become difficult.

Contact your maternity team for persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, worsening pain, fever, painful urination, severe constipation or a noticeable change in your usual symptoms. Seek urgent care for severe or one-sided abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, fainting, breathing difficulty, a severe headache with visual changes, or reduced fetal movement when you would normally feel movement. Do not assume significant pain is ordinary bloating.

Could constipation or reflux explain this pattern? Which medicines for gas, nausea or constipation are suitable in my pregnancy? Should I change my diet, and which symptoms mean I should call again?