With increased levels of progesterone, this relaxes the esophageal sphincter, causing reflux of stomach gas, generating burping. Progesterone also slows the movement of the intestines causing the bowel to swell and bloat in early pregnancy. Estrogen also causes swelling of the uterus, giving the feeling that your belly is swollen.
How can you help yourself:
- Take your time when eating. When you eat in a hurry, you swallow air, which will trap air in the stomach and intestines that exacerbate these problems.
- Avoid large meals that will leave you a sense of bloating and discomfort (fried, fat, etc.) or food that you know will cause bloating (onions, cabbage, fried, beans).