Water Noises In Stomach During Pregnancy- Why & What To Do

Health Content Medically Verified By Dr. Golam Rabbani, MBBS

Gynecology & Pediatric Specialist

Pregnancy is full of surprises. From nausea to dizziness to back pain and now weird stomach noises. Do you feel like “water noises in stomach during pregnancy?” I know it is a strange and confusing feeling. This begs the question, “is it normal?” “Should you be worried?”

In this guide, I’ll explain the causes of gurgling noises similar to water sounds and what you can do to alleviate the symptoms.

Water Noises In Stomach During Pregnancy: Why?

The leading cause of the gurgling water noises in pregnancy is the rapid increase of progesterone and estrogen hormones, which slow down digestion, leading to constipation. The hormones relax pelvic and uterus muscles, causing bloating/gas often associated with gurgling sounds. Sometimes, mild abdominal cramping may occur.

Understandably, every unusual thing could be a cause for alarm for a pregnant mother. It’s okay to feel weird once you feel the sounds for the first time. However, I assure you such abdominal sounds are normal. They show that your gastrointestinal tract is doing a fantastic job digesting food.

Interestingly, when oestrogen and progesterone slow down digestion, they do so to ensure your baby absorbs nutrients at their own pace. While it may be uncomfortable for you, on the flip side, it’s nature’s way of providing for the little one.

Causes Of Water Noises In Stomach During Pregnancy

Table: Leading Causes Of Water Noises In Stomach During Pregnancy

Causes	Brief Description
Hormonal Changes	Rise in progesterone and oestrogen affects digestion.
Hunger	Increased nutrient demands lead to peristalsis causing noises.
Consumption of Specific Foods	Gassy foods lead to intestinal gas.
Food Intolerances and Allergies	Issues with certain foods produce gas.
Body Fluids	Increased amniotic fluid can create sloshing sounds.
Increased Stomach Acid	More acid production leads to gurgling.
Relaxed Stomach Muscles	Allows more space for baby, but can cause gurgling.
Slowed Digestion	Progesterone relaxes muscles slowing digestion.
Gas	Built up in the stomach due to slow digestion.
Heartburn	Excess stomach acid leads to heartburn.
Hiatal Hernia	Part of stomach pushes up through the diaphragm.
Pregnancy Nausea and Vomiting	Slows down the stomach and intestines.
Infections	Gastroenteritis or bacterial infections cause gurgling.
Medication Side Effects	Antibiotics disrupt gut microbiota leading to gastrointestinal distress.

Often similar to Borborygmi, most pregnant women report feeling gurgling/water noises in the first and third trimesters. Some get the feeling when hungry, others in their full stomach, and a small percentage experience the sensation in both instances.

The small intestines are hollow, tube-like organs mimicking tiny pipes. As the intestines push food, fluids and gases, they produce sounds which easily echo through to your abdomen. What exactly causes the weird stomach, gurgling, and water noises in pregnancy?

The following are reasons explaining the situation.

1. Hormonal Changes

Even before your missed periods; the body starts to produce more progesterone and oestrogen in anticipation of the journey ahead. Naturally, these hormones’ work is to enhance the growing foetus gets an adequate supply of crucial nutrients crucial for growth and development.

Oestrogen and progesterone slow down digestion, leading to maternal bloating and gas. A study by Obstetrics & Gynecology found a 66% prevalence rate of bloating among pregnant women in their first trimester.

When your stomach is bloated, gurgling sounds are not uncommon as the gas moves within the small intestines. Indigestion brings a similar impact in pregnancy too.

2. Hunger

During pregnancy, there’s an increased demand for more nutrients. The body is naturally programmed to undergo muscle contractions to aid food movement in the gastrointestinal tract.

The contractions are known as peristalsis, and they happen whether you’ve taken food or not. When they occur to signal hunger, you’ll feel rumbling, water-like sounds from the gastrointestinal tract. Such noises often disappear after you take some food.

3. Consumption of Specific Foods

Some food types are gassier than others. Such foods that cause intestinal gas include:

Fizzy drinks such as sodas and energy drinks.
Fatty foods including avocados, seeds, nuts and deep-fried meals.
Beans/lentils plus other legumes.
Fructose from onions, wheat and some soft drinks.
Lactose( milk’s natural sugar).
Specific vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, asparagus and cabbages.
Spicy meals, especially those with spices that aren’t natural.

While you can’t control hormones, it’s safer to tweak your diet and have regular meals. Gurgling water noises are not only embarrassing but disturbing. Once you establish the leading cause, it will make treatment more effective.

The absence of abdominal sounds, such as growling and gurgling, may indicate possible constipation or a severe medical condition called Ileus. Increased/hyperactive sounds show your gastrointestinal tract is experiencing intensive digestive activity. Hyperactivity is common when you’re having diarrhoea or soon after taking food.

Sometimes, the noises may result from an underlying medical condition such as irritable bowel syndrome, food allergies and intestinal blockage. Your doctor can listen to the sounds using a stethoscope before giving the proper diagnosis.

4. Food Intolerances and Allergies

Sometimes, water noises in your stomach might be because of food issues, like not being able to handle certain things you eat. Two common examples are lactose intolerance (trouble with dairy) and gluten sensitivity (trouble with wheat).

When your body has a hard time breaking down these foods, it can make more gas and cause your stomach to feel upset. This extra gas can lead to water noises in your stomach.

5. Body Fluids

During pregnancy, your body increases the production of various fluids to support the growth and development of your baby. One such fluid is amniotic fluid, which surrounds and cushions the baby in the womb. As your pregnancy progresses, the volume of amniotic fluid increases, reaching its peak around weeks 34 to 36.

Sometimes, when you move or change positions, the amniotic fluid can shift within the uterus, creating sloshing or swishing sounds in your stomach. This is a normal occurrence and generally not a cause for concern.

6. Increased Stomach Acid Production

With baby on board, our bodies are real overachievers. One thing it does? It churns out more stomach acid. Yup, that helps break down food better. But a side-effect is that all this extra action can cause your tummy to gurgle and rumble. And if it gets too annoying, there’s some comfort in knowing that over-the-counter antacids are generally safe and might give you some peace.

Stage of Pregnancy	Gastric Acid Levels
First Trimester	Low
Second Trimester	Higher
Third Trimester	Highest

7. Relaxed Stomach Muscles

Now, as the baby grows, the body’s game plan is to make room. So, the muscles around the stomach start to loosen up a bit. While that’s great for the baby, for us, it could mean a few unexpected stomach concerts.

8. Digestive Slowdown

This might surprise you, but things tend to move a tad slower down there during pregnancy. Blame it on the hormone progesterone! While it’s doing wonders prepping for baby, it also tells your digestive system to take a chill pill. The result? Occasional acid reflux, heartburn, and yes, those familiar stomach rumbles.

Trimester Stage	Digestive Pace Change
First Trimester	Minor Slowing
Second Trimester	Noticeable Slowing
Third Trimester	Major Slowing

9. Gas

Who knew that pregnancy could be so… gassy? But with digestion taking its sweet time, gas builds up in the stomach. Remember, it’s just fermenting bacteria in the gut throwing a party.

Table- Gas During Pregnancy

Factor	Early Pregnancy	Late Pregnancy
Causes	Shifts in progesterone and estrogen hormones decelerate digestion.	The growing uterus exerts pressure on the digestive organs.
Symptoms	Gurgling and water noises, bloat, burping, gas release, and stomach ache.	Gurgling and water noises, bloat, burping, gas release, and bowel irregularity.
Treatment	Steer clear of foods that cause gas, hydrate well, take your time eating, and stay active.	Steer clear of gas-triggering foods, stay hydrated, opt for frequent smaller meals, and dress comfortably.

10. Heartburn

I’ve had my moments with heartburn, and beleive me, it’s no fun. But heartburn’s just another way your body’s working overtime, producing all that stomach acid. This can lead to some uncomfortable gurgles and rumbles.

Feature	Details
Occurrence Rate	17% to 45%
Rate of Prevalence	Starts at 22% in the first trimester, rises to 39% in the second, and reaches 60%-72% in the third trimester
Primary Causes	Shifts in hormones and the enlarging uterus pushing on the stomach
Factors Increasing Risk	Having a family background of heartburn, being overweight, smoking habits, and consumption of caffeine
Common Symptoms	Feeling a burn in the chest or throat, gurgling stomach, frequent belching, acidic taste in mouth, and challenges with swallowing
Typical Treatment	Adopting certain lifestyle adjustments, using over-the-counter antacids, and prescribed medications

11. The Sneaky Hiatal Hernia

This one’s a bit tricky. In a hiatal hernia, part of the stomach sneaks its way up through the diaphragm, settling in the chest. While it might lay low usually, during pregnancy, it could throw a fit with intense gurgling, chest pains, and even reflux.

12. Pregnancy Nausea and Vomiting

The classic signs! These could slow down the stomach and intestines, causing food to loiter around and lead to our beloved rumbling tunes.

Pregnancy Nausea and Vomiting	Information
Prevalence	Present in 70-80% of expectant mothers
Onset	Typically begins around the 6th week and peaks at the 9th week of pregnancy
Duration	Improves for most by the second trimester; some experience it throughout pregnancy
Severity	Ranges from mild to moderate for the majority; a few suffer from severe nausea and vomiting, termed hyperemesis gravidarum
Risk Factors	Previous NVP, multiple pregnancies, tobacco use, drinking alcohol, specific medical conditions

13. Infections

Now and then, we might eat something that doesn’t sit right or pick up a bug. Infections in the stomach can have your belly sounding like a drumline.

14. Food Sensitivities

Sometimes, it’s not the food but how our body responds to it. Food allergies or sensitivities can cause a ruckus in the stomach. If you’re clueless about the cause, a doc’s visit might be in order.

Food Sensitivity	Associated Symptoms
Dairy Products	Bloating, gurgling, gas, diarrhea, constipation
Eggs	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes
Gluten	Bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, tiredness
Nuts	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, breathing issues
Soy Products	Bloating, gas, gurgling, diarrhea, constipation, headaches
Citrus Fruits	Heartburn, indigestion
Strawberries	Heartburn, indigestion
Chocolate	Nausea, vomiting
Coffee	Anxiety, difficulty sleeping
Spicy Foods	Heartburn, gurgling, indigestion

15. Medication Side Effects

If you’re on meds, they might be the culprits behind the gurgles. Especially antibiotics – they can play tug-of-war with your gut’s good bacteria, causing a bit of a hullabaloo down there.

Common Medication	Potential Pregnancy Side Effects
Isotretinoin	Congenital defects, heart abnormalities, neural issues
ACE inhibitors	Renal complications, reduced fetal weight
NSAIDs	Risk of miscarriage, early delivery
Methotrexate	Miscarriage, congenital anomalies, severe fetal issues
Warfarin	Hemorrhage in mother and fetus
Lithium	Congenital anomalies, cardiac issues, severe fetal complications
Insulin	Low blood sugar
Antibiotics	Allergic response, stomach gurgling, loose stools
Antidepressants	Convulsions, neonatal withdrawal symptoms
Anticonvulsants	Congenital anomalies, learning difficulties in offspring
Statins	Muscle-related issues, hepatic complications
Steroids	Early delivery, reduced fetal weight, varied fetal complications
Antibiotics, Prenatal Vitamins	Nausea, Vomiting
Antihypertensives, Pain Relievers	Lightheadedness, Syncope
Iron Supplements	Bowel irregularity
Antibiotics, Analgesics, Prenatal Vitamins	Acid reflux
SSRIs	Congenital anomalies
Medications for Hypertension, Diabetes	Early delivery, reduced fetal weight
Medications for Cancer, Autoimmune Disorders	Miscarriage, Fetal demise

Is it normal? Clearing Up Confusion About Pregnancy Water Noises

It’s common to have questions about water noises in the stomach during early pregnancy, or late pregnancy. To help clear up any confusion, let me debunk some myths and provide facts to make it easier to understand what’s happening in your body.

⦿ Myth 1: Water noises mean there’s a problem with the baby

➼ Fact: Water noises in the stomach during early or late pregnancy are usually due to normal digestion. The increased levels of hormones slow down digestion and lead to gas and bloating. These sounds don’t indicate any issues with the baby’s health or development.

⦿ Myth 2: Water noises mean you’re not eating enough

➼ Fact: Although hunger can sometimes cause water noises, they can also occur because of slowed digestion, even with a full stomach. Make sure you eat a balanced diet and get enough calories for your pregnancy, but don’t assume these noises mean you’re not eating enough.

⦿ Myth 3: Water noises always signal constipation

➼ Fact: While constipation can lead to water noises, they can also result from normal digestion or gas moving through your system. If you have water noises without other constipation symptoms, it’s likely just a normal part of pregnancy.

⦿ Myth 4: Water noises mean you should change your diet

➼ Fact: Some foods can cause gas and bloating, leading to water noises in the stomach. However, don’t make drastic diet changes without talking to your healthcare provider. Instead, try to identify specific foods causing the noises and consider reducing your intake or eating them in moderation.

⦿ Myth 5: Water noises indicate a medical condition

➼ Fact: In most cases, water noises in the stomach during your pregnancy are a normal part of digestion. However, if you experience additional symptoms like severe pain, nausea, vomiting, chronic diarrhea, or blood in your stool, consult your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Water noises in your stomach during pregnancy are typically normal and harmless. If you have any concerning symptoms or questions about your pregnancy, it’s good to have a chat with your healthcare provider.

The Noises at Different Times

Water Noises in Stomach During Early Pregnancy

Water noises in the stomach during early pregnancy are common due to hormonal changes. Progesterone and estrogen levels rise, causing slowed digestion and resulting in gas and bloating. These factors, along with the growing uterus, contribute to the water-like noises you might hear.

To manage the stomach water noise during early pregnancy, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and engage in light physical activities. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns or notice changes in symptoms.

Stomach Gurgling During Pregnancy Third Trimester/ Late Pregnancy

Gurgling stomach pregnancy 3rd trimester sounds are typically normal. It can be attributed to a few factors. The growing unborn baby and expanding uterus place additional pressure on your digestive system. This pressure slows down digestion, leading to gas and bloating, which cause the gurgling water sound in belly during late pregnancy.

Another reason for these gurgling stomach pregnancy 3rd trimester sounds is the increase in amniotic fluid surrounding your baby. As the fluid volume increases, it can shift when you move or change positions, creating swishing or sloshing sounds in your abdomen.

Remedies For Gurgling Water Sound In Belly During Pregnancy

Now that we have discovered the causes of these bowel noises, it’s time to explore possible solutions. The following tips will help you stop/minimize the water sounds during pregnancy:

Drink Lots of Clean Water.

Increasing your intake of plain water and fresh fruit juices aid in digestion hence minimizing bloating.

Fluids also reduce the urge to keep eating by making the stomach full. Sip water within short intervals throughout the day. If you take large fluid quantities at once, it may worsen the gurgling sounds.

Eat Small, Frequent Meals

Taking a few large chunks of food may cause indigestion or further slow digestion. Instead, make small food portions and take them frequently.

Five small meals are healthier than three heavy chunks. Despite the impact of pregnancy hormones, your body can digest smaller bits better, preventing gas or bloating.

Take time to chew food. Remember, digestion begins at the mouth before the food goes to the small intestines in your stomach. Chewing makes it easy for the small intestines to break down food.

Also, keep your meal schedule regular. Don’t eat too early or late into the night because irregular patterns interfere with proper digestion.

Avoid Gassy Foods

With progesterone and estrogen hormones relaxing pelvic, abdomen and uterus muscles, it’s easier for your body to trap gas. Avoiding foods associated with intestinal gases minimizes the gas which moves through the gastrointestinal tract, causing gurgling water noises.

Make Fruits and Vegetables Part of Your Daily Meals

Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber and great for digestion. The vitamins and minerals enhance bowel movements necessary for relieving gas.

Try Herbal Teas

Natural herbal teas are an excellent remedy for indigestion. Additionally, they soothe and calm you down while reducing bloating. Ask your doctor about the best, pregnancy-friendly herbal tea.

Reduce the Intake of Alcohol, Refined Sugar and Highly Acidic Foods

Sugars (fructose), alcohol and acidic foods such as citrus fruits, lemon/lime and tomatoes are notorious for causing intestinal gas. Taking in moderation or altogether avoiding them may help improve stomach water noises during pregnancy.

Get Active

I know how sluggish one feels after taking food. However, take pregnancy-safe exercises after meals, including a brisk walk or jogging, to stimulate digestion and improve bowel movement. Avoid sleeping soon after eating unless you’re feeling unwell.

Relax and Avoid Stress/Anxiety

it’s Okay to feel worried about frequent gurgling sounds from your stomach. Nevertheless, don’t let it make you anxious. Stress can impair digestion. Try relaxation techniques, including breathing exercises, music or meditation. Before you know it, you’ll be at peace.

Mind Your Dressing

Avoid clothes that fit tightly around your stomach area. Loose-fitting clothes are comfortable as they allow free movement of air and intestinal gases responsible for gurgling bowel sounds.

Adopt a Comfortable Sleeping/Sitting Posture

While resting or sleeping, stay in a position that takes pressure away from your stomach, preferably on the left side.

Watch Out for Possible Triggers

Examine your daily routines to discover the factors triggering gurgling sounds. Once you identify the causes, avoid them.

Find Out About Allergies and Food Intolerances

Allergies and food intolerances are possible underlying health factors linked to stomach gurgling water noises during pregnancy.

MedlinePlus says, 65% of people have difficulty digesting lactose. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you could be intolerant to specific foods, such as lactose which may cause a weird stomach sensation.

Like other abdominal/bowel sounds, it’s safe to find out the cause of gurgling noises for you to determine its remedy. If you’re wondering, “Is it normal to hear water in your stomach while pregnant?”

I assure you, there’s no cause for alarm. Gurgling and growling sensations come due to a normal digestion process. However, let your doctor clear any worries that you may have.

When Should I Worry About Water Gurgling Sounds In Pregnancy?

Most bowel sounds during pregnancy don’t need medical attention. However, call your doctor right away if you experience the following symptoms in addition to the noises:

Prolonged excruciating pain- Serious discomfort with bowel sounds is a danger sign.
Nausea and vomiting- If you experience gurgling, nausea and vomiting, seek treatment immediately.
Chronic diarrhea- Diarrhoea is a severe illness in pregnancy. If you have chronic diarrhoea, there’s a serious problem that needs immediate attention.
Blood-stained stool- This may be a sign you’re suffering from gastroenteritis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

Wrapping Up

Any bowel sounds during pregnancy may be strange at first. Keep calm. It’s your gastrointestinal tract doing its regular job.

Some causes of water noises in stomach during pregnancy include hormonal secretions, consumption of specific foods and sometimes hunger. In some cases, the sounds could be a pointer to an underlying health condition such as food intolerance.

Before panicking, use remedies including taking herbal teas, increasing water/fluid intake, eating many small portions, and staying active to improve slow digestion causing gurgling noises. If the condition gets worse, seek medical advice from your doctor.

FAQs

? How does pregnancy impact the digestive system?

Pregnancy often brings about changes in the digestive system due to the surge in hormones, physical growth of the baby, and other bodily changes. Specifically, the levels of progesterone rise, which can relax the smooth muscles, including those of the digestive tract. This may slow down digestion, leading to bloating, constipation, and the gurgling sounds many pregnant individuals experience.

? What foods are recommended to help with digestion during pregnancy?

To aid digestion during pregnancy, it’s beneficial to consume:

Fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Plenty of water to keep things moving.
Yogurt or other probiotic-rich foods to balance gut bacteria.
Lean proteins which are easier to digest.
Small, frequent meals rather than three large ones.

? Which foods are easiest to digest during pregnancy?
It’s best to opt for easily digestible foods such as:

Rice
Bananas
Toast
Oatmeal
Steamed vegetables
Grilled chicken or fish.
Avoiding spicy, greasy, and acidic foods can also help minimize digestive discomfort.

? What should pregnant individuals avoid to prevent digestive issues?

To minimize digestive discomforts during pregnancy, consider avoiding:

Highly processed foods.
Foods high in artificial sugars and sweeteners.
Excessive caffeine.
Fried or overly fatty foods.
Spicy foods if they trigger discomfort.

? Can drinking more water reduce gurgling sounds?

Yes, staying hydrated can aid digestion and reduce the chances of constipation. Drinking water helps to break down food in the stomach, ensuring smoother passage through the intestines. While it might not entirely eliminate gurgling sounds, it will promote overall digestive health.

?️ How does gas play a role in digestive sounds during pregnancy?

Gas is a natural byproduct of digestion. However, during pregnancy, slowed digestion means food remains in the gut longer and potentially ferments, producing more gas. This can lead to increased bloating and the subsequent sounds as the body tries to release the built-up gas.

? Does morning sickness impact digestive sounds?

Morning sickness can cause increased stomach acid and disruptions in normal eating patterns, which might influence digestive sounds. While the nausea itself doesn’t directly cause gurgling sounds, the changes in digestion associated with morning sickness might.

? What’s the link between gluten and digestive sounds during pregnancy?

Some individuals have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, where consuming gluten causes digestive disturbances. If someone already knows they have an issue with gluten, continuing to consume it during pregnancy can lead to increased digestive sounds, among other symptoms.

? What impact does physical activity have on digestive sounds during pregnancy?

Engaging in gentle physical activities like walking or prenatal yoga can help promote healthy digestion and reduce the accumulation of gas. By keeping active, pregnant individuals can encourage smoother digestion, potentially reducing gurgling sounds.

? Do digestive sounds increase at certain times of the day?

Many people, including those who are pregnant, notice increased digestive activity at night or after meals. This is due to the body’s natural rhythms and the process of digesting food. However, sounds can occur at any time based on diet, activity level, and hormonal fluctuations.

? Are stress and anxiety related to increased digestive sounds during pregnancy?

Stress and anxiety can impact many areas of the body, including the digestive system. When stressed, the body might slow down digestion or produce more stomach acid, leading to increased sounds or discomfort.

? Can natural remedies like herbal teas help with digestion and associated sounds?

Certain herbal teas, like ginger or peppermint, are known for their digestive benefits. They can soothe the stomach, reduce bloating, and aid digestion. However, it’s crucial to ensure any herbal remedy is safe during pregnancy by consulting a healthcare provider.

? Do digestive sounds change as pregnancy progresses?

As the baby grows and takes up more space, there might be increased pressure on the digestive organs, which can change the sounds or sensations a pregnant person experiences. It’s common for these sounds or feelings to evolve as the pregnancy progresses.