Being pregnant is a wonderful yet demanding time for our bodies. No matter how far gone you are you can experience Gurgling Noises in Stomach During Pregnancy. But what does this signal? Is your baby hungry? Are you eating enough food? To give you answers to these questions, stick with us to find out why there is a gurgling gremlin in your belly.
What Can Make Gurgling Noises in Stomach During Pregnancy?
A growling stomach during pregnancy is rarely a sign for concern. Many women experience bloating giving you that terrific bump look early on. As your hormones shift you can expect a rise in intestinal gas making you sound like there’s a monster inside. Fear not you are not growing a gremlin, it’s first trimester, or second trimester bloat or your body signaling it needs more food.
Pregnancy is a magical yet bizarre experience. If this is your first baby or not you can experience what you would consider hunger pangs at any time. Usually, a growling stomach during pregnancy tends to be the noisiest when you are in a quiet area. Embarrassing moments like these can happen to any of us! So let me find out exactly what is happening inside and confirm for you that you are not growing a gremlin!
Gurgling Noises in Stomach During Early Pregnancy
Early pregnancy doesn’t come alone! Cue the sickness, nausea, headaches, and don’t forget fatigue! Whilst you may not experience all those typical first trimester symptoms you can be subjected to the belly growl. It isn’t a typical question many women ask but they may be thinking does your stomach gurgle in early pregnancy?
Gurgling noises in stomach during early pregnancy is completely normal, here is why ??
If you have noticed there is a rumble from within then you don’t need to panic, your baby hasn’t grown overnight. As you progress through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy you may notice you look ready to pop, yet you know your little poppy seed is not big enough to warrant your new wonderful shape. Welcome the pregnancy bloat!
Bloating during early pregnancy is one of the less desirable symptoms during pregnancy but it is so common! Pregnancy Hormones are whizzing around your body which can take their toll on your digestion.
Constipation and gas are never welcomed yet thanks to an increase in Progesterone and estrogen they ensure that you have more time to absorb every nutrient by slowing the digestion process.
Your intestines are told to relax which contributes to the build up of gas making a bloated belly the least of your worries. Coupled with an early “bump” you could find it hard to disguise your pregnancy rumbling stomach.
I noticed that in my first pregnancy my body was embarrassing! Not only were my clothes already getting tight but anyone in my company was subjected to hearing this build up of gas gurgling away. I kept my pregnancy unknown news to anyone out of my immediate circle so I just felt I looked like a bloated mess with an extremely noisy tummy.
The good news is that you are not alone. According to a study from Wiley’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology bloating in early pregnancy can affect 49% of women. So hop aboard the growling train and know that this is typical of your body responding to your pregnancy.
Gurgling Stomach Pregnancy in Second Trimester & Late Pregnancy
The gurgle doesn’t have to stop at 12 weeks or the second trimester! Yup, that’s right, stomach gurgling in pregnancy can last right the way through. As we already discovered your body’s digestive system has slowed dramatically allowing you to share every ounce of goodness with your lodger inside.
Gurgling Noises in Stomach During Pregnancy is now your new norm. Yet sometimes it can be more noticeable to others around you which can be super uncomfortable. You are now nearing the finishing line. Time to sign the eviction notice for your nearly fully grown baby.
You may have noticed as you progress through pregnancy you feel hungry all the time! My sister who is currently 34 weeks pregnant cannot leave the house without eating at least two breakfasts!
You are sharing everything with your baby, your body, and your food. It can sometimes feel as if all your energy is being sucked from you. Well if you didn’t already know, it kind of is! Your baby is in need of more nutrients and as the host, your body is very gracious in meeting your baby’s needs. This is when stomach gurgling during pregnancy can signal hunger!
On average your body only needs an extra 300 calories as your baby grows but let me tell you at this point I felt like a bottomless pit! You should eat accordingly especially if it keeps those hunger cues at bay a grumble in your stomach plus the kicking of little feet is never going to be comfortable. Be sure that you are not caught out though! Your organs are under a lot of pressure and have been squished for some time so eating big portions could cause more havoc on your digestion.
Next, some tips to manage gurgling noises in your stomach during the second trimester (&/or earlier stages.)
Tips To Help a Growling Stomach During Pregnancy
We have identified that pregnancy hormones are the main reason for the noisy grumble within during pregnancy but along with your expanding figure, this is a less desirable feature of your journey.
Personally, I felt humongous during my first pregnancy, swollen everywhere, struggling to get about coincided with some extremely loud whale like noises from my stomach. At times I felt as if it was my baby telling me off for my food choices! I’ve experienced stomach growling during pregnancy, I quickly learned how to deal with my sluggish digestive system so hopefully some of these following tips will help you too!
‣ Eat Small and Often
Your stomach is compressed into the smallest of spaces so filling it with a lot of content is the same as an overfilled shopping bag. Eating smaller meals can help reduce the bloated feeling and lessen any gas cramps. You are already carrying a human so why would you want extra discomfort on top!
Aim to eat smaller meals and snacks this will help curb your hunger and give your body time to digest.
‣ Eat Smart
Let’s face it we all jump for joy knowing you aren’t pressured about your calorie intake during pregnancy. It is important that even though you are sharing everything with your little bub you are educated on what foods to eat.
Your diet may have changed dramatically during pregnancy, from extreme nausea and sickness to eating crazy cravings. You can bet that your diet will take several u turns during your 40 weeks.
Eating smarter will help curb stomach growling during your pregnancy. Foods that are wholesome such as low fat and whole grains can be more satisfying for a rumbly tummy. Not only are they better for both of you but they will fill you for longer leaving those hunger cues at bay.
‣ Snacks Are Your Bestie
I rarely walked out of my front door unless I was armed with my snack bag! Once I got over my sickness I found that carrying snacks was the preparation for carrying the diaper bag!
Planning snacks will prepare you for moments when you feel the need to eat immediately. I’m not suggesting you carry around a shopping cart of beige or sweet foods to binge on, (although a few bits won’t hurt), but snacking on foods that take a longer time to eat will help your body understand when it is full. This helps prevent overeating and filling yourself up to bursting.
Don’t worry you may feel as if you just eat all day but things like apples and watermelon slices can help fill you up without the dreaded bloat afterward.
When Should You Worry About Your Stomach Growling While Pregnant?
The stomach rumbling during pregnancy is generally nothing to be worried about, however, here are a few signs when you might want to take into concern:
- Intense pain: If the gurgling is accompanied by severe abdominal pain or cramping, reach out to your healthcare provider.
- Persistent vomiting: When the gurgling comes along with continuous vomiting, it’s time to consult your doctor.
- High fever: If you’re running a high fever in addition to the gurgling noises, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.
- Unusual symptoms: Experiencing other unusual symptoms like severe diarrhea or bloody stools along with gurgling noises warrants a check-up.
- Trust your instincts! If you’re worried, it’s always best to have a chat with your doctor for peace of mind.
Should Doctor Know About My Stomach Growling During Pregnancy?
If you feel concerned about how much you feel your body is longing for food or if you have a persistent growl there is no harm in consulting your doctor.
Even though what you are experiencing is totally normal during pregnancy they can monitor your weight gain and check for pregnancy related conditions such as gestational diabetes.
Remember even though you are sharing your body you do not need to eat for two! Your body won’t forgive you if you binge on processed fast foods.
Wrapping Up
Our bodies are incredible at many things but growing a baby is definitely one of the top!
Experiencing Gurgling Noises in Stomach During Pregnancy is completely normal. As your digestive system slows it can build up gases and excess fluid in your intestines giving you the dreaded rumble.
Progressing through to later pregnancy your body can call on extra calories meaning an increase in appetite. Listen to your body and take cues from it. Eat when you feel empty but stick to better meal choices to curb the monster from within.
Above all consult your doctor if you are concerned regarding your weight, or appetite. They can help support you throughout your journey and advise you on the best foods for you and your baby.
More to Read
- Is My Baby Hungry When I’m Hungry During Pregnancy?
- It Feels Like Baby Is Shaking Inside Me! Is That Normal?
- Why Is My Pregnant Belly Soft When I Lay Down – What You Should Know
- Why Does My Pregnant Belly Look Smaller Some Days?
- Can You Crack Your Back While Pregnant – Is It Safe?
- Pregnant and Scared of Life Changing – Guide to Overcome
