Bloated Stomach And Feeling Sick And Tired Am I Pregnant

When Should I Be Worried About Abdominal Bloating

See your healthcare provider if your bloated stomach:

• Gets progressively worse.
• Persists for more than a week.
• Is persistently painful.
• Comes with symptoms of illness, such as fever, vomiting or bleeding.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

A bloated stomach is not a pleasant feeling. While its a common experience and usually temporary, you may become weary of the cycle. Spending a little focused attention on the problem to identify the cause can be well worthwhile. Try recording your symptoms and possible triggers in a journal. Note diet, hormonal and stress factors. When in doubt bring your notes to a specialist for professional guidance. The different factors that contribute to bloating can be complex and difficult to parse, but medical testing can help. As always, seek medical attention if your symptoms are persistent or severe.

Why It Might Mean You’re Pregnant

Early pregnancy can cause rhinitis of pregnancy which means you might experience:

• A stuffed up nose and sinuses
• A runny nose
• Scratchy throat

But why? Because the extra estrogen surges of your first trimester can cause an increase in congestion, and the extra blood flow also contributes to swelling in the sinuses.

Later, the drippity drop of mucous may also make morning sickness and nausea worse. Yay.

Pregnancy Nausea Or Vomiting

It’s very common — and normal — to have an upset stomach when you’re pregnant.

Chalk it up to pregnancy’s hormonal changes. It usually happens early in pregnancy, while your body is adjusting to the higher hormone levels.

Good news: Nausea usually disappears by the fourth month of pregnancy . It can happen at any time of the day but may be worse in the morning, when your stomach is empty or if you aren’t eating enough.

Recommendations:

Don’t Miss: Can You Heal Leaky Gut

Needing The Loo More Often

If you’re pregnant, the loo may become your new best friend over the next few months. One Taiwanese study found that ‘urinary frequency’ aka needing to pee a lot affects 77% of pregnant women.

At the very beginning of pregnancy, it’s not the pressure of your growing baby on your bladder that’s causing you to wee a lot . Instead, it’s pregnancy increasing the blood flow to your kidneys by 35% to 60% and because it’s the kidneys job to produce urine, that means more urine collecting in your bladder.

As mum-to-be lunar eclipse says on our forum, it can get a bit much, especially at night. “I’m 5 weeks and peeing at least 3 to 4 times every night. Ive not got a decent sleep for about a week now. It surely can’t get worse I’ll be sleeping on the toilet!”

• Peed off with peeing? What’s normal in pregnancy and what you can do about it

Why Is My Stomach Bloated

The most common cause of stomach pain and bloating is excess intestinal gas. If you get a bloated stomach after eating, it may be a digestive issue. It might be as simple as eating too much too fast, or you could have a food intolerance or other condition that causes gas and digestive contents to build up. Your menstrual cycle is another common cause of temporary bloating. Sometimes a bloated stomach can indicate a more serious medical condition.

Recommended Reading: Long Term Effects Of Gallbladder Removal

The Constant Need To Pee

If youve noticed yourself making frequent trips to the bathroom at night, you may be experiencing a symptom of early pregnancy. Frequent urination can be an issue very early in pregnancy as the kidneys are working harder and your uterus is expanding to accommodate your growing baby. While its important to stay hydrated during pregnancy, you can reduce the amount of liquids you drink in the hours leading up to bed. Avoiding too much caffeine can also help reduce the need to go.

When To Seek Medical Attention

Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain, blood in your feces, a severe headache, neck stiffness, or youre vomiting blood. These are all symptoms of conditions that require emergency care, including a heart attack, stroke, meningitis, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Symptoms that may warrant a trip to your physicians office include:

• dehydration
• dizziness or lightheadedness when standing
• symptoms that do not subside in one to two days
• unexplained weight loss
• worsening symptoms

Contact your doctor if you experience any other symptoms that are out of the ordinary for you or that make it hard to perform daily tasks.

Recommended Reading: What Are The 4 Stages Of Cirrhosis Of The Liver

Tingling And Numbness In Your Hands

Carpal tunnel syndrome tingling and numbness in your hands affects up to 60 per cent of women during pregnancy. It is caused by compression of the median nerve due to an increase in the tissue fluids during pregnancy.

Carpal tunnel syndrome may be mild, intermittently painful, or severe, which may cause partial paralysis of the thumb or loss of sensation. Symptoms usually resolve on their own soon after birth.

If you are experiencing tingling and numbness in your hands, inform your doctor or midwife. In very severe cases, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections or surgical treatment.

Varicose Veins And Leg Oedema

Varicose veins of the legs are very common in pregnancy due to a combination of factors, including increased volume of circulating blood during pregnancy, and pressure of the pregnant uterus on the larger veins. This increased pressure on the veins can also result in swelling of the legs that can cause pain, feelings of heaviness, cramps and other unusual sensations.

If you have varicose veins, it is recommended that you:

• Wear support stockings.
• Avoid standing for long periods.
• Exercise gently and regularly .
• Lie down to rest with feet elevated, when you can.
• Try massaging your legs.

Don’t Miss: Removal Of Gallbladder And Diarrhea

Treatment For Nausea And Fatigue

There are some things you can do to ease nausea in general, including getting plenty of fresh air, drinking ginger or peppermint tea and eating smaller meals. Read more about

And if you have really bad nausea, a doctor may give you medication, known as antiemetics, to help you stop feeling sick.

Fatigue can often get better with general measures like

My Mouth Feels Like It’s Full Of Spit All Of The Time Lately Could That Me A Positive Sign

Excessive saliva can definitely fall into the “morning sickness” category of pregnancy. The medical term for it is Ptaylism and it’s one of those obnoxious symptoms that can trigger vomiting early on. However, I’ve experienced it during PMS too. A great way to combat it is with tiny sips of water.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the authorâs knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Don’t Miss: Best Pillow For Side And Stomach Sleeper

Am I Pregnant Or Am I Fat

Usually, by the time a woman starts seeing visible weight gain she is already into her second trimester. Typically by this point, you would have noticed some other signs telling you that you may be pregnant.

If you feel that youve been gaining weight, ask yourself a few questions. Have you missed the last couple/few periods? Were you having unprotected sex before that? Have you been having other pregnancy symptoms ? If you answered yes to these, it may be time to take a pregnancy test.

If not, have you been eating more in general or more unhealthy food than usual? Have you been exercising less than usual? Have you had any hormonal imbalances or extra stress? All of these can lead to weight gain. If you are experiencing rapid weight gain and you dont feel your lifestyle has changed, it may be time to see a doctor.

Not Sure If Hungry Or Sick

Oh dear, our appetite really can be a bit of a rollercoaster in early pregnancy. It can be a confusing time when you’re not sure if you’re feeling sick because you need to eat or you’re feeling sick because you’ve got morning sickness and eating will make it worse.

Forum mum-to-be katie4matthew sums it all up when she says,“I cant tell the difference between feeling sick and hungry at the moment. I’m so confused!”

Read Also: Can You Die From Pancreatitis

Shortness Of Breath During Pregnancy

Shortness of breath can happen due to increased upward pressure from the uterus and changes in physiologic lung function.

Recommendations:

• When walking, slow down and rest a few moments.
• Raise your arms over your head .
• Avoid lying flat on your back, and try sleeping with your head elevated.
• If prolonged shortness of breathing continues or you experience sharp pain when inhaling, contact your health care provider. You could have a pulmonary embolism .

Food Cravings/ Food Aversions

Some women will experience food cravings or food aversions in early pregnancy, which may relate to the hormonal changes her body is experiencing. Try to maintain a healthy diet to ensure your growing baby is getting all the essential nutrients he or she needs. If you cant stomach something, dont try to force yourself to eat it. Sneak in some fruits and veggies, and make sure youre taking a high-quality prenatal vitamin to help supplement any nutrients you may be missing. Your doctor can help you navigate the cravings and aversions and offer advice to help ease symptoms.

Read Also: Can You Take Excedrin On An Empty Stomach

Check For Other Signs Of Pregnancy

This is actually not the last step, but in case your home pregnancy test is negative and your period is still running late, pay attention to the other symptoms of early pregnancy described below. If you start noticing any of them, take another pregnancy test and see your doctor as soon as possible to avoid further confusion.

Increased Oil In Your Skin

Some women experience more oil production from their sebum glands, thanks to hormone fluctuations. Also, more blood volume can increase the secretion of oil. You may be especially prone if you already have oily or combination skin.

This can have some unwanted side effects, such as acne. But along with acne, increased oils can also make your face look like its glowing.

Don’t Miss: Amy Myers Md Leaky Gut Revive

Am I Pregnant Or Am I About To Ovulate

Ovulation can also have symptoms similar to early pregnancy however, it can be helpful to check what point you are at in your menstrual cycle. If you arent expecting your period for another 12-16 days, you may be experiencing. Also, if your last menstrual period was normal in length and flow, it is even more likely that what you are experiencing is related to ovulation, not pregnancy.

Ovulation symptoms are not apparent to every woman, and they do not happen consistently to each woman. These symptoms can include light spotting, abdominal cramping on one side , breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, a heightened sense of smell, taste, or vision, and/or a heightened sex drive.

If you are experiencing these symptoms and your expected period is only a few days away, wait to see if you have a normal period and if not, it may be time to take a pregnancy test.

Signs Of Pregnancy Before You Miss Your Period

Information from “Early signs of pregnancy: When will I feel symptoms?” from Babycenter.com

Am I pregnant?

One of the special things about pregnancy is that no two women experience it in the same way. One woman doesn’t stop vomiting for weeks in the first trimester, and another might never even feel nauseous .

There are several early signs of pregnancy. Some of them are subtle, and you may not notice them right away, or you may mistake them for PMS since they are similar. In fact, in one study, 29% of women reported that missing their period was their first clue that they were pregnant.2

You’ll probably want to know if you’re pregnant sooner rather than later since it’s important to receive appropriate prenatal care and discontinue any unhealthy habits you may have.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, and if you’ve missed a period, you should definitely take a pregnancy test. It’s the only way to know for sure if you’re pregnant or not.

Don’t Miss: Need Gallbladder Surgery No Insurance

More Hungry Or More Thirsty

While some mums-to-be suddenly can’t bear the thought of eating, others suddenly find theyre so ravenous, eating is all they can think about.

For forum mum MsDodger, her appetite went through the roof. “I eat a lot normally but this it was a massive leap,” she says. “I could not stop snacking all day and eating large meals.”

And this ravenous urge can apply to drinking as well, as eating, as bleurgh discovered. “Thirst! I wondered how much I could actually drink before drowning myself. Even my hubby said he nearly asked if I was drinking for two before I tested.”

Loss Of Appetite For Favourite Foods

Pregnancy can really mess with your eating habits, thats for sure. As well as pregnancy symptoms such ascraving foods you may not usually like, you can actually lose a taste for some foods and drinks that are usually a big part of your normal diet, sometimes put off by their smell. People sometimes go off staples such as coffee, tea, or fatty foods. Changes in tastes and a heightened sense of smell are very common and can persist throughout pregnancy but do tend to be strongest early on, Dr Knight explained.

What else could it be?

People often experience a loss in appetite when theyre feeling anxious or stressed. This is because anxiety triggers emotional and psychological changes in your body to help you deal with the pressure. These triggers can often affect the stomach and digestive tract and can make you lose your appetite. When youre feeling more relaxed, your appetite should return back to normal.

I went off coffee. Which, considering I was a three-cups-before-noon girl, this was a huge sign that something had changed for me, even before I took a test this kick-started my suspicions.

Mum-of-twins, Kelly

Recommended Reading: Sudden Weight Gain In Stomach And Thighs

Can You Feel Pregnant Before You Miss Your Period

Yes, you can feel pregnant before you miss your period. Some people say theyve felt pregnancy symptoms within a week of conception .

Could I have the symptoms of early pregnancy and not be pregnant?

Many of the symptoms of early pregnancy overlap with other medical conditions, as well as your typical menstrual cycle. Premenstrual symptoms can be very similar to pregnancy symptoms. This can make it difficult to tell the difference. You can also miss a period and not be pregnant. This can happen when you lose or gain a lot of weight or are stressed. Breastfeeding can also cause your period to stop.

The best way to know youre pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are available at your local pharmacy or grocery store without a prescription.

How Do I Care For Abdominal Bloating And Nausea At Home

Resting in an upright position can reduce abdominal bloating and nausea related to acid reflux. This position reduces the acids flow up your esophagus. Physical activity can worsen symptoms when you feel nauseated.

Drinking clear fluids that contain natural sugar, such as sports drinks or Pedialyte, may help settle your stomach. However, drinking artificially flavored beverages and those made with sugar alcohols may contribute to abdominal bloating.

You May Like: Signs Of Bad Gut Health In Dogs

How Common Is Stomach Bloating

Between 10% and 25% of otherwise healthy people complain of occasional abdominal bloating. As many as 75% describe their symptoms as moderate to severe. About 10% say they experience it regularly. Among those diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome , it may be as much as 90%. Up to 75% of women experience bloating before and during their period. Only 50% of people who experience bloating also report a distended abdomen.

Light Bleeding In Early Pregnancy

Some light bleeding or spotting, like a light period, can be a sign of pregnancy. Some women say they also have some cramps in their lower tummy. This is called implantation bleeding and happens when the embryo plants itself in the wall of your womb.

This type of bleeding often happens around the time your period would have been due. It shouldnt be enough to soak through pads or underwear.

If you are bleeding and know you are pregnant, call your GP, midwife or Early Pregnancy Unit. They can check you over, just in case. Find out more about bleeding in pregnancy.

Recommended Reading: Can Pancreatic Cancer Cause Low Blood Sugar

Coping With Common Discomforts Of Pregnancy

Pregnancy produces many physical changes. Aside from weight and body shape, other alterations in your body chemistry and function take place. The heart works harder, your temperature registers slightly higher, body secretions increase, joints and ligaments are more flexible and hormones are altered.

Mood changes are common, resulting from a combination of hormonal changes and greater fatigue, as well as normal anxiety over body image, sexuality, finances, marriage roles and impending parenthood.

The following is a list of the most common discomforts of pregnancy and some guidelines for coping with them.