Abdominal pain? Gas?

Hi everyone, I just had a quick question. I have had on/off ab pains from low to just under my rib cage to each side for the last few weeks. The best way I know how to describe is really bad gas pains. But, I don't ever expel anything. I talked to the doc and she said it's normal to have painful gas. I am just wondering if anyone else has had REALLY painful gas? It's so frustrating. I have tried to stay away from gassy foods and eat smaller meals (like my doc suggested) and it really hasn't had much effect on it. Also, it seems to be better when I am laying down vs. sitting at work all day. Can anyone relate?

Hi Chrystal,

I can completely relate to your problem. I even started my own thread called "Thar She Blows!!" it was that bad. I tried to pinpoint what the problem foods were and I think I managed to boil it down to sultanas or any dried fruit. I would just blow up like a huge pumpkin and the only way to relieve it was to lay down like you said. Are you having trouble with your bowels as well? I had this as well and my OB recommended Benefiber for me as it is completely natural and doesn't pass through the placenta like laxatives. You mix it with water and drink it and it worked wonders for me. Apparantely gas is a pretty major symptoms in early pregnancy and I will say it does get better. I am 14 weeks today and I am so much better now than in the earlier weeks. I hope the same happens for you as well. Good luck!!

xxx Nita

Nita, yes I am having moderate constipation too. Not bad, just not my normal self. I will try that. Thank you so much, i was hoping for someone to say it gets better. I keep thinking, man I will be miserable if I have to go through this until I deliver. Thanks again!

Chrystal, you are very welcome. You can get Benefiber from Woolies, Safeway, Coles (depending on where you live :) any of the major food stores) so don't go to a Chemist as they charge a lot more. It is tasteless when mixed with water and I took it once a day during the "bad" period!! I wish you the very best and feel better soon.

xxx Nita

hey nita, how long did it take to start feeling better after you started taking the benefiber?

Chrystal, I remember I took it for two days running and then I started to feel the effects. I took it in the mornings and that seems to help as when I was working and moving around it seemed to help things "along" if you know what I mean. If it makes things work "too" well then cut it back to taking it every second day. I really hope it works for you. There is nothing worse that bloat and gas. It really makes you feel terrible. It will get better, and I haven't had to take the fibre for quite a while now so take comfort in that.

xxx Nita

Chrissy it's normal and it's painful for many of us. I have had hidieous gas pains in all of my pregnancy. It's caused by the effect of progesterone. It slows down the peristalsis (the action that expels waste from your intestines) and this is what causes the constipation and gas.

I have found this pregnancy that the constipation is worse now (17 weeks tomorrow) than it was in the first trimester. In my other pregnancies it improved.

Things like metamucil and benefibre work for some - for me though it actually makes it worse and more painful. I am prone to IBS and that can sometimes happen with sufferers.

Good luck but take it as a positive sign that your body and it's hormones are working well at this pregnancy... :hug:

Chrystal, I also made sure I drank lots and lots of fruit juice and water to help this to get moving along.

xxx Nita

Hi Chrissy

Im only 5 weeks along and found out on Thursday that I was pregnant. It was pain in my abdomin and two painfulful sports on my left and right side under my rib cage that even made me think that I might me. I found that these spots would ache at night and in the afternoon. I thought I has a 'gas problem' too and got some mild relief if I could 'pass wind' or burp but this was very hard to do. I still have a bit of a problem but have found drinking lots of fluid and going for walks has helped alot. I have also had some relief with Quick Eze. I hope your able to find something to help you too, I know how uncomfortable it can be.