Is that baby moving... or is it gas?
At week 16, you may feel baby moving around for the first time! Or maybe not. It actually might be gas.
Your intestines swell and rumble because of effects from the hormone progesterone. This hormone is important for relaxing the smooth muscles of the uterus, allowing baby to settle comfortably. However, progesterone relaxes other smooth muscles as well, including the intestines. The digestion of food slows down. When food remains in the colon longer than normal, gut bacteria flourish and emit gas [1]. This leads to a bubbling sensation, which is easily mistaken for baby moving about. None of this is dangerous, but gas in the gut can be loud and result in flatulence.
Unfortunately, flatulence cannot be eliminated, as the normal flow of gas from the digestive system into the bloodstream is also slowed down. However, gas can be reduced with adjustments to your diet.
The following foods can increase gas:
desserts and sweets (simple, sugary carbohydrates that bacteria love);
artificial sweeteners, which remain a long time in the intestines;
dairy, which contains lactose; fermented milk products have less lactose and cause less gas and bloating.
It was once believed that fiber rich foods such as cabbage and legumes cause gas, but clinical studies have shown [2, 3, 4] the opposite: the more fiber in the diet (from foods like cabbage, zucchini, and nuts), the less pathogenic bacteria in the intestines, and the better nutrients are absorbed without excess fermentation [3]. Legumes even support healthy microflora that protect against colon cancer [2, 4].
You may find it helpful to keep a food diary. Keep track of what you eat and the effect on your digestion and comfort level. Since there is wide variation among individuals, your own experience with certain foods may be unique, and you can find what works best for your body.
