If you find yourself feeling bloated around the middle of your cycle each month, you’re not imagining it. Ovulation bloating is real.
Being bloated feels like having a very full stomach, and your belly might look bigger than normal too. You might also have some stomach pain or rumbling. The good news is, there are some simple things you can do at home to help relieve it. To find out more about what causes ovulation bloating, what can soothe our swollen bellies, and when to speak to a doctor, we spoke to Flo expert Dr. Allison Rodgers, reproductive endocrinologist, obstetrician, and gynecologist, Fertility Centers of Illinois, Illinois, US.
Key takeaways
- The hormonal changes during ovulation can increase water retention in your belly, which leads to bloating.
- Regular exercise, eating smaller, more frequent meals, and using hormonal contraception are some of the ways you can help to manage ovulation bloating.
- If ovulation bloating is having a severe impact on your life, it’s best to reach out to your doctor for their advice.