When you’re trying for a baby, you become incredibly in tune with your body, especially changes. And if you’ve started feeling bloated, this could be a symptom of ovulation.
What is ovulation?
Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovaries and often happens mid-cycle of your menstrual cycle, around day 14 of a 28-day cycle.
Does ovulation cause bloating?
One of the hormonal changes that occur at the time of ovulation is an increase in estrogen levels which usually happens between day 11 and 14 of your cycle. This can result in the likes of mood swings, ovulation headaches and changes to your digestive tract.
These changes in your digestive tract mean that it can be common to experience increased water retention for several days. This may also lead to slowed digestion and increased gas. All of this leads to an uncomfortable bloated feeling which many women experience.
For most women, ovulation bloating tends to resolve without the need to do anything from anywhere between a few hours to a few days later.
Tips for managing bloating during ovulation
• Limit your daily sodium intake by avoiding processed foods that are fatty and salty.
• Try relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga which can alleviate ovulation bloating which arise from digestive disturbances.
• Incorporate plenty of fish and almonds into your diet around ovulation as consuming high amounts of magnesium found in these foods can ease bloating.
When to seek help
While bloating during ovulation can be completely normal for many women, if you experience bloating for more than a few days, we would recommend making an appointment with your doctor to check that it's not anything else.
Bloating during ovulation can also be caused by medical conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or an ovarian cyst.
Other signs of ovulation include:
• Feeling sore
• Changes in basal body temperature
• Pelvic pain(also known as middle pain)
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