Best Products for Pregnancy Gas and Bloating
What to Expect selects products based on real-life testing conducted by staff, contributors and members our user community, as well as independent research and expert feedback; learn more about our review process. Prices and details are accurate as of the published date. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
During pregnancy, you’ve got a lot going on in that belly beyond those sweet flutters and kicks. We’re talking about bloating, gas and cramping…oh my.
From the beginning of your pregnancy, high levels of hormones like progesterone start relaxing the muscles in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This can slow your digestion and make you more prone to knot-like cramps, big-time belly puff and whooshes of wind, says Utsavi Shah, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital. “As the pregnancy progresses and the uterus becomes larger, it causes increased pressure on the abdominal cavity and can cause increased GI symptoms such as bloating and feeling full faster,” she adds.
Luckily, there are plenty of products for pregnancy gas and bloating — you just need to know what to look for. Peppermint tea can help settle your stomach, for example, while the over-the-counter drug simethicone tackles gas in your GI tract to curb bloating and discomfort. But always consult your doctor before taking any new medication or supplement during your pregnancy, says Christine Greves, M.D., a board-certified OB-GYN at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies. “You want to make sure whatever you take won’t harm the baby or your pregnancy,” she says.
It’s understandable to have questions about what you can do for pregnancy gas relief and bloating, and also makes sense that you may not feel comfortable talking about this with just anyone. Keep these safety tips in mind while searching for a solution, and then scroll on down for products that can help you get relief.
What is safe to take for gas relief during pregnancy?
There are a few medications that can be helpful to relieve gas during pregnancy. “Most over-the-counter medications are safe to take during pregnancy,” Dr. Shah says, so long as you have your doctor’s approval. “However, many supplements are unregulated and can potentially be harmful.”
The following products are typically safe to take for gas relief during pregnancy:
- Simethicone (Gas X): This medication helps ease gas and bloating by breaking up bubbles in your stomach and intestines. Simethicone isn’t absorbed by your GI tract, making it safe to use in pregnancy.
- Docusate sodium (Colace): This is a stool softener that is used to treat constipation. Research has not linked it to harmful effects in pregnancy.
- Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia): This saline laxative helps get things moving again when you’re blocked up. It is generally believed to be safe during pregnancy, so long as you don’t take it for longer than a week.
- Alpha-galactosidase (Beano): Alpha-galactosidase is an enzyme that helps you digest sugars in beans and other foods that otherwise can be hard for some folks to stomach. It can help folks with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive conditions.
- Magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide: These other forms of magnesium may help relieve constipation that can lead to gas and bloating. There’s limited human data, but they’re generally considered safe during pregnancy. Keep in mind that your prenatal vitamin may already contain magnesium — talk to your healthcare provider to see how much (if any) is OK for you to take. They also shouldn’t be used for longer than 1 week.
- Polyethylene glycol (Miralax): This is a type of osmotic laxative, meaning it helps hold water in your stool to soften it and create more bowel movements. There’s not a lot of research but experts generally say it’s safe during pregnancy, with your doctor’s OK. However, some people might have more gas and bloating when using this product.
Not every over-the-counter product for bloating and gas relief is considered OK when you’re pregnant. Dr. Shah recommends steering clear of bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). “It has a pregnancy warning due to limited human data and possible risk of fetal harm,” she says, and is not considered safe for pregnancy. Experts believe it could lead to bleeding during your pregnancy.
How can I get rid of pregnancy gas and bloating?
While certain gas- and bloat-busting medications are safe to try during pregnancy, Dr. Greves suggests trying lifestyle modifications first to see where that gets you. Experts recommend doing the following to try to lower your gas and bloating:
- Track your diet. “Try to figure out if what you’re eating could be causing your gas,” Dr. Greves says. If you can pinpoint any foods that seem to trigger bloating and gas, do your best to avoid them.
- Avoid fried and fatty foods. These tend to linger in your gut, leading to bloating and gas.
- Eat more often. Dr. Shah suggests having “small and frequent meals throughout the day” to try to keep things moving in your gut.
- Drink plenty of water. Drinking enough fluids can help aid in digestion and keep things moving in your gut, Dr. Greves says, staving off constipation.
- Eat more fiber. If your bloating is caused by constipation, adding some more fiber in your diet can help. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends pregnant people eat about 25 grams of fiber per day from foods like lentils, peas and whole-wheat pasta.
- Move more. It can be tough if you’re not feeling your best but “exercise and walking can help with digestion,” Dr. Shah says.
How we chose the best products for pregnancy gas and bloating
- We consulted with two OB-GYNs to help shape our list of the best products for pregnancy gas and bloating based on safety and efficacy.
- We combed through dozens of scientific studies researching pregnancy gas and bloating to ensure we only recommend items that won’t harm you or your baby.
- We turned to the millions of parents in the What to Expect community (along with WTE staff) to determine which products truly passed the test based on personal experience.
Factors to consider before trying pregnancy gas and bloating products:
It’s important to consider several factors before taking or using a product for pregnancy gas and bloating. Keep these points in mind while you search for relief.
- Type of relief. Not all products work the same and some can take longer than others to provide you with relief. Others may initially cause you to fart or poop more than usual. Some products may be designed to be used regularly for gas and bloat relief, while others are fast-acting for immediate relief.
- Ingestion method. If you’re struggling with nausea and vomiting, or have trouble swallowing pills, consider if you’ll be OK with taking a pill or chewable. If not, a liquid medication or natural form of gas and bloating relief may be a better fit.
- Medication or natural remedy. All of the over-the-counter medications we recommend below are considered safe to use in pregnancy for gas and bloating. However, not everyone is comfortable taking medications during pregnancy for benign (albeit frustrating) side effects. Consider in advance if you’d prefer to take a non-medicated or medicated approach, or if you’re open to both.
- Cost. All of the items we recommend are under $30, but some are less expensive than others. Consider your budget in advance before investing in a new product.
- Doctor input. Remember, always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before taking a new supplement or OTC medication to ensure that it’s safe for you. While all the products we recommend are typically considered safe for pregnancy by experts, every pregnancy is unique and some health conditions or other medications might not play nice with certain supplements or OTC drugs.
Why Trust Us?
What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
Best Pregnancy-Safe Stool Softener
Colace Clear Stool Softener
- No taste
- effective
- easy dosage
- Fairly mild so might not be suitable for extreme constipation
Gas and bloating can be linked to constipation. Colace helps get things moving again with docusate sodium, which gently softens your poop to make it easier to pass. It comes in the form of soft gel capsules that are easy to swallow and is free of dyes or other additives you don’t need. Colace also doesn’t contain stimulants, so there’s less concern about, ahem, unexpected accidents.
Jeanne Beacom, Campaign Performance Manager at Everyday Health Group (What to Expect’s parent company), relied on Colace during her pregnancy. “What I liked about Colace was that I could take it along with my regular prenatals as part of my daily routine, and that it was easy to get at my local store over the counter,” she says. She also liked that it has no taste, and that the pill format made proper dosage super easy.
Expectant WTE moms say Colace has a mild effect, but works better and faster than other stool softeners. (You’ll also want to keep the stool softener around to help make that first postpartum poop a lot less scary.)
Size: 28 pills
Community Reviews
“I take one every day with my prenatal. It helps tremendously.”
- tiffanyaxid
“I take a Colace every morning. Has helped me a lot!”
- stinkylu
Best Fiber Snack to Stave Off Constipation
Mariani Premium Mediterranean Apricots
- Packed with fiber
- effective for constipation
- Higher in sugar
Dried apricots offer lots of constipation-quashing fiber with a considerably nicer flavor than prunes (ideal if you’re also struggling with nausea). WTE moms report that chowing down on just a few each day has “worked wonders” on their constipation and bloat. Have a few with breakfast or take some with you to work for a natural way to get things moving in your gut. Just note that if you have gestational diabetes, be mindful of the sugar count (and confirm with your doctor how many you can or should eat).
Size: 16 ounces
Community Reviews
“I’ve been taking a stool softener every day and eating dried apricots in the evenings to help me go in the mornings. It kind of helps!”
– AutumnLeaves13
“Dried apricots always worked better for me than anything else.”
– AdrianaP32
Best Magnesium Supplement to Fight Bloating and Constipation
Nature Made Magnesium Oxide
- Can potentially also help with sleep
- easy to take
- Not a good option if you're already taking magnesium in other forms
If constipation is the cause of your gas and bloating, ask your doctor if it’s safe to try a magnesium supplement. Many expectant moms in the What to Expect community said their doctors recommended it (sometimes for other reasons like sleep and leg cramps), and that they found it to help their constipation, too. These supplements come in the form of a small, easy-to-swallow pill (ideal if you’re also struggling with nausea). They’re also free of dyes and artificial flavors, so ingredient purists can feel totally at ease taking these as directed. Just remember to take on an as-needed basis, and never for longer than one week.
Size: 100 tablets
Community Reviews
“I started [magnesium] supplements in the 1st trimester due to insomnia. Happy side effect, it helps constipation, too. My ob suggested it!”
- bella35
“I take it for head aches, constipation, and acid reflux. It must also be helping with cramping because I haven't had any... I take naturemade brand 2-3 tablets depending on if I'm backed up or not. My midwife said to take an extra one to relieve constipation if that's an issue. They have helped immensely!”
– LaurenJustine
Best Water Bottle to Help You Stay Hydrated on the Go
Iron Flask 40 Ounce Wide Mouth Water Bottle with Spout Lid
- Affordable dupe of a high-end bottle
- keeps drinks cold
- Hand wash only
Staying hydrated can help reduce bloating and constipation, so having a good water bottle is key to help you drink regularly. Countless WTE moms swear by this water bottle as a reliable, affordable dupe for the trendy Hydroflask. It’s made with double-walled stainless steel to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for 12 hours; one mom swears it keeps ice cold “for DAYS.”
The built-in straw lid allows for easy sipping on the go, and it comes with two other leak-proof lids in case straws aren’t your thing. It’s available in lots of different sizes to help you meet your hydration needs, but WTE moms tend to like the 40 ounce size since it “isn’t too much to carry, yet still a good amount of water to lug around.” The only downside? It’s not dishwasher safe, but that’s a small price to pay for a hefty, highly-rated water bottle that will help you stay hydrated.
Volume: 40 ounces
Community Reviews:
“Iron Flask on Amazon is a better version of Hydroflask, for a fraction of the price! Heaps of amazing reviews!”
– jkap518
“I love Iron Flask! I've had mine for 2 years. I'm clumsy so it fell a lot but you can't really tell. Very durable.”
– Annerike21
“Iron flask, way cheaper than yeti or hydro flask but keeps my water ice cold all night!”
– LeahP527
Best Comfortable Walking Shoes to Keep Things Moving
Skechers Women's Go Walk 6 Glimmering Sneakers
- Comfortable
- easy to clean
- Not the most stylish silhouette
Walking is a great way to stay fit during your pregnancy, and it can also help keep things moving through your digestive tract to banish bloat and gas. If your usual sneaks aren’t comfortable on your sore or swollen pregnancy feet, we recommend checking out this ultra-comfy pair from Skechers. They boast a breathable, stretchy knit upper and super cushioned soles to keep you cool and comfortable on your feet. “They're super stretchy without ever feeling tight, which I like since I feel like the swelling in my feet changes daily,” shares one WTE mom. Another mom wore them daily for her job at a preschool, and said they’re “super comfortable.” And if they get dirty while pounding the pavement, throw them in the washing machine for a quick clean.
Sizes: 5-13
Community Reviews
“I walk a lot and I wear Skechers go walk they are so comfy and what makes it best we all know how much our temperature rises in pregnancy so our feet get hot quicker too the Skechers go walk are machine washable and are perfect I’ve 2 pairs from last year and still look as good as new and feel great on”
– LeeR
“I recently bought myself a pair of Sketchers GoWalk slip on sneakers and they're so extremely comfortable…They were kind of expensive but so worth it since there's no other shoes I want to wear now. They're also very breathable which will be great for summer.”
– makaylarae4
Best Tea to Fight Pregnancy Gas and Bloating
Traditional Medicinals Organic Peppermint Herbal Tea
- Simple ingredients list
- Not ideal if you have reflux
Some evidence suggests that peppermint oil can help relieve bloating, nausea and belly pain, and you may reap similar benefits from sipping peppermint tea. This organic tea contains only peppermint, so you don’t have to worry about the effects of other potential herbs (or caffeine) in the mix. Just don’t drink this (or any other peppermint tea) if you’re also dealing with heartburn or GERD, as peppermint might exacerbate that condition. And be sure to check with your doctor before sipping, as there’s not a lot of research about the safety of certain herbal teas during pregnancy.
Size: 16 bags
Community Reviews
“It’s a good nausea soother.”
- mamabri2023
“I’m feeling very [bloated] and gassy too. What helps me is sipping peppermint tea during the day (it helps with indigestion). If it gets really, I find drinking frizzy drinks help bring up some of the gas.”
– Umck2014
“I've been loving 100% peppermint tea or 100 % ginger tea (just read the ingredients and there should only be one ingredient). My favorite brand is Traditional Medicinals.”
– twinmom1117
Best Pregnancy-Safe Anti-Gas Medication
Gas-X Extra Strength Cherry Creme Chewable Tablets
- Works quickly for gas
- Not everyone loves the flavor
Need gas relief ASAP? Gas-X contains simethicone, which eases gas and bloating by breaking up bubbles in the stomach and intestine. This chewable variety is available in two flavors — peppermint and cherry — to help you stomach it more easily. As with all meds and supplements, you should get the green light from your doctor first and then use as directed.
Size: 72 tablets
Community Reviews
“With my first pregnancy I took it almost the entire time at the recommendation of my OB and GP. I am currently taking it again as gas seems to be my main pregnancy symptom.”
– cnaumann5
“I took it quite a bit with my 1st pregnancy in my 3rd trimester.”
- smiles4him22
Best Pregnancy-Safe Laxative for Quick Constipation Relief
Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia Liquid Laxative
- Works quickly
- pleasant flavor
- Not effective for everyone
Laxatives containing magnesium hydroxide like Milk of Magnesia ease constipation backup by drawing water into the colon, softening stool and helping you go within a few hours. “It’s the only thing that makes me go when I need to,” says one WTE mom. And it works fairly quickly for some people — within 45 minutes, reports one mom — allowing you to have fast relief if you’re super backed up. However, other moms say it didn’t do much for them, so it might not be the best solution for everyone. It’s considered safe for pregnancy, but again, get your doctor’s approval first.
Size: 12 ounces
Community Reviews
“I swore by this with my first pregnancy. Everyone is different but I would actually drink it at night before I went to bed and then when I get up in the morning once I was up moving around it would kick in. Thankfully it was never like a ex lax kind of hurting need to go!”
– 19Crystal88
Best Digestion Supplement in Case Your Body Hates Fiber
Beano Extra Strength Tablets
- Effective if you eat a high-fiber diet
- Have to remember to take before eating
If eating fiber-rich foods seems to be making your gas and bloating worse, try this. As mentioned, Beano has enzymes that help break down high-fiber foods like beans, making them easier to digest so they’re less likely to cause gas. The trick is taking it before you eat instead of afterwards, so the enzymes can start breaking down the fiber before it gets to your gut.
Size: 30 tablets
Community Reviews
“I had terrible gas pains with my first…to the point that I couldn’t even stand up most days by the end of the day. I took Beano before anything I ate and then took Gas-X when I started having pain. That combo helped alleviate things a bit until I started to feel better around 16 weeks.”
- mg112
Best Laxative When Nothing Else Works
Miralax Mix-In Pax
- Convenient portion sizes
- effective
- no flavor
- Not everyone loves the texture once it's in water
Many WTE moms say thatMiralax was the only thing that helped them with pregnancy constipation (and the resulting bloating). “Miracle drug for me!” raves one mom. It draws water from your body into your stool to soften it and help you poop more, easing constipation and all its fun gas-and-bloat after effects. Simply mix in the unflavored powder into 4 to 8 ounces of your beverage of choice and drink up. We love how this comes in pre-portioned packets to make dosing extra convenient.
Size: 10 packets
Community Reviews
“I take it 2-3x per week. It’s the only thing that helps me!”
– expecting8380
“I have been taking it regularly since like week 12 (almost 20 weeks now) as I have struggled too…boy what a relief! It takes a few days to kick in but just stick with it.”
– boymama2two
What To Expect When You’re Expecting, 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff.
WhatToExpect.com, Can You Take Milk of Magnesia During Pregnancy?, January 2022.
American Academy of Family Physicians, Over-the-Counter Medications in Pregnancy, October 2014.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, ACOG Practice Bulletin: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy, January 2018.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, What Can Help With Constipation During Pregnancy?, October 2020.
Cleveland Clinic, 15 Foods That Can Cause Bloating, March 2022.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, Treatment of Gas, Undated.
Mount Sinai Health Library, Peppermint, Undated.
National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Frequently Used Herbal Teas During Pregnancy - Short Update, February 2020.
National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Magnesium Oxide in Constipation, January 2021.
National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Mild Dehydration: A Risk Factor of Constipation?, December 2003.
National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Statement on Pregnancy and Travel, March 2010.
National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Treating Constipation During Pregnancy, August 2012.
National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus, Magnesium Citrate, April 2019.
National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus, Magnesium Hydroxide, April 2019.
National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus, Magnesium Oxide, October 2015.
National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus, Polyethylene Glycol 3350, March 2015.
National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus, Simethicone, February 2018.
National Library of Medicine, PubChem, Compound Summary: Docusate sodium, February 2023.
National Library of Medicine, StatPearls, Simethicone, July 2022.
Christine Greves, M.D., OB-GYN, Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, Orlando, FL.
Utsavi Shah, M.D., Assistant Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX.
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