• As a baby grows, so does a mother's bloating.pancia image by CORRADO RIVA from Fotolia.com
  
  Merriam-Webster defines bloating as "causing abdominal distention" or swelling. Whether its the less-than-charming burps or the constant feeling of overeating, bloating is one problem that every pregnant woman experiences. Thankfully, bloating is a sign of good health during pregnancy, because it lets you know that your body is producing sufficient amounts of progesterone to slow down your digestive system and give your baby every possible ounce of nourishment.
  
  

Gassiness

• Prior to pregnancy, you may have been one of the least likely people to burp or pass gas in public. Sadly, pregnancy has a tendency to change that within the first trimester. As the digestive system slows, food remains in the intestine longer, which means intestinal bacteria feed on the food longer, producing more gas. To avoid increasing gas, eat your meals slowly and avoid foods that are known gas producers.
  
  

Feeling of Being Overfull

• Most pregnant women have a very difficult time eating large meals. As the baby grows and presses against your stomach, the stomach's sensors become confused and think that the pressure is signaling a full stomach. To ensure that you get enough nutrients regardless of always feeling full, consider eating six small meals each day instead of three large meals.
  
  

Heartburn

• An old wives' tale says that those who experience heartburn in their pregnancy will have a baby with lots of hair. In reality, heartburn is experienced by all pregnant women to some degree, due to slowed digestion. To help things move along a little smoother in the body, consider taking papaya pills or eating fresh pineapple before each meal to provide your stomach with additional enzymes that will help digestion. (Please speak with your doctor before changing your eating habits, especially during pregnancy.)