Mom’s IBS Is So Bad She Looks ‘Nine Months Pregnant’

A woman with severe bloating says it makes her “look nine months pregnant” and strangers are even asking when her baby is due. Sarah Mason, 51, was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in her 30s and says the bloating can often leave her looking like she has a bump.

A condition that affects the digestive system and can cause stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. Sarah claims strangers came up to her shopping and told her “it won’t be long until your baby is born” – leaving her mortified because she wasn’t expecting.

A self-employed cleaner, Sarah’s poor health even meant she had to cut her hours and go onto universal credit. Mum-of-one Sarah, from York, North Yorkshire, said: “It’s a horrible feeling to feel so bloated all the time – it’s not just looking pregnant, it’s the constant churning in my stomach.”

Sarah says her IBS is made worse by stress, while she also suffers from osteoarthritis – a degenerative joint disease where the tissues in the joint break down over time. She said: “I recently had back surgery last October when surgeons removed some of the bone from my back to relieve the pain.

“It helped initially, but the pain came back, which then causes me stress, which makes my bloating worse – it’s a horrible vicious cycle.”

On March 27, Sarah fell while at home and fractured three ribs, which put her out of action – and added to her stress. Her IBS has become so bad that when she has an attack she has to wear size 20 clothing – despite being normally a size 14 or 16.

She said: “When it’s bad I can’t wear tight clothes – I have to wear elasticated trousers or jeggings – I never wear dresses anymore, I’ve become so self-conscious.

“It’s embarrassing when you go shopping and have people come up to you and say, ‘Oh, not long until your baby is born.’ It’s not pretty – I’m definitely not pregnant at my age.”

Sarah’s health problems have meant she has to cut back on her hours and rely on universal credit. A single parent, she lives with her 23-year-old daughter Sophie. Sarah tried hypnotherapy for her condition, but says that didn’t help either.

“I have to take laxatives most days to go to the toilet, most days it works, but if I don’t take laxatives I won’t go to the toilet for three to four days,” said Sarah. There is no known cure for IBS – which is thought to affect up to 15% of the population.

Sarah said: “I really hope they can find a cure, it’s a horrible feeling to feel so bloated all the time.”