I’m naturally pretty thin, but for about a week before my period is due, and then throughout, my lower stomach sort of swells. I know this is normal, because obviously that entire area is all inflamed, but it’s really annoying. Because I’m thin everywhere else, it looks really odd — kind of like I’m pregnant because my stomach is protruding.

Is there any way to prevent this from happening? Or any way to ease it a little? Periods are bad enough without worrying that I look pregnant.