During pregnancy it is normal to suffer digestive discomfort such as gas. We explain why this unpleasant side effect occurs and what can be done about it.
Are you pregnant? Congratulations! You probably noticed changes in your body even before the pregnancy test was positive, such as tightness in your abdomen, an uncomfortable feeling of fullness or tenderness in your breasts.
Flatulence during pregnancy is another unpleasant side effect. Here’s why these can occur frequently during all three trimesters, what helps against them, and when it’s best to seek medical attention.
WHY DOES BLOATING AND GAS OCCUR DURING PREGNANCY?
Pregnant women feel bloated and suffer flatulence from the first weeks. It can be said that they are among the first symptoms of pregnancy.
The reason for these digestive problems is, among other things, the hormonal change in the body. At the beginning of pregnancy, the hormone progesterone is released, which relaxes the muscles of the internal organs so that the uterus can expand and the baby has enough space.
One small drawback is that the intestines and digestive tract also become sluggish, meaning more intestinal gas is produced that can’t escape. In addition to hormonal changes, there are many other reasons why you suffer from flatulence during pregnancy, even beyond the first trimester.
Other causes are possible:
- Change in diet: At the beginning of pregnancy, expectant mothers usually change their diet. Instead of simple carbohydrates and fatty foods, they usually include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fiber on the menu. While this is great, don’t overdo it, because fiber-rich foods promote digestive discomfort if you’re not used to it. Iron pills can also cause the intestines to become sluggish and cause constipation.
- Lack of exercise: Many women move less during pregnancy, which is largely due to the baby’s growing tummy. However, less exercise can have a negative impact on digestion.
- Lack of space in the stomach: In the last trimester of pregnancy, the baby curls up on the stomach. The ever-expanding uterus and the child displace the other organs. Narrowing is greatest toward the end of pregnancy, which can cause heartburn, feelings of fullness, and flatulence.
- Stress: Stress and anxiety often affect the gastrointestinal tract in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Especially in the last trimester of pregnancy, it is normal for the intestines to get out of control in the face of uncertainty and nervousness.
HOW TO PREVENT GAS IN PREGNANCY
A few small things can prevent flatulence during pregnancy. The following measures have proven useful:
- Avoid certain foods, such as legumes or leeks. It is better to resort to easily digestible vegetables such as fennel, carrot and tomato. You should also avoid fatty and spicy foods. Dairy products can also cause gas in some women.
- Drink at least two liters a day and avoid carbonated drinks. Still water and herbal infusions based on fennel, anise or mint are best.
- Several small meals are easier to digest than larger meals. Also, take your time to eat, chew slowly and consciously and sit as straight as possible.
- Whether it’s a short walk or a workout: keep moving regularly. Swimming and hiking on simple paths are also good sports for pregnant women.
- Use cherry pit pillows and hot water bottles. Heat has an antispasmodic and beneficial effect on the body.
- To help air escape, clockwise abdominal massage also helps.
GAS IN PREGNANCY: NATURAL AIDS
If you suffer from acute flatulence during pregnancy, you can try several home remedies before resorting to medication. Herbal folk remedies for flatulence and feeling of satiety are mainly fennel, caraway, lemon balm, anise, marjoram and mint.
All these medicinal plants have an antispasmodic and soothing effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Pregnant women can drink them as an infusion, use them or as spices.
WHEN SHOULD YOU GO TO YOUR GYNECOLOGIST?
Normally, flatulence during pregnancy can be easily controlled with home remedies and herbal medicines. However, if the symptoms do not improve for a prolonged period of time and other symptoms such as fever appear, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Even if you feel like your bloated stomach is very distressing, you can visit your gynecologist or talk to him at your next checkup.
