Experiencing gas is common during pregnancy. The female body goes through several changes during pregnancy and gas is a result of certain normal body functions.
The hormone progesterone, which is responsible for supporting your pregnancy, is also the reason behind that gassy feeling. It relaxes the muscles in your intestine and slows down the digestion process. This allows gas build up and causes bloating, burping, and flatulence. Certain foods and even your prenatal vitamins can cause you to feel gassy.
The good news is, there are several things you can try at home to ease gas during pregnancy. Here are some of them:
- Drink Lots of Fluids
Make sure you drink a lot of water every day to avoid gas during pregnancy. Aim for 10-12 glasses per day. You can also include other fluids such as juices. However, if you’re suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), make sure the juice you drink is low in gas and bloating-promoting sugars.
- Move Around
In order to find relief from gas during pregnancy, make physical activity and exercise a part of your daily routine. Walk or exercise every day for at least 30 minutes. Not only does it help keep you physically and emotionally fit, it can also help prevent constipation and speed up digestion. Remember to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise during pregnancy.
- Eats Lots of Fiber
Fiber-rich foods bring water into intestines, soften the stool and allow it to pass more easily, thus controlling constipation. Try including 25 to 30 grams of high-fiber foods into your diet to ease gas problems. Fruits such as prunes, figs, bananas; vegetables, whole grains such as oats, flax etc. are fiber-rich foods you can include.
- Change Your Diet
Certain foods can cause gas symptoms to worsen. Try removing potential food triggers from your diet, one at a time, until your symptoms improve. This is a good way to eliminate foods that are contributing to your problem. Cabbage, broccoli, wheat, potatoes are common foods that can cause gas and flatulence.
- Keep Calm
Anxiety and stress may increase the amount of air you swallow and lead to abdominal gas, bloating, and belching. Identify what’s causing you stress and try to eliminate the triggers to whatever extent possible. Find some “me time” during the day to just take a few deep breaths and relax. Try going to prenatal yoga to stay calm.
If you experience gas and severe pain without improvement for more than 30 minutes, or if your constipation lasts more than one week, seek medical opinion immediately. Our experts at KIMS Cuddles are always there to guide you on your pregnancy journey.
*Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.
