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Bloating and gas are common during pregnancy and cause discomfort. While they are not serious issues, they are irritants that need to be dealt with. Different factors have an impact on bloating, such as hormones and diets. When you have gas during pregnancy, you may consider some home remedies to fix the problem. If the situation aggravates, don’t forget to consult your doctor.

Let us look at the causes of bloating and gas during pregnancy and the simple remedies that can bring some immediate relief.

When does bloating start in pregnancy?

Bloating in pregnancy usually starts in the initial phases. Therefore, pregnancy gas and bloating usually develop in the first trimester. In many women, it eases. However, in others, the symptoms can worsen and they may experience gas even during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Women who have suffered from IBS are likely to face more problems with gas during pregnancy. If you had IBS, the symptoms will only worsen.

Causes

Gas problems in pregnancy are very common. However, if it prolongs, you may need to consider consulting medical professionals. Studies say that a significant number of women suffer from gas during pregnancy. Hormonal malfunction is often hailed to be one of the most common problems. In the early pregnancy stage, the hormones calm the womb. With the digestive muscles relaxing, digestion becomes slow. Therefore, hormonal imbalance is very common and it can often lead to gas issues.

Gastric problems in pregnancy can also lead to constipation. This is one of the major challenges that most pregnant women face. If you suffer from constipation during pregnancy, you are likely to feel bloated all the time.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is also one of the main causes. However, this may not be valid for everyone. Women who have had a history of IBS are likely to suffer from worsening symptoms during pregnancy. It can lead to severe pain resulting from bloating, constipation and abdominal pain.

Bloating can also be a symptom of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. It is advisable to reach out to the doctor in this case.

How to ease bloating and gas?

Before understanding how to ease bloating and gas in early pregnancy, you may want to know how to check pregnancy. Earlier, people needed to go to a clinic to get the test done and understand if they are pregnant or not. Well, that used to take a long time.

In today’s time, a reliable device like PregaNews will help you get confirmation about your pregnancy in the initial stage. You won’t need to step out of your house and will get the confirmation within five minutes. It is advisable to take the test using the first urine sample in the morning to get accurate results.

Bloating and gas during pregnancy can be extremely uncomfortable. While it is common, a new-to-be mother may often be in pain. This does not lead to a better experience in pregnancy. Here are some of the prominent ways through which you can ease bloating and gas: 

●        Stop eating any high-fat food.

●        Eat small yet frequent meals to avoid staying full all the time.

●        During pregnancy, it is advisable to have a well-balanced diet, including foods that are rich in fibre.

●        Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

●        Drink enough water and stay hydrated.

●        Don’t eat before you go to bed.

Home remedies

Bloating and gas during pregnancy can be extremely painful. While you may want to see a doctor, if the pain is bearable in the initial stages you must try out the home remedies. These are efficient and can play an important role in easing the problem in no time.

Some of the most efficient home remedies to treat gas and bloating during pregnancy include the following:

●        Stay hydrated

Drinking fluids can be of great help. If you’re suffering from bloating, water is one of the best choices to make. If the gas causes extreme problems it will lead to irritable bowel syndrome. You should avoid drinking juices made of orange, grape etc or it will only worsen the symptoms. 

●        Stay hydrated

Drinking fluids can be of great help. If you’re suffering from bloating, water is one of the best choices to make. If the gas causes extreme problems it will lead to irritable bowel syndrome. You should avoid drinking juices made of orange, grape etc or it will only worsen the symptoms. 

It is best to stay hydrated to manage blood glucose levels. It is advisable to keep a check on your juice and sugar intake to avoid any problems.

●        Be on the move

One of the best ways to curb  bloating and gas is to be on the move. Exercise and physical activity can be of great help. When you are pregnant, you should make it a part of your daily routine. Pregnant women should take a walk for at least 30 minutes to one hour per day.

Regular exercise will help you stay emotionally and physically fit. It will help to improve your digestion rate thereby keeping away any kind of constipation. However, before starting any new exercise routine, you should consider reaching out to the doctor.

●        Consume fibre-rich food

Fibre-rich food can be extremely helpful as it will help to manage constipation. Fibre helps to soften the stool movement thereby preventing the risk of being constipated. It is advisable to consume around 25 to 30 gm of food rich in fibre every day to prevent gas concerns.

When to consult a doctor?

As simple as it seems and sounds, it isn’t a small factor. If you notice any unusual symptoms or signs, you will need to contact the doctor. If there are no changes in your condition and if the pain due to bloating and gas lasts for more than 48 hours  you may need to see a doctor.

This is mostly because it can often be a serious indication that the child is in some kind of danger. If you don’t face any problems, you can consider sticking to your regular routine.

Key Takeaways

Experiencing bloating during pregnancy is very common. This is mostly because your body undergoes a lot of hormonal changes. Furthermore, constipation can also pave the way to serious problems. It is advisable to bring minor changes in your daily lifestyle to improve your condition.

FAQ

1. What does early pregnancy bloating feel like?

An early pregnancy bloating feels as if your stomach is a balloon that has been blown to its maximum extent. When you touch the stomach, the surface will be hard and you may also feel a sudden tension. 

2. Can you feel bloated at 4 weeks pregnant?

Yes. Many women also experience bloating at 4 weeks because of hormonal changes in the body. 

3. What food causes gas during pregnancy?

Fried, spicy and processed foods can increase the risk of gas during pregnancy. Other foods that can cause bloating and gas during pregnancy include carbonated drinks, specific fruits and vegetables, dairy and whole grains. Beans and broccoli can also cause bloating.

4. What helps with pregnancy gas at night?

You should avoid eating before going to bed as it will allow you to relax. Give yourself two hours for the food to settle before you go to bed.

5. How should I sit to relieve gas?

Squats can be extremely helpful for sitting in a comfortable position to release gas. It also helps to build stability in the body. The pressure is on the entire stomach in a squat position. Therefore, the person will be able to pass it efficiently. If you have any doubts, it is safe to seek clarification from your doctor to ensure the safety of your baby. 

Once PregaNews confirms your pregnancy, it is best to consult a doctor and confirm the same. Do not attempt to address health issues during pregnancy on your own. You can adopt harmless home remedies but if any problem persists, you will need to see the doctor immediately. Avoid medication except under medical supervision.

White watery discharge during pregnancy also called vaginal leucorrhoea, is common among women. Water discharge starts at the beginning of puberty and lasts long till the end of menopause. The amount of water discharge varies from woman to woman and increases during the menstrual period. A watery discharge is usually a sign of a healthy vagina as it helps ejaculate bacteria, maintains the vaginal area hygiene and keeps it free from bacterial infection. However, sometimes, watery discharge during pregnancy can be a sign of a health issue.

What is pregnancy discharge?

The fluid that expels out of the vagina is known as watery discharge. Watery discharge is usually white in colour. You may experience watery discharge during pregnancy, but there is nothing to get anxious about. Watery discharge during pregnancy usually depends on the stage of child development. Watery discharge characteristics and implications may differ based on the stage of your pregnancy. Here is a categorized list of watery discharge:

1. Watery discharge in early pregnancy

Watery discharge during early pregnancy or first trimester has a slightly pungent odour. Watery discharge looks like the slimy discharge of the menstrual period and may stain your underwear. This watery discharge occurs due to a sudden increase in estrogen hormones levels that enhances the blood flow to the vaginal part and increase the secretion of other hormones.

2. Watery Discharge in the Second Trimester

In the second trimester, watery discharge resembles milky egg white in colour and consistency. It is far more frequent than the discharge in the first-trimester phase but is considered perfectly normal as it happens due to the hormones cascading during pregnancy. However, if you see any bloody discharge or foul-odor discharge in your second-trimester phase, then it is probably a sign of a health issue. In such a case, seek doctor help immediately.

3. Watery Discharge in the Third Trimester

 Based on color, odour, frequency, amount, and presence of blood, watery discharge during the third trimester can evince itself in many forms. If you experience heavy watery discharge flow near your due date, then it’s a sign of preterm labor or even water breaking.

Is it normal to have a pregnancy discharge?

It is considered normal to have a watery discharge during pregnancy. The amount of watery discharge will begin to increase as the pregnancy progresses. Here we highlighted more about normal and abnormal watery discharge in detail.

1. Normal Watery Discharge

Watery discharge during pregnancy is perfectly normal. You don’t need to worry about it if you experience the following symptoms:

•Leucorrhoea

Leucorrhoea is the standard watery discharge during pregnancy. It resembles thin, clear, and watery inconsistency. It can be recognized as one of the first symptoms of pregnancy as it begins just after conception.

•Bloody Show

In your final stage of pregnancy, the watery discharge might include blood and mucus, which is a sign of labor within a few days. The mucus present in watery discharge during pregnancy is part of the plug that inhibits the growth of bacteria in your cervix and thus preventing vaginal infection. This is also termed as bloody show.

•Amniotic Leakage

Watery discharge during the third trimester of your pregnancy is a replica of urine and consists of flakes in it, it might be a sign of amniotic fluid leaking. This is perfectly normal during pregnancy; you don’t need to worry about it. However, if you experience a greenish watery discharge in ample amounts, it is a sign that your water bag has been broken and the baby might have passed  meconium. In this case, you should immediately rush to the doctor.

2. Abnormal water discharge

Sometimes, a watery discharge during pregnancy is associated with several other health symptoms that cause uneasiness. In such cases, a watery discharge is considered abnormal and can be a sign of the following health issues:

•Premature Labour

If you notice a small amount of blood in the last week of pregnancy then it is normal but if it is a heavy flow, then it is a sign of preterm labour. Please seek medical help immediately if this occurs.

•Yeast Infections

A yeast infection can occur any time during pregnancy, but the symptoms may cause a lot more discomfort. Apart from having a greenish-yellow watery discharge or thicker white curd like pregnancy discharge, you may also experience pain while peeing. Yeast infections may cause skin irritation or redness in the vaginal part.

•STIs

Watery discharge during pregnancy can even happen if you are prone to sexually transmitted diseases. Any disease can have a significant impact on your health and immune system. It can also imbalance your fertility levels. Hence, seeking a doctor help would be better if you experience watery discharge abruptly.

How to treat watery discharge during pregnancy?

Here we have highlighted a few precautions that will help you avoid complications that can come with watery discharge.

•Get tested regularly to avoid watery discharge

If you have gray  discharge during pregnancy it is abnormal may indicate  sign of bacterial infection, you might need medical treatment. In addition, intake food that is rich in probiotics in your diet to avoid yeast infections.

•Maintain self-hygiene

Keep your vaginal area clean and hygienic to avoid vaginal infection. Avoid using a block of scented soap or spray on your vaginal area. If you notice the foul or fishy odor of vaginal discharge then wash your vaginal part with warm water and wear clean undergarments to maintain self-hygiene.

•Change your undergarments every day

Change your panties every time to inhibit the growth of bacteria and thus reduce the chances of any infection.

•Consult your doctor

Seek your doctor’s help during your pregnancy journey. Follow the instructions given by your doctor to avoid any health issues.

FAQ

1. Why is water coming out of my vagina during pregnancy?

A watery discharge is usually a sign of a healthy vagina as it helps ejaculate bacteria, maintains the vaginal area hygiene and keeps it free from bacterial infection. However, sometimes, watery discharge during pregnancy can be a sign of a health issue.

2. When is the discharge heavy?

It is considered normal to have a watery discharge during pregnancy. The amount of watery discharge will begin to increase as the pregnancy progresses.

3. How do I know my water is leaking?

If you experience a greenish watery discharge in ample amounts, it is a sign that your water bag has been broken and the baby might have passed the meconium. In this case, you should immediately rush to the doctor.

4. Can I prevent watery discharge?

Keep your vaginal area clean and hygienic to avoid vaginal infection. Avoid using a block of scented soap or spray on your vaginal area. If you notice the foul or fishy odour of vaginal discharge then wash your vaginal part with warm water and wear clean undergarments to maintain self-hygiene. Change your undergarments every day.

5. What are the home remedies to stop watery discharge?

Change your panties every time to inhibit the growth of bacteria and thus reduce the chances of any infection. Seek doctor help during your pregnancy journey. Follow the instructions given by your doctor to avoid any health issues. In addition, intake food that is rich in probiotics in your diet to avoid yeast infections. Keep your vaginal area clean and hygienic to avoid vaginal infection. Avoid using a block of scented soap or spray on your vaginal area.

Once you receive confirmation of the good news from PregaNews it is an exciting wait for 9 ½ months before you can hold your baby in your arms. Let us understand your baby’s journey from the moment of conception.

Within 24 hours post-fertilization, the egg that will become your baby will swiftly divide into many cells. By the eighth week of the fetal development stage, the embryo will first develop into a fetus. It takes about 37- 40 weeks to complete fetal development. These weeks are further divided into three trimesters.

The start of fetal development begins from the first day of your last menstrual cycle. This is also termed as gestational age or menstrual age. It takes about two weeks for conception to occur. It’s very important to note the date of the first day of your last period. Your doctor will ask you about this date to figure out how far along you are in your fetal development stage.

Stages of fetal development Month-by-Month in Pregnancy

First trimester

The first trimester is the period from conception to 12 weeks. This is generally the first three months of the fetal development stage. During this stage, the fertilized egg will grow from a small grouping of cells to a fetus.

Month 1 (weeks 1 through 4)

A water-tight sac called an amniotic sac develops around the fertilized egg filling with fluid, which protects the growing embryo.

During this fetal stage, the placenta gets to develop. The placenta is a round, flat organ that helps carry nutrients from the mother to the fetus. Placenta act as a food carrier for the fetus during the fetal development stage.

During the first few weeks, a primitive face will develop with large dark circles for the eyes. The mouth, lower jaw, and throat will begin to take shape. Blood cells will start developing, and circulation will begin. By the end of the fourth week, the heart will begin to beat 65 times in a minute.

The fetus length is about 1/4 inch long by the end of the first month.

Second trimester

The best part of the experience during pregnancy is during the middle stage of fetal development. Any morning sickness and the discomfort of early pregnancy reduces during this stage. During this month the fetus begins to develop facial features. You may also experience the feeling of fetus movement in the uterus.

Month 4 (weeks 13 through 16)

You can hear the fetal heartbeat through an instrument called a doppler. The fingers, toes, eyelids, eyebrows, eyelashes, nails, and hair are developed. Teeth and bones are also developed and become denser.

The nervous system of the fetus starts functioning. The reproductive organs and genitalia are also fully defined. The fetal growth is about 6 inches long and the weight is about 4 ounces by the end of four-months.

Month 5 (weeks 17 through 20)

At this stage of fetal development, you may experience the feeling of the fetus moving around. The fetus begins to develop muscles and hair starts growing on the head. The shoulders and back get covered by soft fine hair called lanugo. Lanugo gives protection to the fetus and is usually shed at the end of the first week of the baby’s life.

The fetal skin gets covered by a cheesy whitish coating termed vernix caseosa. This protects fetal skin from long exposure to the amniotic fluid and begins to shed just before birth.

The fetal growth is about 10 inches long and the weight is about 1/2 to 1 pound by the end of the fifth month.

Month 6 (weeks 21 through 24)

The fetus starts responding to sounds by moving or increasing the pulse during this month. You may also experience jerking motions of fetus hiccups.

The fetal growth is about 12 inches long and the weight is about 2 pounds by the end of the sixth month.

Month 7 (weeks 25 through 28)

The fetus will get mature and reserves of body fat get formed. At this stage, hearing is fully developed. The fetus starts changing position frequently and responds to external stimuli, such as sound, pain, and light. The amniotic fluid starts reducing. The fetal growth is about 14 inches long and the weight is from 2 to 4 pounds by the end of the seventh month.

Third trimester

This is the final stage of fetal development. It’s time to start the countdown and you are eagerly waiting for the new arrival. During the third trimester, the fetus starts gaining weight quickly, this added body fat that would help after birth.

Month 8 (weeks 29 through 32)

The fetus will continue to mature and reserve its body fat. You may observe more kicking. The brain will develop rapidly at this stage and the fetus can see and hear. Most internal body parts are well developed, but the lungs are still in the developing phase. The fetus’s size is 18 inches long and weighs about 5 pounds at the end of this month.

Month 9 (weeks 33 through 36)

During this stage, the fetus will continue to mature, grow and reserve its body fat. The lungs are close to being fully matured in this month. The fetus starts blinking, closing the eyes, turning the head, grasping firmly, and responding to external stimuli such as sounds, light, and touch.

The fetal growth is about 17 to 19 inches long and the weight is about 5 ½ pounds to 6 ½ pounds at the end of this month.

Month 10 (Weeks 37 through 40)

In this final stage of fetal development, you may experience labour pain at any time. You may observe less movement because space is tight. At this point, the fetus’s position has been changed to get prepare for birth. Ideally, the fetal head moves down in your uterus. You may experience more uneasiness in this time as the fetus shifted down into your pelvis and is getting ready for delivery.

The Fetal growth is about 18 to 20 inches long and the weight is about 7 pounds at this time.

Key Takeaway

It is fascinating how the fetal journey has been designed from conception to delivery with every stage earmarked for an area of development. Since this is well documented, any deviation from the normal as detected in ultrasound will become a cause for concern.

FAQ

1. What is the most important week of fetal development?

The first trimester is the most crucial period of fetal development. The first trimester has a period from conception to 12 weeks. This is generally the first three months of the fetal development stage. During this stage, the fertilized egg will grow from a small grouping of cells to a fetus.

2. What month is the fetus fully developed?

Month 10 (Weeks 37 through 40) is when the fetus is fully developed. In this final stage of fetal development, you may experience labor pain at any time. You may observe less movement because space is tight. At this point, the fetus’s position has been changed to prepare for birth.

3. Which week of pregnancy is critical?

The first twelve weeks of pregnancy are critical. During this fetal stage, the placenta develops. The placenta is a round, flat organ that helps carry nutrients from the mother to the fetus. Placenta act as a food carrier for the fetus during the fetal development stage.

4. How to know your fetus is developing normally?

You may experience the feeling of the fetus moving around. The fetus would start reacting to external stimuli. In case the fetus stops moving around, you must consult the doctor immediately. Regular ultrasounds will indicate the progress of the fetus and detect abnormalities.

5. How can I increase fetal growth?

Intake lots of fruits, vegetables, folic acid, iron and vitamin c to boost fetal healthy growth.

The nine months of a baby’s journey within the mother’s womb is most fascinating. Enjoy every moment of this journey. Read up as much as you can so that you are aware of what your baby is doing inside at each stage. Stay cheerful and happy and prepare for the little one’s arrival.

Believe it or not, getting a fever during your pregnancy can have a negative impact on the unborn child. Pregnant women should consider getting a vaccination for flu during pregnancy. It will not only protect you but also your unborn child from a case of flu.

 Cold is a common viral infection that will affect the throat, sinus and upper airway in the child. Either you may suffer from a runny nose or a sore throat. Cough can also be one of the most common symptoms of cold and fever during pregnancy.

 If you are suffering from fever during early pregnancy, you need to try the right measures for getting over it.

 What are the symptoms?

If you catch the flu during pregnancy, you need to be familiar with the symptoms. There could be several reasons why you can develop these symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of fever during pregnancy include:

        ●        Common cold:

In this case, the expecting mothers may suffer from the general symptoms of a common cold. This mostly happens because your body undergoes hormonal changes during pregnancy. The main aim during this time is to save the fetus but it only gets rejected. If the immune system of the body doesn’t work in an effective manner, it can increase the risk of cold and even sinus.

●        Bacterial infection:

Fever usually is caused due to bacterial infection- especially urinary tract infection. It requires the use of antibiotics.

●        Flu:

In this case, you are likely to suffer from the same symptoms as that of flu. The changing hormonal system of the body increases the risk of immune system damage. Some of the common symptoms that expecting mothers can suffer from include constant body aches, chills and viral infection.

Effects of a fever in the womb

If you catch the flu during pregnancy, it is crucial that you follow the symptoms carefully. Fever during early pregnancy is mostly spread because of sneezes and coughs. Nonetheless, it is necessary to note that this does not resemble cold. Fever in early pregnancy can lead to numerous birth defects.

If the expecting mother has a fever during early pregnancy, it is a sign that she may be getting an infection. Therefore, it is necessary to get treatment in an effective way. Fever in early pregnancy can often lead to a higher risk of jaw and heart defects. Apart from that, there is a wide range of birth defects that the child can be affected by.

Expecting mothers who are in the first trimester of pregnancy need to consider getting treatment. If you are suffering a fever of over 102 degrees, you need to address the situation. Getting the treatment in the early stages will play an important role in getting rid of long-term and short-term risks that may affect the baby.

Treatments

If expecting mothers get affected by the cold in pregnancy during the third trimester, they need to get in touch with doctors who can help them. Acetaminophen is one of the leading fever medicine in pregnancy. If the doctor doesn’t recommend it, you should refrain from using ibuprofen or aspirin. It is always advisable to consult your doctor before starting the use of any medicine during pregnancy.  

Some of the common treatments that can be helpful for expecting mothers to overcome their condition include:

●        Take showers regularly.

●        Drink water and stay hydrated.

Home remedies to prevent the flu

During pregnancy, the body undergoes a lot of changes. The weak immune system often fails to offer protection to the unborn baby. Moreover, it also exposes the mother’s body to several risks and challenges, especially in terms of flu complications.

Pregnant women are more likely to be affected by any virus than non-pregnant women. The complications can vary significantly ranging from sinus infection to bronchitis and even pneumonia. While getting a vaccination against flu is efficient, sometimes it may not be enough.

A flu vaccination allows protection to the child and mothers. The effectiveness of the vaccinations lasts for up to six months after the birth. It is necessary to schedule the vaccination report accordingly. Maintaining hygiene and a clean lifestyle can be of great help for preventing sickness during pregnancy.

One of the most effective ways to counter sleep is to get enough sleep. Furthermore, following a healthy diet can be efficient as well. It is advisable to exercise regularly to get effective results. Following a healthy lifestyle schedule especially in terms of exercising regularly can be of great help.

Some of the common home remedies that can be effective for countering fever during pregnancy include:

●        Get rest.

●        Stay hydrated

●        Gargle with warm water and salt. This should be applicable if you have a sore throat.

In many cases, the symptoms of fever during pregnancy will worsen. In case it worsens, it is advisable to reach out to the doctor. Some of the common treatments that can be helpful for overcoming these extra problems and help you fight the condition include: 

●        Consume boiled chicken soup. Chicken soup is not only delicious but also healthy. It will help you combat the disease by strengthening your immune system.

●        If you experience pain due to sinus, you need to use hot and cold packs that will provide relief.

●        Women suffering from congestion should consider taking facial steamers. As much as it is helpful for your face, it can also help to relieve congestion in no time. Apart from that, you should also consider breathing humid air.

●        Pregnant women should consider using sprays and nasal drops. It helps to calm the inflated nasal tissue and treats the nasal mucus. It is advisable to follow the guidelines thoroughly to overcome any problem.  

When should you see a doctor?

In many cases, the cold, flu or fever may not affect your unborn child. However, in many cases, it will if the flu is serious. The complications may eventually lead you to experiencing birth defects and even premature delivery. If you notice any aggravated symptoms due to the flu, you need to address the problem.

It is advisable to visit a doctor as soon as you notice any of these symptoms:

●        Confusion

●        Vaginal bleeding

●        Dizziness

●        Chest pain

●        Severe vomiting

●        Decrease in fetal movement. 

Antiviral medicines can be of great help for overcoming these conditions. Nonetheless, before starting the use of any medicines it is advisable to reach out to the doctor.  

FAQs

●        Is a cold dangerous when pregnant?

Yes. This is mostly because sometimes it can increase the risk of pregnancy defects.

●        When should a pregnant woman worry about a fever?

If the fever increases over 99° Fahrenheit it is a sign and the woman should meet the doctor immediately. 

●        Can a fever cause a miscarriage?

Fever is a sign of infection and does not mean that it can increase the chance of miscarriage.

●        Can being sick while pregnant affect the baby?

Yes. Being sick while pregnant can have a negative impact on a child.

●        What is the normal temperature for pregnant women?

The normal body temperature for pregnant women is 96 – 99.5◦ Fahrenheit.

Conclusion

Fever during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects in children. If you notice or experience any discomfort, you must address it with the doctor immediately. Prega News is a home pregnancy kit that will help you detect your pregnancy when you miss your periods. If you are pregnant, make sure to follow the necessary measures to overcome any problem. Keeping yourself healthy and taking all necessary precautions will help you manage your pregnancy safely and bring a healthy little human into the world.