How to prevent bloating and gas during pregnancy?

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.