A woman’s body goes through many changes during pregnancy, some of which may be unpleasant. Nausea, fatigue, and constipation are a few very common complaints. Flatulence is another such frequent problem that proves to be very unpleasant and inconvenient for the woman in question. In addition to being one of the most common health issues, having smelly flatulence during pregnancy can be embarrassing as well. It proves to be very irritating to deal with on top of all the other challenges expecting women face.
Gas during pregnancy can be painful, but it is not a disease and is a normal byproduct of digestion. Having gas and flatulence during pregnancy is normal, and the symptoms typically disappear after giving birth. But just because they are temporary does not mean they are not troublesome. However, on the other hand, you may be reluctant to try medication.
If that is the case, this article is for you. It attempts to shed light on a number of easily procured home remedies that will provide quick relief and have no negative impact on the pregnancy itself.
When Does Flatulence Start In A Pregnancy?
The increased progesterone level is one of the major factors that contribute to gas during pregnancy. The hormone progesterone relaxes the muscles throughout the body. Because of this, the muscles in the intestinal tract loosen up more, resulting in a slower digestive process. This can add up to a 30% delay in the time it takes for a meal to pass through the digestive system1.
This makes it simpler for gas to accumulate, which causes discomforts like bloating, burping, and the inevitable flatulence. Later in pregnancy, as the uterus grows and puts pressure on the abdominal cavity, you may experience an increase in gas.
In addition to causing gas to build up, the pressure might cause digestion to slow down. This pressure can also stifle digestion, allowing gas to accumulate.
Related Reading: Is It Safe To Eat Raw Vegetables During Pregnancy?
The body goes through dramatic hormonal changes during the first trimester of pregnancy. Both progesterone and estrogen levels increase dramatically during pregnancy, causing the uterine lining to thicken to accommodate the growing baby.
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Bloating is counted as one of the early signs of pregnancy. Whatever the case may be, flatulence is very common, starting around the eleventh week of pregnancy and lasting for the vast majority of the nine months2.
Does Gas Affect the Baby During Pregnancy?
Experiencing an excess of gas during pregnancy does a lot of things – it causes discomfort, sometimes causes pain, and occasionally puts you in an awkward situation – but one thing it does not do is harm your baby.
If you do experience gas problems, there are a number of things you can do to solve them. You do not have to worry that it is affecting your baby as long as you follow safe methods to alleviate the gas. However, if the problem persists for a long time, it may be better to consult a doctor on the best way to treat gas during pregnancy.
8 Home Remedies For Flatulence During Pregnancy
Burping, farting, and passing wind can be a bit embarassing. Many expecting women experience a lot of flatulence during pregnancy. If you are one of them and are wondering how to deal with flatulence during pregnancy, here are some simple methods to help you.
1. Have some safe herbal teas
Not all herbal teas are safe for consumption during pregnancy. Yet some are. And some of these herbal teas are widely used home remedies for treating gas and other stomach issues in expecting mothers. Blackberry and red raspberry teas are known to aid the digestion process3.
Drinking herbal tea can provide immediate relief from gas during pregnancy. Herbal tea loses its medicinal value if it is overboiled. If you’re pregnant and suffering from gas pains, try drinking some herbal tea. Stir in some honey, and have a glass twice a day. Two or three cups of herbal tea each day are safe for pregnant women to consume. But moderation is key; excessive drinking is linked to other pregnancy-related issues.
Related Reading: Can I Drink Chamomile Tea During Pregnancy- All You Need To Know
2. Fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek seeds are a tried and tested traditional home remedy for gas. They help with flatulence and are safe to consume during pregnancy making them a good solution if you are experiencing gas during pregnancy.
All you have to do is soak a tablespoon of the seeds in a glass of water overnight. The next morning, separate the seeds from the water and drink the water. Repeating this process will soon give you relief from your stomach issues.
3. Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea’s calming effect on the cells of the stomach makes it an excellent remedy for digestive issues like flatulence, which are common in pregnancy. Peppermint tea stimulates bile production and regular bowel movements. Menthol, menthone, and limonene found in peppermint leaves are natural coolants that aid digestion and alleviate the discomfort of increased flatulence during pregnancy.
Since it only contains natural ingredients like water and mint, peppermint tea is safe for pregnant women to drink. Besides, peppermint’s aroma relaxes and relieves stress. However, remember that when it comes to pregnancy, moderation is always key. Even though it’s perfectly safe to drink while pregnant, experts advise sticking to no more than two cups daily4.
4. Baking soda and lemon juice
This is a good solution for those gassy early mornings during pregnancy, and can also help alleviate stomach pain. It is a fairly simple idea to try out. Add half a spoon of baking soda to a squeezed lemon and add a cup of water to it. Stir it until the baking soda is completely dissolved. Voila! An easy home remedy for gas during pregnancy.
Related Reading: Can Lemon Water During Pregnancy Cause Abortion?
5. Consuming More Fibre
One of the major causes of lingering intestinal gas is constipation, especially during pregnancy when one is more prone to constipation and other digestive issues than at other times.
Consuming more fiber is an easy way to treat constipation. It eases digestion and speeds the process, thereby giving gas less time to form. Thus, it is known for being effective in preventing stomach issues and can provide relief for flatulence during pregnancy.
However, you must be careful to not have too many high-fiber foods as that can potentially worsen the issue.
Some readily available food items that are rich sources of fiber are:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Rice
- Almonds
- Bread
- Pasta, and so on.
6. Drink more water
The recommended amount of water a pregnant woman should drink is 10 cups a day. Drinking water regularly helps in the digestion of food by the stomach. It Prevents the build-up of gas, and so, can solve the issue of flatulence during pregnancy. It also helps prevent constipation and softens the stool.
However, it is important to remember that you should not drink a lot of water in one go. It is better to take small sips over a period of time.
Reading Reading: 10 Benefits Of Drinking Water In Copper Vessel During Pregnancy
7. Keep your body active!
When you are pregnant, it can be difficult to keep yourself physically active. Especially when you throw morning sickness, fatigue, gas, and body ache into the mix. However, it is still very important for pregnant women to do low- to moderate-intensity exercises regularly. The CDC has even recommended that pregnant women exercise for at least 150 minutes a week5.
In addition to preventing other ailments that are common, it also helps prevent gas and flatulence during pregnancy. Just make sure you do not push yourself too hard.
You can also massage to relieve gas during pregnancy. Several positions and massages, especially around your belly, can help alleviate gas, as well as provide relief from various other aches and pains and reduce stress.
8. Avoid problematic food
Certain foods, if eaten in excess, can lead to an accumulation of gas in the digestive tract6. Different people have issues with various types of food.
The following, however, are common culprits in producing excess gas:
- Supplements and beverages high in fiber
- Substitute sugars like aspartame, sorbitol, and maltitol
- Legumes, such as beans and lentils
- Vegetables in the cruciferous family, such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower
- Prunes and prune juice
- Products made from milk
- A lot of fried stuff
- Spicy foods
- Garlic and onions
- Fat-laden foods
It is possible to determine the problem-causing foods by keeping a food diary. Some may be simpler to eliminate than others, such as artificial sweeteners. Still others, such as cruciferous vegetables and legumes, offer a variety of health benefits. Rather than avoiding them entirely, it is better to reduce their intake or prepare the foods differently to reap their health benefits during pregnancy.
Related Reading: 6 Spices To Eat And 6 Spices To Avoid During Pregnancy
Conclusion
While the above remedies are extremely useful they are only absolutely sure to be safe after the first trimester. The first trimester is the time when the pregnant woman is most at risk. If you are in the first trimester, it is better to ask a medical professional for advice. In fact, it is better to keep your doctor in the loop throughout the pregnancy.
However, other than that, the above remedies are completely safe to be used if you ever need a quick solution to your gassiness. It is completely normal to have gas during pregnancy but there are some things you can do to prevent it. And it provides for an easier pregnancy!
FAQs
Yes. Excessive flatulence is very common during pregnancy. In fact, most pregnant women have been gassy at some point or the other during their pregnancy. This happens mainly due to the hormonal changes that occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy.
When you are pregnant, it is highly recommended that you dress as comfortably as possible, regardless of whether you have gas problems. It is all the more important when you are pregnant. Tight-fitting clothing puts unwanted pressure on your belly. This can sometimes cause the build-up of gas. So make sure you dress in loose, comfortable clothing. It will also ensure you have an easier time adjusting to the demands of expectations.