Gas and bloating are common discomforts during pregnancy. This is a frequent occurrence which means gas during pregnancy is universal. Many pregnant women rely on home remedies for gas during pregnancy. Gas could be referred to anything from a fart, bloating, indigestion, and even flatulence.
Though there are many factors causing gas during pregnancy, it could be annoying throughout the pregnancy. It is common for everyone to get and pass gas. Infact, its a sign your body is functioning properly.
Sometimes gas can lead to bloating. You feel your stomach full after eating due to the buildup of gas. This bloated feeling can be mild or quite unpleasant. Either way, it will be uncomfortable and it is natural for you to wonder how to relieve gas during pregnancy.
Here is what you need to know about the symptoms and causes of gas and home remedies to cure gas during pregnancy.
What Causes Gas During Pregnancy
The buildup of gas is common and can happen even when you aren’t pregnant. It can be caused when one swallows air along with food and drinks. Other reasons for gas include stress, eating spicy food, digestive disorder, bacterial infection, and not chewing the food properly. However, the discomforts add on more when you are pregnant and that is when many pregnant women think about immediate relief from gas during pregnancy.
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One major reason for a build-up of gas during pregnancy is the increased levels of progesterone — a hormone responsible for the muscles in your body to relax. Gas during pregnancy is seen to increase later in pregnancy — due to enlarging uterus1. The uterus places pressure on your abdominal cavity. That is when many pregnant ladies search to know more about gas pain during pregnancy in the second trimester.
The pressure of the growing uterus also slows down the digestion process. Also, progesterone-induced muscle relaxation becomes difficult to control the release of gas. Hence, do not be surprised by passing gas in an awkward situation.
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Certain foods also contribute to gas during pregnancy, and your prenatal vitamins (especially the iron component) can also cause constipation creating more gas2.
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9 Home Remedies For Gas During Pregnancy
Gas and subsequent bloating during pregnancy are common occurrences. Though gas could be a normal body function, it could turn out to be embarrassing when it happens in public. During pregnancy, you may get gas pains and feel bloated, which creates a lot of discomfort.
According to Dr Ankita Patel Tayal, obstetrician & gynaecologist, there are various effective methods other than medicines, through which you can combat gas. We have discussed below a few home remedies to cure gas during pregnancy.
1. Keep moving – best remedy for gas in the chest during pregnancy
Physical activity and exercising during pregnancy has many benefits. Lack of physical movement leads to constipation, which keeps the digestion process slow. If you’re suffering from pregnancy constipation, it is recommended to include fiber and probiotics in your diet.
Also, if you cannot do basic exercises like stretching, you should at least reap the benefits of walking during pregnancy. However, you may get a word from your doctor before you could start doing it. Research also suggests that exercise can speed up digestion and help to relieve constipation.
2. Drink plenty of water – simple home remedy for gas during pregnancy
Undigested food passes into the small intestines. The bacteria break the food into pieces, producing gas in the process. Staying well hydrated during pregnancy is essential, also it can help to reduce the buildup of gas. Hence, aim to drink about 8-12 glasses of water per day.
Drink little water during eating and drink plenty of water between meals which helps the solid nutrients to mix with the digestive enzymes. Drinking water also prevents constipation and makes stool loose. Also, avoid taking water in gulps which again could cause gas formation.
3. Chew slowly – immediate relief from gas during pregnancy
Digestion begins in our mouth. It is important to chew slowly while eating to ensure proper digestion of food. Our saliva is full of enzymes that help in the digestion process. The more you chew your food, the longer it will take to finish your meal.
When the food isn’t chewed properly, there are chances for more accumulation of gas during the later stages of digestion. Take small bites of food and chew them slowly. Avoid gulping food.
4. Mind your position to relieve gas while pregnant
As your baby and your uterus grow during pregnancy, there is increased pressure on the intestine. Few positions help to relieve pressure on the abdomen and aid in the digestion process by preventing the build-up of gas.
While sitting, make sure your pelvis is higher than your knees so your belly’s weight is not on your intestines. The easiest of home remedies for gas during pregnancy is lying on your left side which helps relieve gas discomfort. You can also pass gas more easily in this position.
5. Avoid constipation
If you are suffering from pregnancy constipation, it is recommended to treat it right away. Increasing probiotics and fiber could make your gut healthy and avoid gas and bloating issues and you can also benefit from our list of home remedies for constipation during pregnancy. A healthy gut helps in treating stomach-related issues.
Increase your fiber intake, by eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit, and drinking plenty of water. You can also get in touch with your doctor for any fiber supplements during pregnancy.
6. Take a good look at your diet
When you are pregnant, your body changes rapidly to many things. Even the normal food we intake could show a different effect. Many foods are rich in fiber, and adding them to the diet can increase the amount of gas in a short span.
Keep a record of your diet and check the food that makes you gassy and bloated. Do not go for any restrictive diets as nutrients are crucial during pregnancy.
We recommend that you continue to eat a balanced diet while doing any modifications to the existing diet. A few gas-causing foods are
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Broccoli during pregnancy
- Wheat and
- Potatoes during pregnancy
7. Say bye to stress
Some people experience worse gas when they are stressed. Too much stress and anxiety could lead to more intake of air. This extra air could lead to burping. Though not simple as it sounds — an effective home remedy for gas during pregnancy is to get rid of stress as much as possible.
According to a source, stress could lead to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) — which could trigger the below symptoms.
- Bloating
- Gas
- Cramping
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Reducing stress can help you and your baby to stay happy. You can try any breathing technique or practice yoga for gas relief during pregnancy.
Related Reading: 12 Simple Ways to Prevent Pregnancy Nausea
8. Fenugreek seeds — home remedies to cure gas during pregnancy
Fenugreek or methi seeds are a great way to ease bloating issues during early pregnancy. Pregnant women also use this to deal with gas pain during pregnancy second trimester.
Soak a spoon of methi in water and leave it overnight. The next day, strain the water and consume. By doing this regularly, you will get great relief from gas during pregnancy and fenugreek will also help to increase breast milk supply
9. Try Yoga – yoga for gas relief during pregnancy
Sitting all day around can lead to excess gas formation. Schedule a daily routine for light exercise and yoga which could keep you flexible. Many yoga poses help you deal with gas issues. You can get rid of painful bloating and gas with the following poses. However, remember to consult your doctor once before you could start doing it.
- Extended side angle pose
- Sitting side stretch
- Triangle pose
- Cat and cow’s poses
- Child’s pose
FAQs
Yes. Eno is safe to consume for pregnant women. However, there is a way to consume this medicine. When your stomach is full, the time taken for antacid performance is slower than usual. Hence, taking Eno on an empty stomach is the best way to consume it to empty the gastric quickly.
Also, consuming Eno on an empty stomach makes sure that the medicine stays inside your body for a shorter period. Dissolving Eno in water is always a good idea as antacids work better in liquid form.
Though Eno is considered safe for pregnancy and is readily available, it is advised you contact your gynecologist before consuming it.
Anything in moderation is always safe for consumption. Since alcohol is a big ‘NO’ for moms-to-be and certain drinks should be completely avoided during pregnancy, many pregnant women opt for soft beverages like soda, soft drinks, mocktails, etc.
Drinking beverages during pregnancy is safe when consumed in moderate amounts. Though soda is considered a refreshing replacement to alcohol, according to a study, when the sugar intake was more than usual for the mothers-to-be, especially in the form of sodas, the newborn grew up with poor non-verbal and problem-solving skills along with poor memory.
The carbon dioxide content in sodas causes belching and flatulence. Also, fructose is a natural sugar — causes gas and bloating.