Remedies for Gas During Pregnancy

Pregnant or not, every individuals suffer from gas.



Excess gas during pregnancy however is common. Progesterone – a hormone which relaxes the smooth muscles tissues in the body including the digestive tract is much higher during pregnancy.



This relaxation causes the digestive processes to slow down which can lead to an unpleasant or often embarrassing symptom of pregnancy that is bloating, burping and flatulence. In later stages of pregnancy, the enlarged uterus can put more pressure on the abdominal cavity which slows down the digestion process further.



Also constipation and heart burn are common in pregnancy which is also responsible for excess gas in this period. 

The listed remedies for gas during pregnancy can help ease your situation.

Eat well and exercise well – Although the hormone progesterone (along with relaxin) can relax the smooth muscles in your digestive tract and slow down the digestion, this does not mean that you need to compromise on food intake.

• The calorie needs are higher in pregnancy which can be met by consuming small but frequent meals at regular intervals.
• Avoid gulping the food without chewing, chew each morsel thoroughly and eat slowly.
• Avoid drinking fluids during meals; instead choose to drink between meals. When you drink a fluid prefer using a glass instead of a straw or bottle.
• Completely avoid carbonated or frizzy drinks, caffeinated drinks and sodas.
  
  
  
  Also avoid drinks and products which have artificial sweeteners.
• Sucking a hard candy or chewing gum can lead to lot of swallowing of air which can in turn lead to belching and flatus.
• In order to assist digestion, rest your legs higher on a stool or a chair and chew some fennel seeds after meals.
• Check your posture while eating, sit straight or upright while eating or drinking.
• Avoid eating a heavy meal before going to bed and keep at least 2-3 hours gap between meals and bedtime.
• Try peppermint tea, it has a soothing effect on the digestive muscles and can relieve you from the discomfort of gas.
• Wear comfortable, loose cotton clothing and avoid any tight fitting clothes or belts especially at the waist.
• Don’t smoke, it’s not only harmful for your body but also for your baby.
• Certain foods can cause gas formation in the body, learn to identify the food which causes trouble and avoid it for some time. Common triggers include apples, bananas, asparagus, beans, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, peaches, plums, milk, ice cream and cheese.
  
  
  
  Don’t completely eliminate all these without consulting your specialist as they also provide vital nutrients besides being triggers for gas production.
• If you are on a high fiber diet or fiber supplement then remember to drink enough water along with it as high fiber can actually cause constipation or gas or flatulence (if enough water is not supplied).
• If you have a habit of getting anxious or tensed then some relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga would work best. A mild exercise after consulting your specialist can be included in your daily routine to eliminate gas.
  

Gas in the body can not harm your baby, however if notice sudden cramping or intense pain then consult your specialist.