Do you experience bloating while pregnant? You are not alone. Bloating is just one of the many pregnancy symptoms during pregnancy. It makes you feel like a hot-air balloon while you are pregnant and gives you lots of discomforts. This pregnancy symptom is experienced by many women during pregnancy. How does this occur? What causes it? Find out by reading on.
What causes bloating in pregnancy?
Pregnancy brings a number of overwhelming changes to your body as a result of normal body processes that take place in this phase of a woman’s life. What is to blame for this?
1. Increased Progesterone Level.
Blame it on the hormone progesterone, one of the main causes of bloating during pregnancy. This hormone is produced at higher levels throughout the pregnancy and is responsible for relaxing the muscles in your body which includes the intestinal muscles. The muscles of the intestine move slowly during pregnancy so does the digestion. As a result, the gas builds up and leads to bloating and flatulence.
2. Changes in the body.
As your baby bump grows because of the growing baby inside your womb, the elevated pressure from your uterus slows down the process of digestion which makes the body produce more gas.
3. Food Intake.
The food you take also contributes to the production of excess gas in your body. If you’re taking an iron supplement, this may also cause constipation that leads to more gas.
Carbohydrates also cause flatulence during pregnancy. Certain foods that are rich in carbohydrates add to bloating for the reason that they slow down digestion.
Tips on How to Relieve Bloating in Pregnancy:
Uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Bloating is such an inevitable condition and common in expecting women. Although bloating goes away its own, there are home remedies that are known to be effective in easing the discomfort, reducing the gas in your tummy, and get rid of pregnancy bloat.
1. Increase your water intake.
Your best weapon against pregnancy bloat is water. Make sure you drink eight to 10 glasses of fluid every day. Pain and extreme gas can be due to IBS or irritable bowel syndrome so avoid fluids or drinks that are high in FODMAPs.
You should just avoid drinking certain types of drinks that could trigger increased gas production. There are some women who experience excess gas when they consume beverages containing carbon dioxide, fructose, and sorbitol. Always check the ingredients of the drinks you take to steer clear of bloating. The following are the beverages you should avoid if you don’t want to feel bloated during pregnancy:
- sodas.
- Carbonated drinks.
- Tonic water.
2. Keep an eye on your diet.
It is important to be watchful when it comes to the food you eat during pregnancy. Get rid of the possible food triggers from your daily diet. Foods that can cause gas issues include cabbage, broccoli, potatoes, onions, fried foods, sprouts, and wheat.
3. Go for smaller meals.
Eating more food at one sitting can produce more gas. Opt for smaller, frequent meals to keep your nutrition level stable and to avoid your digestive system from overloading.
4. Eat fiber-enriched foods.
Foods that have high fiber content are said to add gas in a short period of time. However, eventually, they aid in reducing constipation, a primary reason why bloating occurs.
Fiber plays a significant role in making your stool soft for it to pass through the intestines easily, making the process of digestion go faster, stopping the gas to build up.
5. Take fiber supplements.
By reducing the likelihood of constipation, fiber supplements help in relieving gas during pregnancy. Taking fiber supplements allows you to have more frequent bowel movements and makes your stool soft and consistent.
6. Work out.
Always include any physical activity and exercise to your daily routine, even during pregnancy. This doesn’t mean that you need to hit the gym. You can exercise by just walking for at least 30 minutes. Exercising on a regular basis keeps you away from constipation.
7. Relax and breathe.
There are people who go through bloating when they are tensed and stressed. Anxiety and stress enhance the amount of air you take, which contributes to the abdominal gas in the upper abdomen. Relax and find some peaceful and quiet time in the day. Stay calm and maintain positivity.
Other things you can do to get rid of bloating during pregnancy
- Avoid chewing bubble gum or sucking candies.
- Don’t smoke.
- Give prenatal yoga a try.
- Avoid drinking from a bottle or straw.
- Don’t gulp.
- Sit up when eating.
- Chew your food well.
Final thoughts
Bloating isn’t a minor issue most especially during pregnancy. Don’t let this condition get worse by following the tips listed above. Should you feel severe, uncontrollable pain for more than 30 minutes, do not hesitate to seek medical attention to prevent further complications.
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