The production of intestinal gas can be one of the most embarrassing and inconvenient side effects associated with pregnancy. Gestational hormones, such as progesterone, start to slow down the digestive process from the first trimester. These hormones are responsible for ensuring that the baby is fed properly, but the "other side" of this process is that the food stays in the intestine for a longer period, leading to unpleasant gas formation. In addition, pregnancy hormones also work to relax the muscles to prepare them for childbirth, so you will have a harder time holding back the gas when you feel the need. This hormonal disorder occurs when the uterus swells and begins to press the other abdominal organs. Fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to help minimize flatulence.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Pay Attention to Your Diet
Step 1. Keep a food diary to record the food you eat each day
By doing this, you can identify which foods are causing you particular digestive problems. Each person assimilates food differently, but you should be especially careful with those foods that are known to cause gas, such as beans, peas, whole grains, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, asparagus and the onions.
- If dairy products are responsible for your ailment, try replacing them with lactose-free milk or other calcium-fortified foods. You can also try eating dairy products with active cultures, such as yogurt or kefir, which help with the digestive process.
- Don't eat foods that are fried, fatty, or contain artificial sweeteners.
- Consider adding fermented foods to your diet, such as kimchi or sauerkraut, as the "good" bacteria they contain promote digestion.
- Keep in mind that you shouldn't exclude all foods that cause gas from your diet. It is vitally important to eat adequate amounts of fiber and a variety of nutrient-rich foods during pregnancy. However, you need to make a note of which foods are causing the biggest problems in order to correct the meal plan. For example, you can decide to avoid flatulence problems when you are in public places or before an important meeting.
Step 2. Drink lots of water
You need to keep yourself properly hydrated to avoid constipation, another factor responsible for bloating and intestinal gas.
- Drink from the glass and don't use a straw so you don't get too much air.
- In order not to swallow gas bubbles you should also give up carbonated drinks.
Step 3. Eat small, frequent meals
While it is important to eat more overall during gestation, the slowed digestive system cannot tolerate much food at one time. Therefore, it is advisable to eat less but more often, so as not to burden the already troubled digestion process.
Step 4. Eat slowly and chew each bite thoroughly
Most intestinal gas is formed when bacteria in the large intestine break down food that has not been properly digested by enzymes in the stomach. If you break each bite well by chewing it, you partially lighten the task of intestinal bacteria, thus reducing gas formation.
Part 2 of 3: Pursue a Healthy Lifestyle
Step 1. Exercise regularly
Movement stimulates the digestive process; this means that food moves faster in the intestinal tract, producing less gas along the way. Before starting a new training plan, contact your gynecologist to make sure it is safe for you.
Step 2. Wear comfortable clothing
Clothes that are too tight at the waist can further crush the digestive system already penalized by the enlarged uterus. If your pants or skirt are leaving a mark on your skin, you need to replace them with more comfortable, looser clothing.
Step 3. Consider doing yoga
There are three yoga positions in particular that help reduce gas formation and are safe during pregnancy. All three are performed on all fours:
- The cat position consists of arching the pelvis just like a feline and then lowering the back creating a hollow in the central area.
- The lateral sway of the pelvis involves arching the back on the right side, trying to bring the head and the butt as close together as possible, then you will have to try to perform the same movement on the opposite side, as if you were to "wag the tail".
- The rotations of the pelvis, as the term itself implies, are circular movements of the hips similar to those that are done for belly dancing, but remaining on all fours.
Part 3 of 3: Evaluating Herbal and Pharmaceutical Remedies
Step 1. Try mint
Mint products have been used for centuries as natural remedies for flatulence. Choose capsules that are gastro-resistant so they pass through the stomach and reach the intestines before dissolving. This way, mint is effective where it is needed most.
You can also use mint leaves to make herbal tea and soothe discomfort in the digestive tract
Step 2. Take over-the-counter simethicone medications
These are safe during pregnancy, although it is always wise to talk to your gynecologist before taking them to make sure they are a good idea for your needs. In any case, you should only switch to medications if all dietary attempts have failed and did not lead to satisfactory results.
Step 3. See your doctor if symptoms start to get worse
Contact them immediately if your flatulence symptoms go beyond normal manageable discomfort, if you have severe diarrhea, or if you notice blood in your stool.
