“How Can I Cope With Gas During Pregnancy?”

How Can I Cope With Gas During Pregnancy?

Gas is one of those embarrassing side effects of pregnancy no one likes to talk about it. Yet, most moms experience varying levels of gas during pregnancy. Before you get too upset about it, realize that everyone has gas, pregnant or otherwise.

In fact, most people pass gas up to 14 times a day even when not pregnant, whether they acknowledge or realize it or not. That should give you a whole new perspective when considering gas and bloating.

While 14 times a day may seem like a lot, when pregnant you’ll find you feel like passing gas at least twice as often as that. Gas, whether in the form of belching or otherwise is common during pregnancy. It typically results from increasing levels of progesterone in the body. Progesterone contributes to smooth muscle relaxation, especially around the gastrointestinal tract.

As your digestive system also relaxes under the influence of progesterone, you’ll find you are more prone to flatulence, bloating, belching and any other way of producing and expelling gas. While uncomfortable, these sensations are very normal and common during pregnancy.

How Can I Relieve Gas During Pregnancy?
Usually gas has the remarkable ability of relieving itself during pregnancy. However, many women find they often feel bloated and bound up especially as their pregnancy progresses. Fortunately you can take some steps to help relieve your discomfort during pregnancy.

Here are some easy steps for relieving gas and bloating during pregnancy:

•  Be sure you eat slowly. Eating too quickly can help push more air into your stomach and intestines, contributing to more gas.
•  Avoid chewing gum, which can contribute to gas and bloating.
•  Chew your foods fully. This will help stimulate more efficient digestion.
•  Exercise regularly. The simple act of walking is all it takes sometimes to help relieve pent up gas.
•  Consider eating a cup of yogurt each day. Yogurt contains acidophilus and other helpful enzymes, all of which help balance the bacteria in the intestines and gut. This can help alleviate some problems associated with pent up gas.
•  Consider changing your diet. There are certain foods that leave us more prone to gas than others. Common gas inducing foods include: beans, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli, onions, oat bran and potatoes.
•  Be aware of food sensitivities. Some people have food sensitivities, like lactose intolerant people, that may make them more prone to gassiness after eating certain foods. If you are intolerant to certain foods you’ll find your production of gas dramatically increases after eating foods containing the offensive product. Foods commonly causing problems include dairy products, soy, nuts and sometimes wheat or corn products.
•  Avoid carbonated beverages, especially when eating as these can contribute to gas build up.
•  Avoid talking while eating, as this will only allow more air into your windpipe and gut contributing to gas and bloating.
•  Avoid artificial sweeteners, which commonly cause gas.
•  Sip from a glass instead of a straw.

Some women also find prenatal yoga very helpful for alleviating gas and bloating during pregnancy. You might also try acupuncture and other alternative remedies. If all else fails, ask your doctor whether it is ok to take an over the counter anti-gas remedy. Most contain simethicone, which may be ok to take in small amounts during pregnancy. Again, be sure you talk to your healthcare provider.

Is Gas During Pregnancy Ever Serious?
Typically gas during pregnancy is nothing to worry about. If however, you experience gas or cramping that feels more like pain or rhythmic cramping, along with symptoms including bleeding, spotting, back pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, be sure to contact your health care provider immediately. These may be signs of premature labor or other pregnancy complications requiring immediate treatment and evaluation.

Normally however, gas during pregnancy is nothing more than an uncomfortable side effect you can laugh about when looking back on your pregnancy.