How to manage gastric problems during pregnancy?
Gas formation during pregnancy is quite natural and frequent too. You are not alone, and there is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is common to feel bloated when pregnant as your body is undergoing many changes. The digestive problems can range from feeling uncomfortable to severe stomach pain. The two culprits are hormones and diet, which causes a bloating effect and gastric problem during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Thus, there is no embarrassment to talking about it as everyone releases gas. Gas formation is quite natural as there are bacterias in the stomach that break down the food and release the gas in your body.
However, if the gas troubles are bothering you, we have some remedies that can help you for the time being. Subsequently, seek advice from your doctor before starting any new gas relief practice.
Why is there the excessive formation of gas when you are pregnant?
Your body goes through many changes during pregnancy, starting from weight gain, hormonal changes, changes in the reproductive organ and more. All these create discomfort in digestion and the formation of gas in comparison to the normal body processes.
Release of progesterone
The most common reason for gas formation is the hormone progesterone which is released in excess amounts triggering the production of gas. Progesterone is required to support pregnancy as it helps in the relaxation of the body muscles, including the intestines.
Thus, the digestion process slows down, resulting in the building up of gas, leading to bloating, flatulence and burping. This seems to be quite uncomfortable, but your body needs to absorb more nutrients for the growing baby by slowing down the movement of food.
Pressure on the abdominal cavity
During the changing phases of pregnancy, the pressure on the abdominal cavity increases when you reach the third trimester. This is created due to the growth of the uterus leading to the gastric problem during pregnancy.
Change in diet
Food contributes to being the major reason behind the development of gas when you are pregnant. You need to eat a lot to feed the growing baby and, along with it, depend on prenatal vitamins and iron components which causes constipation. These changes in food habits lead to gas formation, which is released frequently.
Emotional stress
Anxiety and stress are part and parcel of pregnancy. You might find yourself to be emotionally distressed, feeling depressed or even going through short-term panic. So, it can lead to more intake of air which triggers gas formation.
Lactose intolerance
Pregnant women are often advised to drink milk as the body requires enough nutrients for both mother and baby. If you haven’t had a glass of milk for years, it becomes very difficult to determine whether you’re lactose intolerant. If you cannot tolerate a glass of milk, gas formation and painful diarrhea are quite common.
Ways to combat the gas formation
Proper gas formation management is very important for a comfortable and painless pregnancy.
Add plenty of water to your diet
You must drink 8 ounces of water every day. Also, check whether you have irritable bowel syndrome, which causes bloating whenever you drink any kind of juice. Usually, juices that have low FODMAP are considered. You must also check on sugar intake levels, such as soda, as it induces gestational diabetes.
Try ginger or peppermint tea
You can try ginger tree or peppermint tea, as both have been known to ease stomach discomfort or digestive problems. Take your time, enjoy the beverage and drink at a slow pace. Thus, you are taking in an extra amount of air with each sip. These little habits can help to reduce the stress on gas formation.
Exercise daily
Take a brisk walk or try yoga for at least 30 minutes. This will help you to stay emotionally and physically stable. It will prevent constipation and gas formation. Further, daily activities also speed up the digestion process and prevent the feeling of bloating. But, you need to learn how you can exercise safely. If you are in the third trimester of pregnancy, always consult with the gynecologist before you start any exercise regime.
Maintain a healthy diet
A balanced diet during your pregnancy helps to eliminate gas symptoms that are triggered by certain food. Yes, you indeed need to gain weight during pregnancy, so do not restrict your diet and eat fully. However, try to eliminate foods such as cabbage, potato, broccoli, nuts, etc., as these trigger the gas buildup. You can also consult with the dietician before incorporating a new food item into your diet, as it might risk your and your baby’s health. Always remember during pregnancy, you and your baby both require proper nutrition.
Add dietary fiber to your menu
Fiber helps soften the stool by retaining water, allowing passage of stool easily and managing constipation. You can add high fiber foods to ease the gastric problem in pregnancy or also consider fruits and whole grains, which are fiber boosters. If you do not like high-fiber food, consult a doctor for an alternative supplement such as methylcellulose, Metamucil etc.
Rely on a stool softener
It is quite natural to feel constipated during pregnancy. So, adding a gentle stool softener can help regulate stool passage and control the formation of gas. However, you must not use any stimulant laxative as it can increase complications and add risk to the baby’s health.
Medications prescribed for gastric problems during pregnancy
You should not opt for over-the-counter medicines during pregnancy. Always consult with the doctors about medicine or enzyme intake that can help to digest. They can also advise you to take a Lactose test and prescribe enzymes to help cope with dairy digestion.
You must avoid certain medicines even if it is part of home remedies to take good care of you and the baby. Thus, you must follow up with the doctor for every change you make in your lifestyle.
When should you consult with the doctor?
During pregnancy, you must go through routine checkups to ensure that you and your baby are doing well and are healthy. Gas formation is not a joke and can lead to life-threatening problems. If the pain increases and a bloating sensation is felt for more than a week or constipated, seek immediate medical attention.
Along with that, you must also switch to a healthy lifestyle and stay positive about your diet and exercise. If you find blood in your stool or intestinal discomfort, it’s time to call your doctor. Sometimes, it might be confusing whether it is a pain due to gas formation or something else. So, consult with the specialist at ILS Hospitals and get a safe and proper cure to relieve digestion or any other problem.
More Resources: