Gas problems during pregnancy

Many women feel that during pregnancy they expel more gas than usual, or their stomach swells even more, even when they feel pain. Gases are formed in the digestive system in two ways: when you swallow air and when the bacteria in your colon (large intestine) break down undigested food. Most gas in

Many women feel that during pregnancy they expel more gas than usual, or their stomach swells even more, even when they feel pain.

Gases are formed in the digestive system in two ways: when you swallow air and when the bacteria in your colon (large intestine) break down undigested food. Most gas in the stomach is produced by swallowing air and is usually released by burping.

Causes of gas during pregnancy

The cause of this problem, as of many typical discomforts of pregnancy, are the hormones. In particular high levels of progesterone, which by relaxing the smooth muscles of the digestive system, makes the digestion slower, which produces flatulence, and unpleasant sensations in the abdominal area, especially after a hearty meal.

It is very common for women to report having many gases during the first trimester, then improvement in the second trimester, but reaching the end the uterus is larger, and presses on the stomach which increases the nuisance sensation in the digestions . In addition, this may increase stomach acidity.

10 tips to relieve the discomfort of gas during pregnancy

1. Try to eliminate from your diet those foods that you know produce you gas.

2. Make five meals a day, varied and small amount.

3. Do not take fried foods, or very elaborate foods that make you have heavy digestions.

4. People who do not have lactose tolerance may find that dairy products give them gas. If you are highly intolerant of dairy products, you probably know it before your pregnancy, since dairy products may have caused diarrhea and abdominal pain.

5. Eat slowly and chew well. Remember that digestion starts in the mouth.

6. Avoid clothing tighten your waist (pants, stockings ...)

7. Do not eat chewing gum, produces many gases. Haz 8. Exercise regularly, as it helps mobilize and eliminate gas.

9. Avoid constipation, as it can contribute to flatulence and the sensation of abdominal bloating. A 10. Attentive to infusions, which, not being natural, means that they are safe during pregnancy. Many of them may be contraindicated.

If with these simple measures you do not notice any improvement, ask for an appointment with your midwife, she will guide you towards those safe measures for you and your baby.

Sara Cañamero de León

Director and midwife at MaterNatal

Blog MatronaMadrid
Specialty in Obstetric-Gynecological Nursing