Nearly all pregnant women face the issue of gas at some or the other point, and one of the major reasons for this is the hormone progesterone. To support pregnancy, this hormone relaxes the muscles in the body, including the ones in the intestines. It slows down the digestion process, allowing the gas to build up which leads to burping, bloating, and flatulence. Though it all can be a bit embarrassing, especially in a public setting, it is not as difficult to deal with.
Remedies For Gas During Pregnancy
Here are the five simple remedies to get rid of pregnancy gas.
Increase The Fluid Intake
Water plays a vital role in supporting the functions of the body during pregnancy and is also crucial for the growth of the fetus. So, when it comes to dealing with gastrointestinal issues, water is the safest bet. Make sure to keep your water intake around 3 liters, which would be somewhat ten cups. Other than water, cranberry, grape, pineapple, and orange juices can also help with this situation.
Maintain Physical Activity
It is understandable that exercising would be the last thing on your mind when dealing with so many issues that come with pregnancy. However, some basic exercising and physical activity can in fact help release the trapped gas and make you feel better. It is advised to incorporate at least 30 minutes of walking or mild exercising in your daily routine during the pregnancy. But make sure to consult your obstetrician before deciding on a specific exercise regime.
Also Read: Trimester Wise Pregnancy Tips
Consume More Fiber
It is advised to consume 25 to 30 grams of high-fiber foods in your diet to manage the symptoms of constipation. Fruits such as bananas, figs, prunes, and more are rich sources of fiber and can be easily incorporated into the regular diet. If you are someone who is looking for an easy alternative, you can also look into fiber supplements such as psyllium (Metamucil), methylcellulose (Citrucel), or polyethylene glycol 3350 (MiraLAX).
Keep An Eye For The Triggers
It is important to have a balanced diet throughout the pregnancy, but it would need some elimination at times to prevent gastrointestinal issues. Foods like potatoes, brussels sprouts, wheat, cabbage, broccoli, etc. contribute to the gas and have the potential to make the existing issue worse. It is also advised to pass on the spicy and greasy processed foods to keep the gas and related problems at bay.
Also Read: Pregnancy Diet- Foods To Eat And Avoid
Stay Stress-Free
Feeling anxious and stressed out is very common among pregnant women, but what most people don’t know is that it contributes to gastrointestinal issues. One might swallow a lot more air when anxious and that air can get trapped in the intestines, leading to pregnancy gas. It is advised to use techniques like deep breathing, meditation, aromatherapy, etc. to relieve any kind of stress that you feel.