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Get Rid Of Pregnancy Gas Using 5 Simple Remedies

Forget about breaking discreet winds; these simple solutions are here to help you out.

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• Nov 1, 2023

Get Rid Of Pregnancy Gas Using 5 Simple Remedies

Image: iStock

Pregnancy comes riddled with tons of emotions and gastrointestinal problems, and feeling gassy and bloated is part of the package. While farting and belching can be embarrassing and really uncomfortable, it might give you some assurance to know that you are not alone. Nearly all pregnant women experience pregnancy gas as the changing body and roaring pregnancy hormones combine with other factors to give rise to it.

On the upside, you can get rid of the gas and relieve morning sickness by following certain home remedies. And that’s what we discuss here, along with what to do if it does not go away using home remedies. So read on.

In This Article

Why Do You Get Pregnancy Gas?

Your body goes through a plethora of changes during your pregnancy and gas is a result of some of the normal processes that take place. Firstly, your body produces more testosterone and estrogen during this time, and they can relax your muscles, absorb more water and retain gas in the body, making you feel bloated. Progesterone also relaxes the muscles in your gastrointestinal tract as well, which leads to a slowed-down digestion process and delayed gastric emptying (1).

During the second half of your pregnancy, your growing uterus which accommodates the growing baby puts pressure on your intestines situated right behind it, slowing down the digestion that may lead to pregnancy bloat. Put to the mix all the prenatal supplements that you take, especially iron, which is known for causing constipation (1). Constipation makes you feel gassy and bloated.

Apart from the above reasons, certain food items are also known to make you feel bloated and interfere with fetal health and fetal development.

Let’s look at all those in detail and find out how to get relief from pregnancy gas.

Effective Home Remedies To Treat Gas During Pregnancy

Here are some simple and effective remedies that offer immediate relief from gas during pregnancy.

1. Increase Your Fluid Intake

Image: IStock

Water is absolutely crucial during pregnancy as it supports all the vital functions in your body and fetal growth. Water can help to improve your digestion and get the waste moving more smoothly through your intestinal tract (2). Drink at least 10 cups or 3L of water sipping slowly with a straw (3). You can swallow air if you gulp down water from a bottle, leading to even more trapped air in your body, so avoid it if you can.

If you are completely bored with water and want a change of taste, you can drink low-FODMAP juices (low in fermentable fibers) like cranberry, grape, orange, and pineapple. Try to limit carbonated drinks to less than 300mL to avoid the risk of further disrupting the digestive system (4).

2. Start Moving And Exercise

Image: IStock

Physical activity and exercise may be the last things on your mind when you are bloated, but that is what you need to release the trapped gas inside and treat indigestion. A study has shown that engaging in mild physical exercise may lower the amount of gas retained in the abdomen in comparison to resting (5). You do need to discuss which exercises are safe to do during the different stages of your pregnancy with your obstetrician.

Quick Tip

You may do yoga asanas like child’s pose, squats, twists, and seated forward folds to help relieve gas during pregnancy.

3. Monitor The Fiber In Your Diet

Pregnant woman eating banana for better digestion

Image: IStock

Fiber is a tricky thing as it may relieve constipation in some but may make it worse in others (6), (7).

Physicians generally recommend that you take fiber-rich foods, but you take them in moderation and add them slowly to your diet. If you are already gassy, pass on the spicy, fried, or greasy processed foods that you may be craving to avoid diarrhea. Avoid low-FODMAP soluble fibers as they ferment in the colon, creating gas (7). Bananas, prunes, figs, oats, and flax seeds are good options to relieve gas related to constipation. Vegetables like okra and beans are also healthy sources of fiber that may help you clear your bowels.

Quick Tip

Avoid carbonated and sugary drinks like soda, sparkling water, and fatty foods as they contribute to intestinal gas.

4. Practice Breathing Exercises To Bust Your Stress

Pregnant woman practicing breathing exercise

Image: IStock

You may swallow more air when you are anxious or stressed and stress during pregnancy is quite common (8), (9). Try to reduce your stress using techniques that you feel comfortable with, such as:

Deep breathing exercises
Meditation
Time alone for creative pursuit
A warm bath
Aromatherapy with essential oils like lavender and bergamot (10), (11)

Drink Herbal Teas

Image: IStock

Peppermint and ginger tea are great options for easing digestive problems. Various studies have shown that peppermint eases many of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), including abdominal pain, cramping, and flatulence (12), (13). Ginger has carminative properties, meaning that it helps in expelling waste from the bowels. Research also suggests that it can reduce bloating and flatulence (14).

Both ginger and peppermint are considered safe during pregnancy when taken in small quantities (15), (16).

These home remedies for getting rid of pregnancy gas and for prenatal care are often effective but if your symptoms do not improve, you may need to talk to your obstetrician.

When To Contact Your Doctor

Gas is one of the most common reasons for abdominal pain and heartburn during pregnancy. However, it is not the only reason. Pregnancy-related conditions like ectopic pregnancy, Braxton Hicks contractions, or labor can be responsible for abdominal pain. So can certain medical conditions unrelated to pregnancy, obstetrics, and gynecology like appendicitisⁱXA condition in which the appendix is inflamed, infected, or filled with pus, causing fever and pain. , IBS, or gallstonesⁱXThey are hardened deposits of digestive fluids that are formed in the gallbladder, a small organ near the liver. (17). To avoid possible complications, it is best to get in touch with your doctor as early as possible, if:

Your pain or discomfort does not seem to subside
Your pain or discomfort worsens
You experience severe nauseaⁱXAn uneasy feeling which is accompanied by sweating, which causes an urge to vomit but may not always lead to vomiting.
You experience vomiting
You pass blood in your stool
You are severely constipated
You are worried if it’s gas that’s causing your abdominal discomfort or something else

You are experiencing what feels like contractions

If your doctor diagnoses your pain or discomfort as a gas-related problem, they may offer you a few treatment options. Let’s see what they might be.

Other Treatment Options

Depending on the exact symptoms and severity of your condition, your doctor may prescribe you either of the following for relief from gas pains during pregnancy:

LaxativeⁱXSubstances that can increase stool mobility and loosen them, and increase bowel movement. It helps treat temporary constipation.
Antacid
Anti-gas medication

Quick Tip

You can also use a gentle stool softener, which moistens the stool and relieves gas and constipation.

Relieving gas during pregnancy promotes comfort. Here are some techniques that may help.

Positions To Relieve Gas During Pregnancy

Knees-To-Chest Pose: Lie on your back and gently bring your knees towards your chest to release trapped gas.

Child Pose: Kneel on the floor and lean forward with arms outstretched and forehead touching the ground. This relaxes the abdominal muscles.
Pelvic Tilts: Lie on your back with knees bent. Tighten your abdominal muscles and push the lower back to the floor, and relax.
Sideways Sway: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, hands on hips, and gently sway from side to side.

Elevated Legs: Lie down and place your legs on a cushion or wall to encourage the passing of gas.
Leisurely Walking: A stroll may stimulate digestion and facilitate the passage of gas.

However, consult a healthcare provider if you experience severe discomfort, as it may indicate other underlying conditions.

Infographic: How To Alleviate Gas While Pregnant

Pregnancy is an incredible journey filled with joy and anticipation. However, as your body goes through significant changes to nurture a new life, you might experience certain discomforts, including increased gas and bloating. Fret not! In the infographic below, we have listed some safe and effective methods to alleviate gas, ensuring you have a smoother and more enjoyable pregnancy experience. Check it out and do remember to consult your doctor before trying any of these!

how to alleviate pregnancy gas (infographic)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Certain antacids and anti-gas medication may be available to you over-the-counter. However, as not all the available brands or compositions are safe or suitable during pregnancy, you should speak to your doctor about dosage and safety before using any of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does stomach gas hurt so much during pregnancy?

Stomach gas can hurt more during pregnancy because of the growing uterus. The uterus puts pressure on the organs and bones, further causing pressure on the intestines and eventually aggravating the gastric pain.

Where do you feel gas pain during pregnancy?

Gas pain can be mainly observed in the abdomen, chest, and back. At times, it also is accompanied by stomach cramps and mild discomfort.

How long can trapped gas last?

Trapped gas usually lasts for 4-6 hours. In a few, it may last up to 24-48 hours.

Key Takeaways

Increase fluid consumption, exercise, and drink herbal teas to prevent pregnancy gas and improve overall maternal health.
If you experience severe nauseaⁱXAn uneasy feeling which is accompanied by sweating, which causes an urge to vomit but may not always lead to vomiting. , pass blood in your stool, experience vomiting, or your pain or discomfort does not subside, instead worsens, see a doctor.
Laxative, antacid, and anti-gas medication are treatment options to cure it.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Want to discover food habits that trigger gas and bloating? Say goodbye to uncomfortable moments with this helpful video on avoiding gas during pregnancy. Watch now and experience relief!

In brief, pregnancy gas is a common and treatable condition that arises because of hormonal fluctuations, prenatal supplements, and the growing uterus during pregnancy. Incorporating mild physical activities, watching what you eat, drinking plenty of water and other fluids, and reducing stress are the most common ways to combat gas during pregnancy. You can also try over-the-counter antacids or anti-gas medications, but it is better to ask your obstetrician which medication to take and the dosage. If you do not get relief after trying out the home remedies and using over-the-counter medication, talk to your doctor without delay.

References

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