In early pregnancy, gas during pregnancy is hard to avoid. Before the uterus is big enough to crowd the intestines, pregnancy hormones are hard at work. The increase in progesterone slows digestion down, providing more time for gas to be produced.
The body responds by expelling the embarrassing gas and burps. This gas can also lead to a feeling of bloating, especially after a large meal. Because of an enlarged uterus, the intestines are shifted and crowded in the abdomen which slows down the digestion even more.
As a general rule, gas during pregnancy is common and practically difficult to subside. Still there are few thing that you can do to tackle gas during pregnancy.
Gas During Pregnancy: What You Can Do
Try smaller, more frequent meals.
Exercise.
Physical activity and exercise should be a part of your daily routine. At least keep moving after each meal. Not only can exercise help keep you physically and emotionally fit, it can also help prevent constipation and speed up digestion. Make sure to check with your obstetrician before exercising.
Drink plenty of water.
If possible drink water boiled with cumin seeds which improves digestion and prevents gas formation.
Watch what food you eat.
Try to avoid food which causes gas. Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, wheat, and potatoes are common gas culprits. Rice is the only starch that does not cause gas. Try fitting 25 to 30 grams of high-fiber foods into your diet to help ease gas concerns. Fruits like prunes, figs, and bananas, as well as vegetables and whole grains like oats and flax meal are all good fiber-boosters to consider.
Avoid artificial sweeteners, carbonated drinks and fatty fried foods.
Under situations of severe gas, a small piece of jaggery will help relieve it.
Jaggery is a natural sweetener available at Indian markets and grocery stores.
Have dinner at least 2 hours before going to sleep to avoid disturbed sleep due to gas.
It is important to have food which provides nutrients to the developing baby as he or she grows. Gas has nothing to do with the baby during pregnancy. If you experience severe pain without improvement for more than 30 minutes, seek immediate medical attention.
About the Author
Arya Krishna is an Ayurvedic Practitioner, educator, and speaker. She completed her Bachelors in Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from Amrita School of Ayurveda, Kerala, India. She is registered as an Ayurveda doctor (Reg No: 14664) under the Indian Medical Council. She received a Fellowship in Orthopedic Rehabilitation from Apollo group of Institutions, Hyderabad. An editor with the International Ayurvedic Medical Journal, she previously served as the associate editor of the American Ayurvedic Journal of Health. Before moving to the US in 2015, she was Resident Medical Officer (Ayurveda) in AyurVAID hospital, Bangalore and has knowledge and experience in precision and evidence-based Ayurveda. She was an Ayurveda Domain expert with Health Connect 24 – a unique platform to bring together Ayurveda, Yoga and swadeshi. She is efficient in performing all Panchakarma procedures (purification therapies) and has knowledge of Marma Therapy. Other areas of expertise include Ayurveda diet and lifestyle, women’s health, and rasayana (rejuvenation). She works for the promotion and propagation of Ayurveda by offering lectures, webinars and contributing to various journals. She is a resource person for the Council of Ayurveda Research (CAR) and is an Ayurvedic blogger with Mother Earth Living. Currently, she is residing in Danville, Pennsylvania and is listed as a BAMS doctor with AAPNA (Association of Ayurveda Practitioners of North America). She is an Ayurveda Consultant and Educational coordinator with Be Mind Body Skin, New Jersey and Subject Matter Expert at At Home with Ayurveda, UK.
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