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Gas During Pregnancy: Treatments

By Asha Das

Gas problem during pregnancy is one of the most common problems that pregnant women experience. During pregnancy you will experience different changes including mood swings, tastes change, physical and mental changes. Pregnant women will not be able to do whatever others think normal or whatever had been normal to them before they were pregnant. Unfortunately that is the main reason why the gas problem during pregnancy emerges as a nightmare to pregnant ladies.

Pregnancy is a blessing to most of the women, but the gas pain during pregnancy can make things worse. It is very much important for the pregnant ladies to take appropriate medical advice before opting for self medication. Practice healthy habits to avoid your gas problem during pregnancy and make your pregnancy a sweet experience.

Gas problem during pregnancy happens mainly due to the physical changes happening during pregnancy. Primarily due to increased progesterone levels, which relaxes intestine muscles and it causes slow down of digestion. The change in food habits can also cause gas problems during pregnancy. Here are some remedial steps which you can take to treat your gas problem during pregnancy.

Small meals

Small meals

Instead of taking heavy meals, eat small meals throughout the day at frequent intervals to avoid gas problem during pregnancy. Your intestines will not be able to digest big meals properly. Improper digestion can cause gas and the food itself will cause a bloating feeling

Eat slowly

Eat slowly

Enjoy the food you eat by chewing it thoroughly. A part of digestion is done in the mouth itself. The saliva needed to be well mixed with the food to have the proper digestion. Due to the activity of progesterone, your intestine will be less efficient and so proper chewing is more important during pregnancy.

Drink carefully

Drink carefully

Limit or try not to drink during eating. Water consumed during eating will dilute the digestive enzymes and decelerates the digestion process which can also lead to gas problems during pregnancy. Drink directly from glasses and not by using straws.

Treat constipation

Treat constipation

Take enough care to avoid constipation as it can result in gas pain during pregnancy. Constipation is also very common in pregnant women. Include enough fibre in your diet. Avoid canned foods as strictly as possible.

Avoid gassy foods

Avoid gassy foods

Do not eat foods which can make gas problem during pregnancy. As the foods creating problems can vary from person to person, take your own personal choices. For example, dairy products will make gas pain during pregnancy for a lactose intolerant person, but may not for others.

Be physically active

Be physically active

Do the physical activities as permitted by the doctor. Ask your medical practitioner about the energy and effort that you can put into exercising. Follow simple prenatal exercises. Yoga will also help to make your sluggish digestive tract active.

Fenugreek as a remedy

Fenugreek as a remedy

Soak a handful of fenugreek seeds in a glass of water and keep overnight. In the next morning, discard the seeds and drink the water to ease stomach pain and gas. Try this simple home remedy to reduce gas problem during pregnancy.

Keep your stomach full

Keep your stomach full

Due to the effect of morning sickness and other physical issues, food intake may be reduced for some pregnant women. The unused gastric juices in the intestines may cause bloating and other health problems.

Avoid carbonated drinks

Avoid carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks don't have anything good for your body. It is better to avoid carbonated drinks while you are pregnant. It will directly induce gas into the system and will result in gas pain during pregnancy.

Story first published: Wednesday, December 4, 2013, 18:41 [IST]
Read more about: prenatal