Bloating during pregnancy: what to do early and late

The period of bearing a baby is sometimes overshadowed by a number of unpleasant moments. In a rare girl, pregnancy proceeds without difficulties and symptoms. The expectant mother feels nausea, dizziness, general malaise. Flatulence is a common occurrence among women in position. Bloating occurs both in the first weeks and in the second half of pregnancy.

Symptoms of flatulence

Flatulence is characterized by an increased accumulation of gas in the intestines. The woman feels heaviness in the stomach. Severe pain is felt when the gases move. Flatulence in a pregnant woman may be accompanied by other symptoms:

• Hiccups, belching.
• Stool disorder.
• Characteristic rumbling in the stomach.
• Unpleasant odor from the mouth.
• Nausea and vomiting, not in terms of toxicosis.
• Irritability.
• Painful cramping sensations in the abdomen.
• Gas outlet.

At a later date, the situation is aggravated. Headache, lack of appetite are added to previously acquired symptoms. Due to starvation, hemoglobin decreases. Severe dizziness appears due to anemia.

Feeling overcrowded in the lower abdomen is not always associated with the accumulation of gas in the intestines. The expectant mother should listen to signals in the body and respond to any incomprehensible symptom.

Causes of the symptom during pregnancy

Bloating and discomfort caused by the phenomenon occurs at any time during the gestation of a child. In the early period, the hormonal background, which changes with the onset of pregnancy, is to blame. Flatulence during pregnancy is triggered by improper diet, violation of the daily routine and other reasons.

At an early date

At the beginning of pregnancy, a woman may experience discomfort from increased gas production for a variety of reasons. But the main one is considered to be a change in hormonal levels. Hormonal changes in the body of the expectant mother affect the functioning of all organs. The increased production of progesterone, a hormone that relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus, also contributes to the contraction of the intestinal muscles. Peristalsis slows down, food stagnates, which leads to constipation and gas formation. Among the common causes of flatulence in the first trimester are:

• Eating habits of pregnant women. Women in position display strange gastronomic preferences. An unpleasant symptom occurs due to the wrong combination of foods or the use of foods that cause increased gas formation.
• Exacerbation of chronic pathologies during this period negatively affects the well-being of the expectant mother.
• Nervous strain is a frequent companion of a pregnant woman. Stress is bad for a girl in a position.

Often the stomach puffs up when a woman has a snack on the go or does not chew food thoroughly. Conversations while eating or improper posture while eating can lead to swallowing of air, which leads to the accumulation of gas and subsequent discomfort in the stomach area.

Sometimes a feeling of bloating, along with nausea and dizziness, is the first sign of pregnancy.

At a later date

In the second and third trimesters, the significantly enlarged uterus puts pressure on the intestines and stomach. Organs are shifting. For this reason, the passage of food masses becomes difficult. The woman is tormented by constipation and increased gas production. Constipation is dangerous in the last weeks, since the pressure exerted on the uterus can provoke its contraction, which is fraught with premature birth.

An unpleasant symptom in the later stages may occur due to a decrease in motor activity. At the end of pregnancy, it is difficult for a girl to move around, physical activity decreases, which leads to increased gas production.

An additional factor leading to bloating is insufficient drinking regime. It is recommended to consume at least 2 liters of liquid per day.

If nausea, vomiting, stool disorder, fever are added to flatulence, an urgent need to seek medical help is required. Signs indicate an intestinal infection.

Treatment

Any signal about the unhealthiness of the expectant mother becomes a reason for a visit to the gynecologist. The doctor will give a referral for analyzes, instrumental diagnostics in order to establish the cause of the ailment.

If the diagnostic measures do not show serious problems in the woman's body, the doctor will recommend a diet. If diseases are identified during the study period, drug treatment may be required.

Food

More often than not, the cause of flatulence is an improper diet. The menu of a pregnant woman should consist of easily digestible food, steamed, boiled dishes.

Products that increase gassing are excluded from the menu. Prohibited items:

• Legumes.
• Cabbage, turnips.
• All kinds of mushrooms.
• Onion garlic.
• Sparkling water.
• Semi-finished products.

Products containing starch are often provocateurs of gas formation. Potatoes and corn should be used with caution. It is better to completely exclude foods containing dyes and preservatives from the diet.

A pregnant woman who suffers from flatulence is recommended to include in the daily menu:

• Low-fat dairy products.
• Dried fruits, except raisins.
• Fish and meat of low-fat varieties, steamed or boiled.
• Green tea, herbal tea, dried fruit compote.
• Steamed omelet.
• Boiled or stewed vegetables.
• Rice, buckwheat.
• Unsweetened fruits, berries.

Medication treatment

Flatulence is an unpleasant phenomenon, and regular increased gas production in pregnant women is dangerous for the fetus. Therefore, the symptom should not be tolerated. If proper nutrition or moderate physical activity does not help eliminate the symptom, the doctor will prescribe medication for the pathological process. Pregnant girls are allowed to take drugs as prescribed by a doctor:

• Espumisan is a well-known simethicone-based drug. Acts on gas bubbles, reducing their tension. Available in capsule and syrup form. It has no contraindications, it is completely excreted from the body.
• Iberogast is an effective drug for diseases of the digestive tract and associated symptoms. Some components of the drug cause the tone of the uterus, therefore, if there is a threat of miscarriage, the drug is not prescribed.
• Linex is a probiotic that regulates the balance of intestinal microflora. Produced in capsules containing lactic acid bacteria. It is prescribed for bloating caused by dysbiosis. Safe for pregnant women, no side effects.
• Mezim forte - tablets are prescribed by a doctor if flatulence is caused by an error in nutrition or an inflammatory process in the digestive tract.

Physical exercise

Flatulence can become an unpleasant companion for the entire duration of pregnancy if the girl dramatically changes her lifestyle. During the period of carrying a baby, many ladies limit themselves to physical activity. Especially during early pregnancy, when the risk of early spontaneous abortion is high. At a later date, exercise is hampered by an enlarged abdomen and a host of other phenomena. Reduced physical activity is a likely cause of flatulence.

In the absence of contraindications for pregnant girls, light exercise is recommended for the treatment of bloating. Gymnastics for pregnant women, a visit to the pool - will tone the intestinal muscles, which will contribute to the elimination of flatulence. In addition, the procedures will have a beneficial effect on the general condition and mood of the woman.

An effective method of eliminating an unpleasant symptom can be a light massage of the abdomen.

Traditional methods

You can fight bloating during pregnancy with the help of traditional medicine, after consulting your doctor. It is possible to get rid of bloating by using infusions and decoctions of herbs prepared according to recipes:

• Dill water is an effective remedy for the elimination of increased gassing. The product is sold in a pharmacy in filter bags. You can take the unmilled seeds of the plant and pour boiling water over it. When the medicine is infused, it is filtered. Drink water before eating.
• Bloating during pregnancy can help clear up peppermint. A spoonful of dry or fresh herb is poured with boiling water and infused. Taken as regular tea. Lemon is added to improve the taste.
• Potato juice is good for gas. The root crop is well washed and cleaned from the skin. The grated root vegetable is squeezed through cheesecloth and consumed inside before meals.
• An effective remedy for flatulence is chamomile broth. Dry flowers of the plant are filled with boiling water. After the medicine is infused, it is filtered. Consumed before meals.
• Ginger will help relieve the symptom. The root of the plant is crushed and absorbed after eating. It is permissible to brew shavings and use as tea.
• Eliminate gases from dandelion root. It is finely rubbed and filled with cold water for 12 hours. Take every two hours.

Often, girls are worried about heartburn, especially in the last weeks of pregnancy. Some people do it with baking soda. Its use leads to the formation of gas and pain. During pregnancy, you need to abandon this method of eliminating heartburn.

Any treatment takes place under the supervision of a physician. An independent decision to take medications or traditional medicine can harm the mother and the unborn child!

Prophylaxis

With a clear predisposition to increased gas production, a woman is recommended:

• Wear clothes that fit the size, do not put pressure, do not restrict movement. Corsets, belts, belts are removed while carrying a child.
• Daily walks in the fresh air, simple exercise.
• Proper nutrition, exclusion of gas-forming products from the diet. Eating should be done frequently. In this case, the portions should be small.
• Calm environment, exclusion of stress. The unstable emotional state of a woman implies the intake of herbal sedatives. Pregnancy is a good time to practice your favorite hobby and watch positive films.
• Healthy sleep, at least 8-9 hours.
• Completely eliminate bad habits, avoid smoking areas.
• At the first sign of a disease of the digestive system, notify the attending physician.
• Refuse chewing gum, drinking carbonated drinks.

If the bloating is constant, while the stomach hurts, and medicines and diet do not help, it is time to consult a gastroenterologist. Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract should be treated by a doctor.

Increased gas production seriously complicates the life of pregnant women. But the phenomenon is easily eliminated by adherence to a diet, diet. Pregnancy-induced flatulence resolves as soon as the baby is born.