12 Instant Home Remedies for Gas During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you must be excited and happy. You might be feeling on top of the world, but at the same time, you might be worried about your baby, too. Pregnancy can bring about many changes in your body, which can make you uncomfortable at times. Sometimes, you may feel bloated and have gastric trouble, making you uncomfortable. But do you know why you have gastric problems during pregnancy? If not, then read on. This article will explore the reasons for gastric issues and home remedies for gas during pregnancy.

Causes of Gas During Pregnancy

Gas during pregnancy can be due to various factors related to hormonal changes and the physical effects of pregnancy on the digestive system. Here are some specific reasons for gastric issues:

1. Hormonal Imbalance

Progesterone is one of the leading causes of gas and flatulence during pregnancy. The hormone is released excessively during pregnancy, which can relax your muscles. When the muscles of your intestine relax, too, your digestion process will slow down considerably. Food consumed remains in the digestive tract for an extended period, which causes bloating and frequent flatulence in pregnant women.

2. Gestational Diabetes

During pregnancy, a woman’s blood sugar levels are usually high. High blood sugar during pregnancy is known as gestational diabetes. If you have gestational diabetes, you may feel bloated. This problem generally appears in the second half of pregnancy.

3. Weight Gain

During pregnancy, you will want to eat something every few hours. As a result, you might snack on and eat frequently. You might put on weight if you don’t exercise and keep eating. This might make you feel bloated.

4. Bodily Changes During Pregnancy

Bodily changes during pregnancy can also lead to gas. As you near the term, the pressure from the growing uterus on the abdominal cavity can slow down digestion, leading to gas (5).

5. Consuming Gassy Foods

Certain foods are known to cause excess gas. If you consume fried foods, dairy products, cruciferous vegetables, or carbonated drinks during pregnancy, you might feel gassy and bloated.

Natural Remedies for Gas While Pregnant

An average person passes gas about 15-20 times every day. However, this number almost doubles during pregnancy, which could cause inconvenience and embarrassment. You can try some home remedies for gastric problems during pregnancy. These remedies are practical and can be implemented with ease. Here are a few home remedies for gas in pregnancy:

1. Increase Your Water Intake

Keep yourself hydrated by drinking a lot of water regularly throughout the day. Begin your day by drinking a glass of water and keep a bottle of this naturally rejuvenating fluid handy (1). Keep sipping water throughout the day. You can also drink pasteurised fruit juices, which help remove toxins from the body and prevent bloating.

2. Eat Fibre-Rich Foods

Add carrots, apples, oatmeal, leafy vegetables, and pears to your diet, as they help absorb water from the digestive system. Fibre moves food through the intestines with ease. Eating fibre-rich foods will make your bowel movements regular, and you won’t feel bloated (3). A word of caution—if your system is not used to eating high-fiber foods often, add fibre-rich fruits and vegetables to your diet slowly.

3. Have Small Meals

Instead of having three heavy meals a day, you can split them into six smaller meals over the day (4). Eat your meals at a leisurely pace. Do not gulp down the food—chew it properly before taking the next spoonful. Also, avoid fried and unhealthy food.

4. Try Fenugreek Seeds

Drinking water infused with fenugreek seeds is an age-old home remedy to relieve gas during pregnancy. It is a tried-and-tested solution to control gas during pregnancy. To reduce flatulence, soak a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in a glass of water overnight, filter the seeds from the water, and drink the water.

5. How About Some Lemon Juice?

Squeeze a whole lemon into a bowl, and add one cup of water and half a spoon of baking soda. Stir until the baking soda dissolves completely. Drink this to quickly relieve gas and other gastric problems. Drinking lemon juice with warm water early in the morning can also provide relief from stomach pain.

6. Drink Herbal Teas

This is a trendy home remedy for tackling gastric problems during pregnancy (9). Peppermint leaf, blackberry, and red raspberry teas are known to aid the digestion process. Refrain from boiling the herbal tea too much, which can destroy its healing properties. Peppermint leaf tea, in particular, provides relief from gas during pregnancy. Add honey to it and drink it twice a day. You can drink two to three cups of any one herbal tea during pregnancy daily. However, please don’t drink too much, as it can lead to other complications in pregnancy.

7. Try Coriander

Coriander is a natural remedy for gas and bloating. Its leaves also help with acidity and the burning sensation in the stomach. To prevent indigestion and gas, add roasted coriander seeds to a glass of buttermilk and drink. You can also garnish your food with coriander to include it in your diet.

8. Drink Warm Water

Drinking warm water every day can effectively tackle indigestion and other gastric problems. It will keep your digestive system on track and ensure proper bowel movements. If you are having a meal at a restaurant or a party, make it a point to drink a glass of warm water (squeeze half a lemon if possible) after your meals.

9. Include Drumsticks in Your Diet

This fibrous vegetable is a necessary addition to your meal, especially if you are constipated or passing hard stools. Since bowel movements are irregular, excess gas can occur. Drumsticks can increase the roughage content in your food and significantly improve your stomach health.

10. Eat Healthy Foods

Pregnancy is a time when you should carefully monitor your diet and eat only healthy foods. Fresh foods are always considered best during this time, as opposed to processed or frozen foods. Organic foods that are free of pesticides should be preferred during pregnancy. These will reduce the chances of indigestion and flatulence in a completely natural way.

11. Practice Yoga and Exercise

Get moving, as sitting around the entire day can result in excess gas formation. Light exercises, like a walk in the park, especially in the morning or after dinner, are ideal for pregnant women. Avoid strenuous exercises. Opt for yoga instead and seek professional help to perform yoga. Light physical exercises can also help you get rid of gas and other gastric problems during pregnancy (2).

12. Dress Comfortably

Wearing tight clothes during pregnancy can put pressure on your abdomen, increasing the buildup of gas and making you feel uncomfortable. So wear loose and comfortable clothes, especially in the latter stages.

Positions to Relieve Gas While Pregnant

During pregnancy, gas can be uncomfortable; however, certain positions can help relieve gas and discomfort. Here are five effective positions to try:

1. Knee-to-Chest Pose

This yoga pose involves lying on your back and bringing your knees towards your chest. This position can help gently massage the abdomen and encourage the release of trapped gas.

2. Child’s Pose

Assume a kneeling position and lower your upper body towards the floor with your arms stretched out in front of you. This pose can help stretch the back and abdomen muscles, relieving gas pressure (6).

3. Side-Lying Position

Lie on your left side with your knees bent and a pillow between your legs for support. This position can help alleviate gas by allowing it to move more quickly through the digestive tract.

4. Pelvic Tilt

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Inhale deeply, then exhale as you tilt your pelvis upward, pressing your lower back into the floor. Hold for a few seconds, then release. This gentle movement can help relieve pressure on the digestive organs and promote gas release.

5. Seated Forward Bend

Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you and bend forward from the hips, reaching towards your feet. This position can aid digestion and relieve gas by gently compressing the abdomen.

How to Prevent Gas Formation During Pregnancy?

Here are some tips that can help you manage, reduce, and prevent gas problems during pregnancy.

1. Avoid Consuming Refined Sugars

If you can find a way to reduce your craving for sweetened food and drinks, you will do yourself a great favour. Fructose, which is usually found in artificially flavoured fruit juices and beverages, can cause bloating and gas. So avoid flavoured drinks and carbonated drinks. You should also avoid chewing gums and lozenges, as they contain sorbitol, which can make you feel bloated.

2. Limit the Consumption of Fried Foods

Avoid eating fried foods like chips and fries; although they may not directly release gas, they might leave you feeling bloated, as digestion is considerably slow during pregnancy. Also, beans, onions, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower can cause gastric problems, so limit their consumption during pregnancy.

3. Do Not Stress

Many women tend to have the problem of gas when they are stressed. When stressed or nervous, you might breathe quickly and gulp down too much air, which can lead to gas. Stress-related gas is also a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (7). If you have IBS during pregnancy, you might also experience some other symptoms like bloating, constipation, or abdominal cramps. So, it would help if you learned to manage stress during pregnancy. You can try relaxation techniques, like meditation or yoga, to feel calm or relaxed.

When to Consult the Doctor?

During pregnancy, occasional gas is common, but you should consult a doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, cramping, constipation, persistent vomiting, or if gas discomfort significantly affects your daily life (10). Additionally, seek medical advice if you have pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions or if you’re unsure about the safety of remedies or medications for gas relief during pregnancy. Your doctor can offer personalised guidance and ensure your symptoms do not indicate a more serious issue.

FAQs

1. Can gas during pregnancy harm the baby?

Occasional gas during pregnancy is unlikely to harm the baby. However, if gas discomfort is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, medical advice should be sought.

2. How often can I use these remedies?

You can use these remedies as needed, but it’s essential to listen to your body and not overdo it. If you have any concerns or experience adverse effects, stop using the remedy and consult your doctor.

3. Can I take over-the-counter medications for gas relief during pregnancy?

It’s best to avoid over-the-counter medications for gas relief during pregnancy unless recommended by your doctor. Some medicines may not be safe for use during pregnancy, so always consult with your doctor before taking any medication.

4. Can stress worsen gas during pregnancy?

Yes, stress can worsen digestive issues, including gas, during pregnancy. Practising relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or prenatal yoga can help reduce stress and alleviate gas discomfort (8).

If you are worried that gastric problems can cause harm to your baby, then don’t, because your baby will be fine. The amniotic fluid will protect your baby from any damage that may come his way. Gas and bloating are common problems during pregnancy, but they won’t affect your baby’s health. Moreover, to keep this problem at bay, avoid eating fried and sugary foods and stay hydrated. However, if you are already facing this problem, try the remedies mentioned above; you will feel much better. Have a relaxed and happy pregnancy. If there is spotting or abdominal cramping after passing gas or stomach pain, speak to your doctor immediately.

References/Resources:

1. Popkin. B. M, D’Anci. K. E, Rosenberg. I. H; Water, Hydration, and Health; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908954/

2. Villoria. A, Serra. J, Azpiroz. F, Malagelada. J. R; Physical activity and intestinal gas clearance in patients with bloating; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17029608/

3. Yang. J, Wang. H. P, Zhou. L, Xu. C. F; Effect of dietary fiber on constipation: A meta analysis; World Journal of Gastroenterology; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3544045/

4. Coping With Common Discomforts of Pregnancy; UCSF; https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/coping-with-common-discomforts-of-pregnancy

5. Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/indigestion-and-heartburn/

6. Kiely. D; What Are The Positions To Relieve Gas While Pregnant?; SPTS; https://spts.org/positions-relieve-gas-while-pregnant/; October 2023

7. Qin. H. Y, Cheng. C. W, Tang. X. D, Bian. Z. X; Impact of psychological stress on irritable bowel syndrome; World Journal of Gastroenterology; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4202343/; October 2014

8. Schumann. D, Anheyer. D, Lauche. R, Dobos. G, Langhorst. J, Cramer. H; Effect of Yoga in the Therapy of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review; Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatolog; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S154235651630088X

9. Herbal teas during pregnancy and breastfeeding; Pregnancy, Birth and Baby; https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/herbal-teas-during-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding

10. Gastrointestinal Issues During Pregnancy; Lifespan; https://www.lifespan.org/centers-services/multidisciplinary-obstetric-medicine-service-moms/gi-issues-pregnancy

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