Excess gas during pregnancy is very common at the beginning and end of pregnancy, and can cause symptoms such as severe stomach pain, bloating or abdominal discomfort.
Gas during pregnancy arises due to a decrease in bowel movements or even constipation, caused by the normal hormonal changes during pregnancy, which increases gas production.
The treatment of gas during pregnancy must be carried out under the guidance of an obstetrician, who may recommend changes in diet, physical exercise or even the use of medication.
Symptoms of gas in pregnancy
The main symptoms of excess gas during pregnancy are:
- Intense abdominal pain, sometimes in the form of a stitch that can radiate to the chest;
- Increased elimination of intestinal gases;
- Excessive burping;
- Constipation;
- Swollen belly;
- Intestinal cramps.
When, in addition to abdominal pain, the pregnant woman also feels intense nausea, has diarrhea or vomits, it is important to consult the obstetrician. Check out what abdominal pain during pregnancy may indicate.
Possible causes
Excess gas during pregnancy is caused by normal hormonal changes during pregnancy, mainly progesterone.
This hormone causes relaxation of the body’s muscles, including the gastrointestinal muscles, slowing digestion, favoring the formation of stomach and intestinal gases.
Furthermore, a decrease in bowel movements can also lead to constipation, which also favors the production of gas.
Read too: Constipation during pregnancy: symptoms and how to treat
What to do to eliminate gas during pregnancy
Some ways to eliminate gas during pregnancy are:
1. Keep the body hydrated
Keeping the body hydrated, drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day, helps to soften stools and promote intestinal transit, relieving excess gas and constipation.
2. Eat foods rich in fiber
Increasing the consumption of foods rich in fiber, such as vegetables, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread or cereals, helps prevent or treat constipation, relieving intestinal gas. Check out the main foods rich in fiber.
However, increased fiber consumption must be accompanied by increased water intake, since fiber absorbs and retains water in the feces, and exerts its laxative effect.
3. Avoid foods that cause gas
Foods that cause gas and that should be avoided in excess include corn, eggs, cabbage, onions, broccoli, beans, chickpeas, peas and fried foods, for example. Check out the most complete list of foods that cause gas.
This is because the fermentation of these foods in the stomach or intestine can result in an increase in intestinal or stomach gas.
4. Avoid talking while chewing
Talking while chewing can cause a pregnant woman to swallow a lot of air and cause it to accumulate in the gastrointestinal system, resulting in excess gas in the intestine or stomach.
Therefore, it is recommended to avoid talking while chewing.
5. Eat slowly
Eating slowly and chewing all foods well is important to avoid swallowing when eating, and also helps with digestion, preventing or relieving excess gas.
6. Avoid chewing gum
Chewing gum frequently also causes gas in the stomach or intestines, as it can lead the pregnant woman to swallow excess air and, therefore, it is recommended to avoid chewing gum frequently.
7. Avoid carbonated drinks
Excessive consumption of gassy drinks, such as soft drinks or sparkling water, increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the gastrointestinal system, which can result in excess gas.
Therefore, you should avoid consuming gassy drinks frequently or in excess, giving preference to non-carbonated drinks, such as water or natural juices, for example.
8. Wear comfortable clothes
Wearing loose, comfortable clothing can also help relieve gas, as tight clothing that compresses the stomach or intestines can encourage the production of gas.
9. Drink prune water
Prune water is rich in soluble and insoluble fiber that helps regulate intestinal transit, relieving constipation, which is one of the causes of excess gas during pregnancy. See how to prepare plum water.
10. Drink chamomile tea
Chamomile tea made from the medicinal plant Matricaria recutita can be used during pregnancy to help relieve excess gas, as it has digestive and antispasmodic properties. Learn how to make chamomile tea.
However, the use of this tea must be done with the guidance of the obstetrician, as most teas are prohibited during pregnancy as they can cause complications for the baby.
Read too: Abortive teas: 7 plants you should avoid during pregnancy
11. Do physical exercise
Exercising regularly, such as walking, and practicing breathing exercises also helps to improve digestion and promote bowel movements, reducing the amount of gas.
12. Taking medicine for gas during pregnancy
Using remedies for gas during pregnancy, such as simethicone or activated charcoal, helps eliminate gas more easily, reducing discomfort and pain.
These medications should only be used under the advice of an obstetrician. See other remedies to treat gas during pregnancy.
In addition, the doctor may also recommend the use of laxatives to treat constipation, as they help to soften the stool.
Read too: Laxative during pregnancy: when it is safe to use
Position to eliminate gas during pregnancy
One of the best positions to eliminate gas during pregnancy is the child’s posture, as it helps with bowel movements, favoring the elimination of gas.
To do the child’s pose, you must be in a position on all fours on the floor, with your knees and hands resting on the floor. Then, move your hips back toward your heels. Then, lower your torso forward with your arms straight, keeping your back as long as possible.
The legs may be slightly open to accommodate the belly, especially at the end of pregnancy. Hold this pose for 30 seconds.
