Remedies for gas during pregnancy: natural and pharmacy

Remedies for gas during pregnancy, such as simethicone or activated charcoal, may be recommended by the obstetrician to help eliminate excess gas, as they only act on the gastrointestinal system, breaking up gas bubbles, relieving discomfort. Furthermore, there are natural options to relieve excess gas, such as dried plums or ginger tea, for example.

Gas during pregnancy is very common, being caused by a decrease in bowel movements, due to hormonal changes common during pregnancy, which leads to relaxation of the gastrointestinal muscles, which slows down digestion. Furthermore, the pressure of the uterus on the intestine in the last trimester of pregnancy can cause constipation and excess intestinal gas.

Remedies for gas during pregnancy should only be used if recommended by the obstetrician, after assessing the health status of the woman and the baby. To avoid the formation of gas during pregnancy, it is recommended to eat slowly, drink 2 liters of water per day, eat more foods rich in fiber, avoid foods that cause gas and maintain regular physical exercise. See what to do to combat gas during pregnancy.

Pharmacy remedies

Some pharmacy remedies that can help reduce gas during pregnancy are:

1. Simeticona

Simethicone is a medicine with antiflatulent action, which works by breaking gas bubbles in the intestine or stomach, facilitating their elimination and helping to alleviate the discomfort caused by excess gas.

This medicine acts directly on the gastrointestinal system, without being absorbed by the body, and may be recommended by the obstetrician in cases of intense discomfort.

Simethicone can be purchased in pharmacies or drugstores, in the form of drops, tablets or gelatinous capsules, under the trade names Luftal, Flatex, Flagass or Gastroflat, for example, and although it is sold without a prescription, its use should only be done with obstetrician’s recommendation.

This remedy should not be used in case of allergy to the components of the formula and in cases of intestinal obstruction or perforation.

2. Activated charcoal

Activated charcoal can help reduce intestinal gas, as it works by absorbing gas particles in the stomach or intestine, relieving the discomfort of excess gas, reducing bloating, pain and intestinal discomfort.

This medicine should only be used with the advice of an obstetrician, and can be found in pharmacies or drugstores, in the form of tablets, under the name Carverol.

Activated charcoal should not be used in cases of intestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal problems, marked reduction in intestinal transit or allergies to any of the components of the formula.

Home remedies for gas during pregnancy

Home remedies for gas during pregnancy that may be recommended by your obstetrician are:

1. Prune

Prunes are a fruit rich in fiber, which can be used during pregnancy to reduce excess gas and treat constipation.

To do this, simply ingest 1 dried plum about 30 minutes before your 3 main meals, or place 3 dried plums to macerate in a glass of water for around 12 hours, and then drink the mixture on an empty stomach.

2. Natural yogurt smoothie

A great homemade solution that also helps reduce gas and combat constipation is the following natural yogurt and fruit smoothie.

Ingredients

• 1 pack of natural yogurt;
• 1/2 chopped avocado;
• 1/2 seedless papaya;
• 1/2 chopped carrot;
• 1 spoon of flaxseed.

Preparation mode

Blend all ingredients in a blender and drink afterwards. This vitamin can be taken twice a day, in the morning and in the afternoon, to eliminate gas and its discomfort.

3. Ginger tea

Ginger, scientifically called Zingiber officinalishas phenolic compounds, such as gingerol, chogaol and zingerone, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiemetic properties, being very useful for relieving the symptoms of intestinal colic, excess gas or nausea, and can be used during pregnancy, as long as you do not exceed a dose of 1 gram of dry root per day, for a maximum period of 4 consecutive days.

Ingredients

• 1 g of ginger;
• 1 cup of water.

Preparation mode

Bring the water to a boil and add the ginger. Let it boil for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the ginger and drink 1 cup of tea per day, for a maximum of 4 days in a row.

This tea should not be used close to childbirth or by women with a history of miscarriage, clotting problems or who are at increased risk of bleeding. Check out the list of teas that should not be used during pregnancy.