Bloating means abdominal distension and is often seen in pregnancy. Gas is a frequent occurrence during pregnancy. In some cases, this gas is the bloating feeling which occurs in pregnant women. A normal person passes gas 18 times approximate in a day.
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Gas and bloating are the most frequent and least charming pregnancy symptoms, which is first shown up around week 11 and likely lasting throughout your pregnancy up until the delivery day.
Progesterone is the hormone which is required for your healthy pregnancy and is the reason for your gas and bloating. It also triggers bloating, burping and passing gas. Progesterone causes the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract to relax and thus slows down the digestive system. This indeed gives the nutrient from the food you eat more time to enter your bloodstream and reach your baby. But at the same, it can cause you to feel bloated and bring on a cramp or two.
Gas during pregnancy can also increase later in pregnancy when the enlarging uterus places pressure on your abdominal cavity. This pressure can also slow digestion allowing gas to build up.
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Gas during pregnancy can’t be avoided completely but can be reduced. You need to identify the food which builds gas in your body. Increased gas is triggered by different foods for different people. So start keeping a record of your diet. Foods that frequently create gas include beans, peas, and whole grains. There are other healthy foods that can be the cause of your gas. These include broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. There are certain steps which you can follow to reduce your gas and pregnancy bloating.
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Gas and bloating have nothing to do with your growing baby. Make sure you include all food rich in nutrients in your diet that is necessary for your baby. In case of any doubts or discomfort, it is always better to consult your doctor without delay.
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Gas during pregnancy can be reduced but not avoided completely. First, identify the food that triggers gas in your body, as different people face difficulties with different foods. Keep a note of your diet and determine what is causing gas and bloating. To prevent bloating and gas, avoid foods like beans, carbonated drinks, and onions. Eat frequent small meals and increase your water and fibre intake.
The main reason for gas and bloating in pregnancy is progesterone. While it is essential for a healthy pregnancy, it also triggers burping, bloating and gas. Progesterone relaxes the gastrointestinal muscles and slows the digestive system. This allows nutrients from the food more time to enter the blood and reach the fetus. But it also leads to bloating and cramping.
To reduce gas in the stomach during pregnancy, eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Eat small meals frequently instead of a few heavy meals. Avoid fried and fatty foods and reduce carbonated drinks. Drink from a glass without a straw. Avoid artificial sweeteners, and drink plenty of water to prevent constipation. Exercise to stimulate digestion, and eat a light dinner a few hours before sleep to prevent gas.
Pregnancy bloating may last throughout your pregnancy journey for some people. For many others, it is noticeable in the first and the last trimesters. Since you have no control over the hormonal changes and the growth of the baby, it is best to identify the triggers that cause bloating and avoid them if possible.
