Bloating, constipation and flatulence in pregnant women. Increased gas production during pregnancy

The formation of gases in the intestines is a normal physiological process. It has been proven that they are released on average 20-40 times a day! And a pregnant woman has even more, but more often for many reasons, their accumulation and bloating occurs.

Let's try to understand the problem of bloating during pregnancy, which sometimes causes serious discomfort, provokes abdominal pain, gas discharge. Why does this happen during pregnancy and how can it be avoided!?

Flatulence (bloating) appears as a result of increased gas formation in the intestines, when the body experiences a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, rumbling and even discharge of belching and gases. Gas enters the stomach, and then into the intestines when air is swallowed. On the other hand, intestinal bacteria also produce gases when digesting food.

They leave the body in the form of belching, and from the other end they descend through the large intestine and rectum - they go out. The occurrence of bloating is promoted by undigested food (for whatever reason) that has entered the large intestine, where it is broken down by bacteria that produce a lot of carbon dioxide. Especially when these are some carbohydrates and fats, which will be discussed below.

Causes of bloating during pregnancy

The most important thing to remember is that there are two of you, therefore the responsibility for the state of health is double, and the expectant mother must understand that bloating can accompany various serious diseases and if this condition is caused by poisoning, stomach disease (such as an ulcer), appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, then you must definitely seek help from a qualified specialist, since only he can make an accurate diagnosis!

So, the main cause of flatulence is influence of progesterone on the body of a pregnant woman. On the one hand, it promotes pregnancy by relaxing the smooth muscles of the uterus - there is no tone - there are no contractions, but on the other hand, the intestines also consist of smooth muscle fibers, so they also relax, hence the bloating - gases do not hold on to the relaxed walls of the intestine and burst it.

And it is in the early stages, more often up to 16 weeks, when the corpus luteum of the ovaries still produces progesterone, the clinical picture is clearly expressed! Later, with the growth of the baby and the uterus, the pregnant uterus squeezes the intestines, and we can also observe constipation.

Another cause of bloating in pregnancy is malnutrition , especially if before pregnancy there were problems with the gastrointestinal tract (peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, hepatitis, gastritis, etc.).

One of the reasons for this may be congenital enzymatic deficiency, when, due to a lack of the necessary active enzymes, insufficiently digested food enters the large intestine in this form and begins to ferment where it should already be completely split. Fermentation processes are always accompanied by the formation of gases, hence again the problem is flatulence.

Champions in the production of excess gas are: legumes - beans, peas, beans; cabbage, sorrel, spinach, apples (sweet varieties), raisins, raspberries, pears, gooseberries, kvass, dates, black bread, soda, pickled vegetables, fatty and fried foods.

Separately, you should pay attention to artificial additives, some of them, such as sorbitol and mannitol, contained in chewing gums, sweets, drinks, can also cause bloating. Therefore, these vegetables should be boiled, and decoctions and compotes should be boiled from fruits.

Prolonged stress contributes to the release of hormones that lead to frequent spasms of the smooth muscles of the intestines, and then to constipation and accumulation of gases, causing anxiety in a pregnant woman.

Also, the cause of bloating during pregnancy can be a violation of the microflora, which is inextricably linked with the pathology of the intestinal microflora (dysbacteriosis). In the case when the expectant mother had bloating before pregnancy, then the reason is to hiccup in malnutrition and chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms of flatulence during pregnancy:

Heaviness and distension in the abdomen, gas discharge (after which there is a decrease in bloating).
Decreased appetite, heartburn
Constipation, possibly loose stools
Nausea, bad breath
Sleep disturbances, tearfulness, irritability, general weakness
Pain in the abdomen, cramping, especially if it is one-sided in combination with diarrhea, you should immediately consult a doctor!

How to avoid bloating during pregnancy?

Ration and diet. It is unacceptable to use the above products during pregnancy, and if used, then only, I repeat, in boiled form. Meals should be in small portions and often, up to 5-6 times a day, chewing thoroughly.

It is necessary to satisfy hunger with food, and not overeat! If you eat less often and in large quantities, it will not have time to be digested and enter large portions into the intestines, thereby contributing to the formation of gases and constipation.

Limit your intake of foods containing artificial additives and dyes, soda and coffee.

Adding fermented milk products to the diet (kefir, fermented baked milk and especially cottage cheese, as a source of calcium, which is necessary for the normal development of the baby and the processes occurring in the muscle fibers of a woman), to prevent dysbacteriosis.

Eating should be while sitting at the table, so as not to be squeezed, and the intestines that are already compressed by the pregnant uterus. In no case on the move and in a calm environment, in order to avoid swallowing air into the stomach.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics, if necessary, a maternity bandage.

Movement is life! For expectant mothers - doubly! Perfect for long walks in the fresh air or yoga, swimming in the pool, all this contributes to the normalization and activation of intestinal tone.

If you still smoke, be sure to quit! I will tell you a case from my practice, the expectant mother asked for help with complaints of severe bloating, during the survey - no factors contributing to the formation of gases, the woman was examined - the reason was not found!

And at the end of the working day I saw her on the threshold with a cigarette, all the problems were solved by quitting smoking, since nicotine increases intestinal motility and air is swallowed, which does not have time to pass through the entire intestine and accumulates, as a result we get bloating.

And yet, if bloating during pregnancy could not be avoided, it will help:
First of all, a consultation with an experienced specialist who, having figured out the problem, can recommend you:

Light massage of the abdomen, lying on the left side. Massage stroking movements are carried out in a circle (clockwise), from the navel and in a spiral to the left iliac region (connection of the left leg to the stomach), for 10 minutes.
Tea from a decoction of chamomile or dill herb (sold in a pharmacy and in the absence of contraindications).
And the drugs of choice are espumizan, which is allowed during pregnancy and does not have a harmful effect on the baby. The drug belongs to defoamers, and in the intestinal lumen forms bubbles that burst and turn into larger ones, which significantly improves the movement of gases through the intestines to the outside.
With heartburn, pepsan can help, which also helps reduce the formation of gases in the intestines.
In case of constipation, pregnant women can use - lactuvit, it also contributes to the growth of its own beneficial intestinal microflora.

And most importantly, do not forget that bloating during pregnancy is not a diagnosis, but a symptom of some process in the body (pathological or functional), this is a temporary phenomenon that you should pay attention to with your doctor! Do not self-medicate! Your health is in your hands, take care of it!

Women who are preparing to become mothers are aware of the problem of bloating. The main provocateur during this period is the altered hormonal background, which literally rebuilds the work of the whole organism.

Of course, there may be other reasons, but it is important for everyone to know when bloating appears during pregnancy, what to do so as not to harm the fetus and yourself.

The main causes of flatulence

During pregnancy, every woman's hormonal background changes, as a lot of progesterone is produced. This hormone allows you to relax the muscles of the uterus, due to which the pregnancy is maintained.

In addition, progesterone affects not only the uterus, but also the muscles of the stomach, intestines and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract, due to which the activity of organs decreases, and digestion also changes.

There are a number of reasons why bloating may occur in pregnant women:

Lack of certain enzymes in the body that help digest food. Due to this, digestion fails, food stagnates and can provoke flatulence.
Improper diet during pregnancy or the choice of certain foods that can cause gas. As a rule, this item includes foods that are high in carbohydrates, as well as high in fiber. During pregnancy, bloating can occur due to fatty and smoked foods, as well as a lack of vitamins and nutrients.
Small consumption of water and liquid food also provokes gas and bloating.
The cause may be gastrointestinal diseases that occur in a chronic form, for example, gastritis, colitis, duodenitis and other pathologies.
Dysbacteriosis provokes discomfort.
The second and third trimesters are characterized by an increase in the uterus, due to which it begins to put pressure on the digestive tract. This causes bloating.
Often the cause during pregnancy is the fear of childbirth, anxiety or excitement, possibly both moral and physical stress.
The problem appears with infectious diseases and infection with worms.
In some situations, the environment affects the discomfort.
During pregnancy, the problem can be hidden in clothing, which is very tight, squeezing an already large belly.

Knowing the main causes of bloating during pregnancy, it is useful for young mothers to find out the symptoms of such a manifestation so as not to confuse flatulence with other pathologies.

Main symptoms

The cause may be diseases that occur in a chronic form, and during pregnancy begin to worsen. You should know the symptoms and factors when the expectant mother needs to seek help from a doctor.

Flatulence itself during pregnancy manifests itself as follows:

The feeling of distension of the abdomen begins, rumbling inside and a feeling of transfusion of products and gases are possible.
There is a constant feeling of heaviness.
Gases begin to depart strongly and often.
Nausea is possible in the morning on an empty stomach, just as happens during toxicosis.
Appetite decreases, as a result of unpleasant sensations, women are simply afraid to eat, so as not to provoke even more seething and gas formation.
In some cases, changes in the stool are noticed, constipation or diarrhea may appear.
Pregnant women have a constant belching, which is accompanied by an unpleasant odor.
Since there are many symptoms and the woman is worried about the condition, then against this background there may be pain in the head, dizziness, and weakness in the body. The sleep of women worsens, and the work of the heart goes astray, pressure surges are possible.

It is worth noting that the described symptoms and a decline in mood are not the worst thing that happens during flatulence.

There may be complications, then the intestinal loops increase, which begin to put pressure on the uterus, while its tone is not excluded, which can cause an abortion or early birth.

Any changes in the digestive system, as well as changes in appetite during pregnancy, can lead to impaired development of the fetus in the womb.

This is due to the fact that the fetus will not receive the required amount of vitamins and other nutrients.

Expectant mothers should remember a simple rule - for any ailments, do not self-treat, but immediately contact your doctor.

There are a number of dangerous symptoms accompanying flatulence when emergency care is needed during pregnancy:

Flatulence is accompanied by severe diarrhea, vomiting, and all signs of dehydration appear.
The temperature begins to rise, and a fever appears.
There are pains that are always different in nature.
He loses his appetite and starts to feel very sick.
There is mucus and blood in the stool.

It is important to know what to do during pregnancy with bloating and what can be used as a prevention of flatulence.

Power adjustment

The first thing to do when bloating appears in pregnant women is to adjust the diet. To do this, it is important to eat fractionally so that the portions are small, but their use is frequent, about 5-6 times a day.

The ideal position for a meal during pregnancy is reclining. All food is thoroughly chewed.

As for adjusting the diet, foods that can provoke bloating, gases, and fermentation should be removed from it.

You can not refuse such products at all, but simply minimize their consumption:

Any kind of cabbage, especially raw. If there is a strong desire to eat cabbage, then it is better to use cauliflower or broccoli.
Radishes and radishes are excluded.
Eggplant.
Pepper in any form.
Any legumes.
Mushrooms in any form.
Berries and fruits should be eaten in doses, and reduce the consumption of fresh apples, grapes, plums, apricots. It is not recommended to drink juices from the described fruits, as well as candied fruits.
Corn.
Nuts.
Dairy products, including kefir, yogurt.
Any drinks with gases, especially sweet ones, should be completely excluded, since they contain a lot of chemistry, kvass, even homemade, is also excluded.
Fatty dishes, meat, smoked meats.
Yeast products, muffins.
Sweets.

To prevent flatulence during pregnancy, the following foods should prevail in the diet:

Rice, oatmeal and buckwheat that need to be boiled in water.
Poultry, as well as other types of dietary, lean meat.
Bread can only be whole grain.
Carrots and beets boiled.
Low-fat fish, as well as seafood.
Drinks should include compotes, especially from bird cherry, as well as green tea.
Steamed egg white omelet.
Fresh herbs, namely parsley, fennel, dill.

Correction of nutrition is only the first thing that can be done with bloating. In addition, you need to carry out some physical exercises, which will help to release gases and improve the functioning of the digestive tract.

Daily routine adjustment

During pregnancy, light exercise should be carried out, which improves the functioning of the intestines and other organs. To do this, you first need to normalize your daily routine. Sleep should be about 9-10 hours at night.

During the day, you just need to lie down for half an hour a couple of times, and raise your legs a little, for this you can use a couple of pillows under your feet.

As for exercises, they should start from frequent walks on the street, and also use a set of exercises for pregnant women, which also include breathing procedures.

All clothing and footwear should be comfortable and free so that every movement is not constrained. It is forbidden to use heels and corsets.

During pregnancy, it is good to do aerobics and go swimming.

Folk remedies

It is worth remembering that during pregnancy, any, even the safest traditional medicine should be taken only with the permission of the doctor.

Bloating can be removed with the following recipes:

Infusion of coriander. For cooking, the seeds need to be crushed with a spoon in the amount of 1 tbsp. and add 250 ml of boiling water. Give time to infuse the drink, then take 1/3 cup three times a day, a quarter of an hour before eating.
Tea from lemon balm and chamomile helps with flatulence.
Watch infusion. For cooking, you need 2 tsp. dried watch add 250 ml of boiling water and leave to infuse. When the remedy has cooled, it is filtered and taken in half a glass before a meal.
Dill water. Dill is recommended to be used not only for the preparation of infusion, but also as a separate seasoning for various dishes. For medicinal water, you need to use dill seeds and 1 tbsp. 500 ml of boiling water is added, after which the agent is infused until completely cooled. Vodichka is taken 120-150 ml before meals.
Ginger. The root can be used as a condiment or spice for cooking. Bloating is treated with tea, which should be drunk in the morning and evening. You need to make regular tea and add ¼ tsp. ginger powder or a slice of fresh root. This tea is used after a meal.
Healing paste. In this case, you need to pass through a meat grinder 100 grams of walnuts, one lemon with zest, and add 50 grams of clay, which is sold in pharmacies.

For the sweetness of the paste, honey is used to taste. The ingredients are thoroughly mixed, after which 1 tsp is taken. 30 minutes before meals twice a day. You can store the paste in the refrigerator.

If the described measures during pregnancy do not give results, bloating does not go away, then you will need to use medications.

Medical assistance

Doctors with bloating are always guided by the position of the woman, therefore, drugs are used that will not harm either the mother or the child.

During pregnancy can be used:

"Espumizan". The remedy destroys gases in the intestines and improves the condition. Used 2 capsules at night.
"Iberogast". Carminative based on herbal ingredients. It is necessary to take 20 drops before meals 3 times a day.
"Simethicone". Treatment is carried out at a dosage of 25 drops after a meal 3-4 times.

There are other remedies that can be used during pregnancy, but they should be prescribed exclusively by a doctor, indicating the exact dosage and rules for taking.

Useful video

The topic of increased gas formation during pregnancy (however, not only during pregnancy), despite its relevance, is at least uncomfortable. This causes a huge problem, because many women are simply embarrassed to tell even a doctor about it, not to mention relatives and friends. But in vain. First, because the condition is by no means harmless. And, secondly, because a woman who is carrying a baby under her heart and suffering from increased gas formation can be helped.

The fact that during pregnancy the body of every woman is rebuilt (each organ and each system "works" to ensure the normal development of the baby) is a well-known fact. But sometimes, because of these restructurings, problems arise that the expectant mother did not even suspect. This is especially true for such a delicate issue as increased gas formation in the intestines. And, despite the fact that many are in no hurry to talk about their problems in this area, statistics say that 75% of pregnant women face them. At the same time, the issue remains relevant for completely different periods.

Increased flatulence during pregnancy is characterized (in other words, flatulence), its rumbling, separation of gases. Also, symptoms of increased gas formation during pregnancy are an increase in the circumference of the abdomen and a feeling of fullness. In a woman in such a situation, her health worsens. All these phenomena in most cases are accompanied by soreness along the intestines. But it also causes great psychological discomfort.

It has been established that gas retention reflexively provokes various manifestations. These include elevation, shortness of breath. In addition, there are seemingly completely unrelated conditions - nausea, an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth, lack of appetite - which is far from the best effect on the emotional state of the expectant mother. And stress, as you know, exacerbates these symptoms even more.

It is reassuring that gas formation is not a disease. This is a natural physiological process that occurs in the human body every day. Pregnancy - a special physiological state of the female body - becomes a period when gas formation increases for a number of reasons. All this leads to functional disorders of the digestive system. In order to know how to help a pregnant woman cope with this unpleasant phenomenon, it is necessary to be aware of the causes of its occurrence.

What are the causes of gas formation during pregnancy?

So, almost every woman knows that, starting from the very first weeks of pregnancy, a global hormonal restructuring takes place in her body. First of all, the level of progesterone in the blood rises. This hormone relaxes smooth muscles, which is simply necessary to maintain pregnancy. Otherwise, the resulting uterine contractions can cause a miscarriage. Therefore, wise nature made sure that the muscles of the reproductive female organ for the period of pregnancy for the time being were in a relaxed state. However, as everywhere, there is a “but” in this issue. Progesterone relaxes more than just the muscle fibers of the uterus. It causes the muscles of other internal organs to relax. Therefore, the muscles of the intestinal walls also weaken. This, in turn, leads to the fact that food passes through the intestines much more slowly than usual, stagnation and increased gas formation. The reason for the accumulation of a large amount of gases during pregnancy is also a growing fetus. As a result, the uterus also increases, and significant mechanical pressure is exerted on the intestines. This situation causes not only increased gas formation during pregnancy, but also the occurrence of constipation. It is especially difficult for women who are diagnosed with chronic intestinal diseases and dysbacteriosis. During dysbacteriosis in the intestines of a pregnant woman, the dominance of pathogenic microflora is observed, which contributes to the decomposition of food and, as a result, increased separation of gases.

Another reason for the occurrence of increased gas formation during pregnancy is a sedentary lifestyle. Some women move little and do not lead an active way of life, because they are inherently lazy. Others - because of the threat of spontaneous abortion or.

An important role is also played by the culture of nutrition and compliance (or non-compliance) with the diet. If you eat rarely (1-2 times a day) and in large portions, you will not end up with problems. Especially if a woman consumes black bread, legumes, a large amount of raw vegetables, grape and apple juice in a sufficiently large amount. Separately, it is necessary to mention carbonated drinks. Firstly, this is a direct path to increased gas formation, and, secondly, this is a very dangerous product for pregnant women. This is true for both early and late pregnancy.

Also, increased separation of gases is possible as a result of taking certain medications. For example, iron supplements for anemia, as well as drugs that reduce pressure, affect bowel function.

Sometimes increased gas formation signals the presence of a pathology that requires thorough, and in some cases even surgical treatment. That is why you should not hide the presence of this problem from your doctor. Because sometimes you need to take urgent action.

Diagnosis of increased gas formation during pregnancy

One of the most common methods for diagnosing this condition is an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs. In some cases, a colonoscopy is used. This is necessary if the excretion of feces is often accompanied by bleeding, which may indicate organic lesions of the intestine. Also, if there is a suspicion that a woman has an increased secretion of progesterone, it is necessary to determine its level. If suspicions are confirmed, take the necessary measures.

How to help a pregnant woman cope with increased gas formation?

Relief of the described condition in almost 100% of cases occurs after the natural discharge of gases. Since constipation is a frequent companion of gas formation, this problem must be solved. During constipation, the chair rarely leaves - once every two or three days, and even then in small portions. In this case, the act of defecation in most cases is painful and may be accompanied by the release of blood from the anus.

But, unfortunately, it is not always possible to eliminate increased gas formation during pregnancy. Experts explain this by the physiological characteristics of the body of a pregnant woman. Nevertheless, to alleviate the condition is quite real.

What needs to be done? First, normalize nutrition, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The best solution is to eat small portions of food, taken quite often (5 to 7 times a day). Now the expectant mother needs to fall in love with foods that contain enough fiber. These include wholemeal bread, cereal grains, vegetables (stewed or steamed). In addition, it is worth taking care of a sufficient amount of fluid consumed per day.

An excellent means of combating increased gas formation is physical exercise. It is better if the complex is compiled by a doctor, taking into account the characteristics of the woman's body during pregnancy. In this case, there is an excellent opportunity to improve the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the regulation of bowel movements. It is necessary to perform such exercises before meals or within 2 hours after. To achieve the effect, you will have to practice at least three times a day. Swimming or aqua fitness for pregnant women will be especially useful.

If the measures described above do not give the desired result, the doctor will prescribe medications. The most harmless are those made on the basis of medicinal herbs such as fennel, cumin, dill, peppermint. Medications called "antifoamers" are also prescribed. They are able to break the walls of mucus bubbles that contain gas in the intestines. The composition of such drugs includes dimethicone or simethicone, which improve intestinal motility, reduce gas formation, and also have a systemic effect. As a rule, adsorbents (for example, activated carbon) are prescribed that can absorb part of the gas. But to abuse them, all the same, is not worth it. The same applies to laxatives that are prescribed to combat constipation.

Especially for Olga Rizak

During pregnancy, a woman faces many problems and troubles. Someone goes through all the "charms" of pregnancy, and someone has experienced them only once in the entire period. But there is not a single pregnant woman who could say that the entire pregnancy proceeded without delicate situations. One such inconvenience is gases during pregnancy. They, as a rule, do not pose dangers, but cause a feeling of embarrassment in the expectant mother.

flatulence in pregnant women

Flatulence is increased gas production, resulting in bloating, an almost constant desire to "let off" gases, rumbling, belching, and a feeling of fullness. Often, flatulence is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, up to spastic - gas colic. In advanced cases, flatulence can lead to a threatened miscarriage. Most often, it occurs in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, when the size of the uterus is already quite large.

Causes of increased gas formation in pregnant women

lack of enzymes, which leads to the fact that a large amount of undigested food enters the large intestine, where it undergoes fermentation and putrefaction processes;

diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, duodenitis, gastric ulcer, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, gallbladder stones, hepatitis), as well as improper and unbalanced nutrition;

violation of intestinal microbiocenosis - dysbacteriosis.

Synthesized during pregnancy, it relaxes all internal organs, primarily the uterus, and the intestines are not left unattended;

the pregnant uterus presses the loops of the large intestine.

All these factors make the intestines lazy, its peristalsis is weakened.

Measures to combat increased gas formation

Firstly, in no case should you eat standing up or on the go, as a result, you can choke on food or air, which will create an "air pocket" in the intestines, with characteristic pain. Secondly, it is necessary to eat calmly, without experiencing anxiety and anxiety, because this can lead to the swallowing of air. Thirdly, it is necessary to clearly distinguish between foods that can be eaten and those that cause flatulence.

Diet with increased gas formation

First of all, it is necessary to divide the daily diet into four or five meals. Portions should be small, just enough to satisfy your hunger, not overeat. Eliminate foods that contribute to increased gas formation. These include: peas, beans, grapes, cabbage, pickled vegetables, marinades, onions, garlic, sweet foods, carbonated drinks, rye bread, kvass, fried foods. Add fermented milk products, such as kefir, fermented baked milk, yogurt, to the diet. They contain lactobacilli, which help eliminate the formation of excess gases. You can and should eat cottage cheese every day. It will help not only in the fight against flatulence, but is also a source of calcium, which is so necessary during pregnancy.

Other measures to combat increased gas formation

Long walks in the fresh air, at least one hour, will help a lot. Perfectly stimulates the intestines swimming, but only in the pool. Special gymnastics for the intestines, which must be carried out daily. With severe bloating, you can help yourself. A simple exercise is done: clockwise to stroke the stomach for ten to fifteen minutes, then turn to the left side, slightly raise the leg and release gases.

Decoctions of the following herbs help with flatulence: dandelion root, valerian root, parsley seeds, dill seeds, fennel, mint, medicinal sweet clover. Take one tablespoon (for roots and leaves) or one teaspoon (for seeds) of the proposed plants, brew with one glass of boiling water, leave for four to five hours, covered with a lid. Take on an empty stomach one hour before meals three times a day. You can also take medicinal carminatives that are harmless during pregnancy. These are: and simethicone. Chamomile tea is also effective for increased gas formation. You can take it two cups a day (weak).

Pregnancy is an unforgettable period in the life of any woman. However, it can occur accompanied by many unpleasant moments, including increased gas formation or gases (flatulence). Gases can disturb even those women who have never had problems with digestion before pregnancy. Gases do not pose any danger to the unborn baby, but they cause a lot of inconvenience to his future mother.

Gas is accompanied by bloating, belching, rumbling, and a feeling of fullness. Increased gas formation in some cases can be combined with pain in the lower abdomen, up to the appearance of gas colic. In rare cases, flatulence can provoke a threatened miscarriage. As a rule, gases occur in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, when the uterus reaches a significant size.

There are many reasons for gas during pregnancy. First of all, they are due to the hormonal background of a pregnant woman, that is, a large amount of progesterone in the blood relaxes all the smooth muscles in the body, including the intestines. Plus, in the second trimester of pregnancy, there is pressure on the intestines by the growing uterus and a violation of its location. All this provokes increased gas formation in the intestine, disrupts its emptying, and leads to a decrease in peristalsis. We should not forget that many future mothers (what a twist on their souls) allow themselves a disorderly, unbalanced and plentiful diet, which together results in a serious problem. Other causes of gases during pregnancy include dysbacteriosis, a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as a lack of enzymes, which contributes to the entry of undigested food in large quantities into the large intestine, where its fermentation and decay processes occur.

Of course, it is impossible to somehow influence the hormonal background or the physiological displacement of the intestine, but the problem of gases during pregnancy associated with nutrition can be solved by following a certain diet. But before that, you should definitely consult with a therapist in order to exclude the presence of abnormalities or pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract (ulcer, diseases of the pancreas, intestines, liver). If any bowel disease is detected, treatment is prescribed and carried out depending on the duration of pregnancy. If the cause of the formation of gases was directly pregnancy, then it is recommended to solve this problem with the help of a diet.

Diet to eliminate gases during pregnancy is not particularly different from any other diet. The diet should be varied and balanced in order to provide the necessary nutrients to the child and mother. Meals during the day should be from five to seven small portions, which eliminates the possibility of overeating. In addition, it is important to exclude from your diet foods that cause increased gas formation. Among them are legumes, apples, bananas, grapes, cabbage in any form, corn, rye bread, sweets, carbonated drinks, oatmeal and other grain products, onions, turnips, as well as fried foods, pickles and marinades. Eat more foods such as fermented baked milk, yogurt and kefir, as they prevent the formation of gases. This also includes the use of cottage cheese, which is rich in calcium, which is very important during pregnancy, and also eliminates the possibility of gas formation.

Other ways to deal with gases during pregnancy can be: daily prolonged exposure to fresh air, swimming in the pool (effectively stimulates bowel activity), daily special gymnastics for the intestines, which consists in stroking the abdomen clockwise in the supine position for ten fifteen minutes, after which it is necessary to turn on the left side, raise the leg and release gases.

An excellent remedy for gases during pregnancy are decoctions of dill seeds, parsley, fennel, dandelion root and valerian. To prepare a decoction, take one tablespoon of roots or leaves or a teaspoon of seeds of one of the above herbs and pour boiling water (200 ml), cover and leave for four to five hours. The resulting decoction should be taken three times a day one hour before meals. It is also harmless to take medicinal carminatives such as espumizan and simethicone. Chamomile tea can also be a great helper in the fight against increased gas formation, but you should drink it weakly and no more than two cups per day.

To make pregnancy a joyful period not overshadowed by unpleasant sensations, take care of yourself, take care of yourself and lead a healthy lifestyle, and our tips will help you with this.