Bloating Remedies During Pregnancy

Bloating is a common complaint during pregnancy.  The effects of bloating can be the occasional belching or the continuous feeling that you have overeaten.  There are some safe bloating remedies that you can use during pregnancy to relieve the symptoms of bloating.

Bloating in pregnancy is the result of the digestive system slowing down in response to the progesterone level increasing during pregnancy.  This is very normal and, actually, is one way your body provides your baby with the proper nutrition that he or she needs during development.

The effects of the slowed digestive system during pregnancy can include:

  • Increased build up of digestive gas
  • Overfull feeling
  • Increased Heartburn.

These affects can be relieved by some relatively simple and safe bloating remedies during pregnancy.

First, it is important to remember that excessive gas has a direct relation to the types of foods you eat.  Artificial sweeteners, which can be found in diet sodas, etc., can cause diarrhea and increased gas, therefore these should be avoided.

Adding fresh pineapple to you diet prior to each meal can add the necessary enzymes you need to enhance digestion, especially during pregnancy.

Gas-producing foods should be eaten cautiously, and if you have difficulty with a particular food, avoid or limit the amount and frequency of consumption.  Some of the more common gas-producing foods include: cabbage, onions, beans, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, and corn. Fruits which are known to produce gas include: apples, prunes, pears, and peaches.  Oats and whole grain products, milk and dairy products, and drinks that are carbonated can also create gas.

Yes, there are a lot of foods that can produce gas but that does not necessarily mean all of these foods will affect everyone.  Paying attention to the effect these foods have on you, as an individual, can help you identify which foods you can and can not tolerate.

A certain amount of gas is to be expected during pregnancy.  Exercise can provide many benefits for the pregnant woman and moving gas out of the body is one of those benefits.  Walking is a great way to get things moving including gas.   If you remain sedentary when experiencing gas discomfort, you only allow the gas to remain trapped in your digestive system.

If you have to sit while having gas discomfort, you can at least elevate your legs to help relieve the pressure.  It is also wise to wear clothing that does not restrict the abdominal area.  This can effect digestion and create additional pain.

Instead of eating three regular-sized meals each day, it would be better to eat more frequent, smaller meals.  This will reduce the amount of food your body needs to digest and is one of the best bloating remedies you can practice.   This is especially good during pregnancy when your digestive system is already slowed down.

You may be pleasantly surprised at the relief you will receive by following these suggestions.  The key is to know your body and what foods to avoid, get regular exercise, and eat smaller portions more frequently. These are all easy, safe and effective bloating remedies that you can practice during pregnancy.  Make your nine months of pregnancy as comfortable as possible!