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 per day! And a pregnant woman has even more, but more often for many reasons, they accumulate and cause intestinal bloating.

Let's try to understand the problem of bloating during pregnancy, which sometimes causes serious discomfort, provokes abdominal pain, and the passage of gas. 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 belching and gases. The 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 come out. The occurrence of bloating is facilitated by undigested food (for some reason) entering the large intestine, where it is broken down by bacteria that release 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 most important reason for 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 - no tone - no contractions, but on the other hand, the intestines also consist of smooth muscle fibers, so they also relax, hence the bloating - gases are not held by the relaxed walls of the intestines and distend it.

And exactly on early stages, often up to 16 weeks, when progesterone is still produced by the corpus luteum of the ovaries, the clinical picture is clearly expressed! Later, as the baby and the uterus grow, the intestines are compressed by the pregnant uterus, and we may also experience constipation.

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

One of the reasons 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, where it should already be completely broken down, begins to ferment. Fermentation processes are always accompanied by the formation of gases, hence again the problem - flatulence.

The 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, sparkling water, pickled vegetables, fatty and fried foods.

We should also pay attention to artificial additives; some of them, such as sorbitol and mannitol, contained in chewing gum, candies, and drinks, can also cause bloating. Therefore, these vegetables should be boiled, and decoctions and compotes should be made from fruits.

Prolonged stress contributes to the release of hormones, which lead to frequent spasms of the smooth muscles of the intestine, and further 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 you expectant mother bloating was observed before pregnancy, then the reason should be found in poor diet and chronic diseases gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms of flatulence during pregnancy:

• Heaviness and distension in the abdomen, release of gases (followed by a decrease in bloating).
• Decreased appetite, heartburn
• The appearance of constipation, possibly loose stools
• Nausea, bad smell from mouth
• Sleep disturbances, tearfulness, irritability, general weakness
• Abdominal pain of a cramping nature, especially if it is one-sided in combination with diarrhea, you should immediately consult a doctor!

How to avoid bloating during pregnancy?

Diet and diet. It is unacceptable to consume the above-described products during pregnancy, and if consumed, then only, I repeat, in boiled form. Food intake should be in small portions and often, up to 5-6 times a day, chewing thoroughly.

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

Limit your consumption of foods containing artificial additives and colors, soda and coffee.

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

You should eat while sitting at the table, so as not to squeeze the intestines, which are already compressed by the pregnant uterus. Under no circumstances should you do this while walking or in a quiet environment, to avoid swallowing air into your stomach.

Wear something comfortable loose clothes from natural fabrics, if necessary - a bandage for pregnant women.

Movement is life! For expectant mothers – doubly so! Long walks in the fresh air or yoga classes, swimming in the pool are perfect; all this helps to normalize and activate intestinal tone.

If you are still smoking, be sure to quit! I’ll tell you a case from my practice, an expectant mother asked for help with complaints of severe bloating, when questioned, there were 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 doorstep with a cigarette, all 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, consult with an experienced specialist who, having understood the problem, can recommend you:

• Light massage of the abdominal area, lying on your left side. Massage stroking movements are carried out in a circle (clockwise), from the navel and in a spiral to the left iliac region (the connection of the left leg with 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 espumisan, which is allowed during pregnancy and does not have any harmful effects for the baby. The drug belongs to the defoaming agents, and in the intestinal lumen it forms bubbles, which burst and turn into larger ones, which significantly improves the movement of gases through the intestines to the outside.
• Pepsan can help with heartburn, which also helps reduce the formation of gases in the intestines.
• In case of constipation, pregnant women can use lactuvite; it also promotes 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 together with your doctor! Don't self-medicate! Your health is in your hands, take care of it!

Almost every woman has a swollen belly during pregnancy. Some try to see a doctor as quickly as possible with this problem, and they do the right thing. If your stomach swells during early pregnancy, then most likely there is nothing to worry about, because with changes in hormonal levels the functioning of the entire body is restructured. You can’t delay seeing a doctor, because flatulence may be caused by a more serious reason. If your stomach swells during pregnancy early stages, then this may also indicate hidden diseases that need to be identified as soon as possible so that the process of bearing a baby does not become dangerous for the mother and for the fetus itself. In any case, flatulence cannot be ignored, and in this article we will consider the reasons for its occurrence in expectant mothers, methods of treatment, medicinal and folk.

Progesterone

It is progesterone that appears in a pregnant woman’s body in large quantities, and it causes changes in hormonal levels. Progesterone is necessary to maintain pregnancy, because it relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus. But not only the muscles of the uterus are affected, the muscles of the intestines and stomach relax in the same way. Organ motility slows down, which greatly affects digestion. If your stomach swells during early pregnancy, then this is normal, because progesterone is to blame!

But there are some other factors that can cause flatulence. To make sure that everything is normal with the body, in addition to changes in hormonal levels, it is recommended to tell your doctor about the problem of flatulence. The specialist will ask several questions regarding nutrition and lifestyle, and give advice and recommendations. The doctor will also need to give a referral for a more accurate examination to identify the causes of bloating.

Why does my stomach swell during pregnancy?

As can be seen from the list, the main factors provoking flatulence are diseases that have either worsened or appeared during pregnancy.

There are some reasons that a woman can eliminate on her own, but there are others that require the attention of doctors.

When do you urgently need to see a doctor?

There are several symptoms of flatulence in which a pregnant woman needs to consult a specialist as soon as possible. These include:

• when the stomach literally bursts, the woman feels it inflating and rumbling;
• constant heaviness in the stomach;
• gases escape abundantly, practically without ceasing to be produced;
• appetite disappears, this may be a psychological factor - the woman is simply worried that if she eats something, she will start to swell again;
• a constant feeling of mild nausea, when you feel nauseous not only after eating, from smells, but also on an empty stomach - this is the first sign of toxicosis, a dangerous pathology for the pregnant woman and baby;
• against the background of bloating, problems with stool occur - constipation or diarrhea;
• an unpleasant odor begins from the mouth;
• a pregnant woman experiences frequent belching;
• pressure surges, pain in the head and stomach, drowsiness, dizziness.

What are the dangers of bloating?

We figured out why the stomach swells during pregnancy, but we still don’t understand what it entails. There are several reasons for getting rid of flatulence as quickly as possible.

It is not flatulence itself that is scary, but the factors that caused it. The first is a digestive disorder, in which an insufficient amount of nutrients will enter the woman’s body. This threatens abnormal intrauterine development of the baby and deterioration of the mother’s immunity.

Due to disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, the organs are under constant stress and constraint, and inflammation may occur. The intestinal loops increase in size and begin to put pressure on the walls of the uterus. In this situation, the uterus may become toned, which can lead to premature birth.

Every expectant mother should remember that any, even the most minor, ailments while carrying a baby are a reason to consult a doctor.

Dangerous symptoms that require immediate hospitalization

If it swells and you need to urgently go to the hospital. In this case, pain can be of absolutely any nature. If, in addition to pain, there are other symptoms, and they are not accompanied by abdominal pain, then you should also urgently go to the hospital:

• if you suffer from severe diarrhea and/or vomiting, in which symptoms of dehydration are already beginning to appear;
• if the stomach is swollen, and the woman is accompanied by heat bodies;
• constant nausea, lack of appetite throughout the day;
• if there are traces of blood or mucus during bowel movements.

You shouldn’t rely on the fact that you just need to rest, lie down and everything will pass. By delaying, you endanger the life and health of not only the unborn baby, but also your own.

Prevention

In order not to provoke bloating, and in order to get rid of it as quickly as possible, you first need to adjust your diet. To do this, you need to learn how to eat properly:

1. Stop eating huge portions, but only once or twice a day. It would be better to eat in small quantities, but every hour, accustom yourself to small meals.
2. Meals must be separate. That is, for lunch you eat porridge, you don’t need to immediately snack on it with an apple, eat the fruit later, after 30-60 minutes. Eat soup for lunch, salad later, meat dish later, and so on.
3. Posture when eating is also important. Pregnant women are recommended to eat while reclining.
4. You need to chew food well; you cannot swallow it without chewing it. Nutritionists recommend chewing each serving taken into the mouth about 30 times. Firstly, food will be absorbed better and faster. Secondly, this way you will be full faster, without eating too much - and this will make you feel better, without an ounce of excess weight.

What foods should you avoid?

There are products that are not recommended for pregnant women due to the fact that they provoke increased gas formation, and, as a result, bloating. Eliminate these foods from your diet completely during pregnancy, or consume them carefully, in small quantities and rarely:

• cabbage - if you really want cabbage soup or stewed cabbage, then choose broccoli; you should avoid all types of raw cabbage;
• radish, eggplant, radish, pepper, daikon - in any form;
• all types of legumes;
• mushrooms;
• fresh fruits and berries, but they should be consumed in small quantities so that the body receives “live” vitamins;
• peanut;
• corn;
• fresh milk, yogurt and kefir - you need to drink at least a little, if there is already bloating, or the woman is lactose intolerant, then the doctor will prescribe drugs with bifidobacteria and lactobacilli;
• kvass;
• all carbonated drinks, including sparkling mineral water;
• smoked and fatty meat dishes;
• bakery products made from yeast dough;
• chocolate and other confectionery products.

As has already been written: do not give up these products completely! If there is no flatulence, then eat as healthy as possible, but within normal limits. If your stomach is already swollen during pregnancy, then temporarily avoid these foods, or consume them in minimal quantities and only with the permission of your doctor.

What foods reduce bloating?

There are a number of foods that will not only help you stay full during your pregnancy diet, but will also help you get rid of flatulence faster. If you have swelling in your stomach during pregnancy, simply add the following foods to your diet:

• Instead of yeast bread, eat whole grain bread;
• You can use any dietary meat: lean beef, any poultry, rabbit meat;
• buckwheat, rice;
• boiled beets and carrots;
• lean fish, seafood;
• bird cherry compote;
• green tea;
• egg omelet;
• oatmeal porridge with water;
• fresh herbs: dill, parsley, cilantro, fennel.

Regime and physical activity

The daily routine and physical activity of the expectant mother can also cause bloating. To feel comfortable and not provoke threats to yourself and your baby, you need to adjust your regimen.

1. At night you need to rest for at least 9 hours, but no more than 10, because you can just lie down. During the day, be sure to go to bed for half an hour, if you don’t want to, then just lie down with your legs raised.
2. Don’t run around the city, trying to take a quick walk and get some air! Slow and long walks are the way to go! It is advisable to walk in the park, away from the roadway and its exhaust gases.
3. Special exercises and gymnastics will help keep the body in good shape.
4. High heels and leave the shapewear for later, you’ll still have time to wear it! Now all you need is a comfortable one that fits suitable clothing, shoes with a stable sole with a slightly raised or completely flat heel.
5. After eating, you need to lie down and massage your stomach in a circular motion, but without pressing.
6. For general well-being, special water aerobics is recommended for pregnant women.

If your stomach starts to swell during pregnancy, what should you do first? First you need to see a doctor, only he will prescribe treatment - medication or folk recipes. Any medicine, whether from a pharmacy or picked in a clearing, must meet the safety of the pregnant woman and the fetus. We suggest that you first consider medications approved for pregnant women, and then we will find out how you can get rid of flatulence according to the recipes of our grandmothers.

Medicines

Let us remind you that you cannot self-medicate; the exact dosage, period of treatment and the drug itself can only be prescribed by the attending physician, based on the general condition of the woman and the development of the fetus! The article provides a list of drugs for informational purposes only:

1. "Espumizan" - safe drug, which, by destroying gas bubbles, relieves flatulence. This medicine is allowed for pregnant women; they take two tablets before bedtime.
2. Iberogast is a carminative medicine that should only be taken under the supervision of a physician. Pregnant women with flatulence are prescribed a dosage of twenty drops three times a day. Should be taken before meals.
3. "Meteospasmil" - 1-2 tablets three times a day - as prescribed by the doctor!
4. "Simikop" - 0.5 ml before meals.

This is not the entire list of medications that a doctor can prescribe. We have chosen for review the most popular and effective ones based on reviews.

Folk remedies

Not only pharmaceutical medications can cause harm, but also seemingly harmless herbs. There are plants that are contraindicated for pregnant women, so consult a specialist before taking any decoctions or infusions. Safe for pregnant women are:

1. Melissa and chamomile - make tea.
2. Coriander seeds - prepare an infusion: grind a tablespoon of seeds and steam with boiling water. After cooling, strain, drink 10-15 minutes before meals three times a day in equal shares.
3. Dill - season all dishes. You can make dill water from the seeds: brew a tablespoon in two glasses of boiling water, cool completely, drink half a glass before meals.
4. Ginger - add a piece of fresh root to your morning tea. But you can drink it only after eating.

During pregnancy, a woman's body begins to function in a new way. He is required to provide normal height and the development of the child, which can occur even to the detriment of the well-being of the expectant mother. IN daily life includes sensations, many of which can hardly be called pleasant. Some occur in the early stages, others in the third trimester, but there are also those that bother you throughout pregnancy. Among the latter, bloating (flatulence) stands out.

Causes

It should be immediately noted that not everything that a pregnant woman encounters is a deviation from the norm, even if it causes discomfort. Many changes in the body are mediated by physiological processes, therefore, they should not give cause for concern. Same with flatulence. On different dates During pregnancy, increased gas formation in the gastrointestinal tract is quite acceptable and can be explained by several reasons:

• Hormonal changes.
• Pressure from an enlarged uterus.
• Eating certain foods.

These are situations where bloating is not a sign of any disease. But the opposite also happens - flatulence often occurs due to functional or organic pathology digestive system:

• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Biliary dyskinesia.
• Lactase deficiency.
• Gastritis, duodenitis.
• Pancreatitis.
• Cholecystitis.
• Colitis.
• Dysbacteriosis.
• Helminth infections.

In addition, risk factors include wearing tight clothing, stressful situations and environmental problems. Therefore, even such a seemingly insignificant symptom needs analysis, for which the pregnant woman will have to visit a doctor. A specialist will determine why the stomach is swollen and what measures should be taken.

Abdominal bloating very often bothers pregnant women. This develops under physiological conditions or is mediated by pathological changes in the body.

Symptoms

When making a differential diagnosis of flatulence during pregnancy, you need to take into account all possible symptoms. During a medical interview, they determine what is bothering the patient, and during the examination, objective signs of physiological or pathological processes are revealed.

As a rule, women complain of a feeling of fullness and heaviness in the abdomen, and difficulty passing gas. Often flatulence leads to nagging or pressing pain in various areas abdominal cavity. In turn, this disrupts the psycho-emotional background - the pregnant woman becomes irritable and insomnia occurs. The severity of bloating is determined by its origin - physiological changes will not lead to severe flatulence. And the pathology of the digestive system, on the contrary, has a much more vivid clinical picture.

Normal processes

Already from the first weeks after fertilization, a woman may feel bloating. This is even referred to early signs pregnancy. The reason for this is hormonal changes in the body, and above all, an increase in the concentration of progesterone. An increase in the hormone content in the blood leads to relaxation of the smooth muscles of internal organs, in particular the intestines, which means a decrease in peristalsis, less frequent bowel movements and accumulation of gases.

On later the situation is completely different. The enlarged uterus puts pressure on surrounding organs, pushing them out of their usual place. The intestines and stomach move upward, which cannot but affect their function. Therefore, women in the third trimester, along with flatulence, are often bothered by heartburn and constipation.

Carrying a baby often changes a woman's taste preferences. The functioning of the gastrointestinal tract directly depends on food preferences. If a woman’s diet contains a lot of foods that promote gas formation, then the likelihood of flatulence is quite high. These include:

• Cabbage.
• Legumes.
• Asparagus, onions, spinach.
• Raw fruits (apples, pears).
• Carbonated drinks.
• Black bread.
• Confectionery.

These products contain substances that provoke fermentation in the intestines, slowing down digestion and emptying: carbohydrates, fiber, extractive components. In addition, flatulence is promoted by abundant fatty food animal origin.

If the results of the examination do not reveal any deviations from the norm, then bloating is provoked by certain physiological processes.

Pathology

The clinical picture of diseases of the digestive canal invariably includes dyspepsia syndrome, which necessarily includes flatulence. This sign indicates a violation of the breakdown and digestion of food (enzyme and bile deficiency, lack of lactobacilli), motor dysfunction of the stomach and intestines, and a decrease in the absorption capacity of their mucous membrane. Therefore, the cause of bloating can be various diseases of functional and organic origin.

A detailed examination of characteristic and nonspecific symptoms allows the pathology to be clarified. If you are worried about abdominal pain, then your localization, radiation and nature must be taken into account. For example, with pancreatitis, they are located under the left rib, spreading to the back and to the opposite side (girdling). And cholecystitis or biliary dyskinesia is accompanied by heaviness or spastic sensations in the right hypochondrium.

In addition to flatulence, the structure of dyspeptic syndrome includes other symptoms. Many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are characterized by:

• Decreased appetite.
• Belching.
• Nausea, vomiting.
• Loose stool.
• Constipation.

If there is bitterness in the mouth, then one can think about diseases of the biliary tract, and pathological impurities in the stool (mucus, pus, blood) suggest inflammatory changes in the intestines. Due to severe flatulence, not only the digestive tract, but also the child suffers. The accumulation of gases increases pressure in the abdominal cavity, which provokes contractions of the uterus, which means it can lead to obstetric pathology– spontaneous abortion or premature birth.

The cause of flatulence often lies in the pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, which arose or worsened during pregnancy.

Diagnostics

To understand whether flatulence is directly related to pregnancy or not, a woman needs to undergo an examination. It lies in the exclusion pathological reasons bloating. In addition to clinical signs, the results of additional studies help the doctor in differential diagnosis:

• Blood tests.
• Coprograms.
• Gastroscopy.
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs.

Only those methods are used that are safe for pregnant women. Other studies, such as irrigography, are performed only when the expected benefit outweighs the possible risk to the unborn child. To clarify the diagnosis and develop further tactics, a woman is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist.

Treatment

When your stomach swells during pregnancy, after finding out the cause of flatulence, you should immediately move on to correcting the disorders. Even if the increased accumulation of gases is caused by physiological processes, certain actions still need to be taken to alleviate the woman’s condition.

To reduce the severity of flatulence and prevent its reappearance, women are advised to spend more time in the fresh air, do gymnastics or yoga for pregnant women, and visit the pool. Even such a simple remedy as stroking the abdomen clockwise can improve the passage of gases and increase intestinal motility. In addition, you should try to avoid stressful situations, because, as you know, emotional experiences are strictly contraindicated for a woman in this position.

Diet

If a pregnant woman wants to get rid of annoying flatulence, then she should reconsider her diet. The diet should exclude those substances that increase the formation of gases in the intestines and slow down their elimination. Food should be well balanced in nutrients and energy value. You need to include fermented milk products, vegetable oils, dried fruits (prunes, dried apricots) in your diet. You need to eat regularly, 4-5 times a day, drinking enough liquid.

Medicines

When abdominal bloating is intense and does not disappear after following the above recommendations, the doctor prescribes medication correction. And in case of digestive pathology, this becomes the main component of treatment. Only those drugs that have a good safety profile and are harmless to the fetus are used. Based on the diagnosis and clinical picture, the following medications may be prescribed:

• "Defoaming agents" (Espumizan).
• Enzymes (Mezim).
• Probiotics (Lactiale).
• Herbal remedies (with fennel, chamomile).

Prokinetics (Cerucal, Metoclopramide) should be used with caution, since there is no convincing data on the absence of their undesirable effects on the fetus. And the birth of a healthy child is the main goal of pregnancy management.

Abdominal bloating occurs due to normal pregnancy or associated with pathology of the digestive tract. The doctor will determine why this happens. And based on the results of the examination, an action plan is formed that will help get rid of flatulence. In any case, only safe methods are used that do not affect the condition of the fetus.

Flatulence is an excessive accumulation of gases in the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract), accompanied by bloating, a feeling of discomfort or heaviness, attacks of cramping pain, hiccups and belching.

A healthy person contains about 900 cubic meters in the intestines and stomach. see gases that are necessary to maintain normal bowel function. The removal of gases from the gastrointestinal tract can normally occur up to 15 times a day. As a rule, flatulence is observed in almost all pregnant women, both in the early and late stages. This unpleasant symptom can cause discomfort to a woman, indicate a gastrointestinal disease and pose a threat to the favorable course of pregnancy, including premature birth.

Causes of bloating during pregnancy

Bloating during pregnancy can be caused by various causes and predisposing factors. Sometimes, a pregnant woman cannot independently determine the cause of increased gas formation and really assess the danger of the situation - consultation with a specialist if signs of flatulence appear is necessary in any case and at any stage of pregnancy.

Predisposing factors that provoke bloating during pregnancy include:

• clothing that restricts movement;
• nervous tension or stress;
• environmental factors;
• insufficient water consumption;
• poor nutrition.

Causes of bloating during pregnancy can be:

Most often, flatulence is caused by poorly digested food - it is not completely broken down by bacteria in the large intestine, which leads to fermentation processes and increased gas formation. As a rule, this most often occurs with certain carbohydrate foods and fats that slow down digestion.

You are most likely to experience excess gas when eating foods that contain raffinose: cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, legumes, or asparagus. For many people, flatulence is triggered by eating carbonated drinks, onions, artichokes, pears and starchy foods. Bloating can be caused by eating fried or fatty foods. The increased fiber content in vegetables and fruits normally causes flatulence, since fiber is broken down in the large intestine.

Symptoms of bloating during pregnancy

When the abdomen is bloated, a pregnant woman may complain of a feeling of fullness and heaviness in the abdominal cavity, noisy passage of gases or their retention, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. It is typical that aching pain in the abdominal area subsides after the gases are removed. In some cases, there may be complaints of headaches and muscle pain, irritability, general weakness, sleep disturbances, palpitations and a burning sensation in the heart area. A pregnant woman may also experience cramping pain in the abdominal area. Sometimes there are cases of increased blood pressure and increased heart rate.

Consequences and complications of bloating during pregnancy

A disorder in the functioning of internal organs can cause general weakness, insomnia, heart pain and severe migraines - this harms not only the expectant mother, but also the child. Gases that distend the intestines can cause an increase in the tone of the uterine walls and provoke miscarriages and premature birth. Poor health of a pregnant woman leads to the fact that she begins to eat inadequately and, thereby, provokes insufficient intake of microelements and vitamins into the child’s body necessary for its normal development.

First aid for bloating during pregnancy

In the first months of pregnancy, a serious symptom can be the appearance of cramping pain due to excessive accumulation of gases in the abdomen. In such situations, it is recommended to immediately undergo a full examination by your doctor. A special diet and gentle medications will help get rid of the negative manifestations of flatulence and prevent the development of complications.

In some cases, a pregnant woman can help herself by making clockwise stroking movements in the abdominal area for 15 minutes. Regular walks and visits to the pool, in the absence of contraindications, will help get rid of discomfort and perfectly prepare the body for childbirth.

Treatment for bloating during pregnancy

“What to do if you have bloating during pregnancy?” – this is the question every woman suffering from flatulence asks herself. Only a doctor can answer it accurately and accurately.

• If bloating is caused by gastrointestinal diseases, then you need to choose the right one and use medications, consistent with the diagnosis and the fact that the patient is pregnant. Self-medication in such cases can significantly harm the health of the mother and child.
• If progesterone levels are elevated, a specialist will be able to recommend a set of special exercises and increase motor activity through walks in the fresh air. A woman can attend special classes to prepare for childbirth, belly dancing, a swimming pool or yoga for pregnant women - the main condition is that she is under the supervision of an experienced instructor.
• Flatulence that occurs due to an incorrect diet can be corrected with the help of a properly selected diet. A woman should not eat fatty, spicy, floury and sweet foods that contain sucrose. Fermented milk products, salads with vegetable oils and dried fruits.
• Bloating can be treated with herbal infusions and medications that are not contraindicated during pregnancy and concomitant chronic diseases. Even the most familiar pharmaceutical chamomile can help cope with unpleasant symptoms.

Throughout the entire period of pregnancy, a woman faces many difficulties and troubles. Some people only occasionally feel discomfort, while others struggle with problems until childbirth. But there is not a single pregnant woman who has not at least once found herself in a delicate situation as a result of bloating during pregnancy. The appearance of gases is not a threatening condition, but a woman often experiences awkwardness and physical discomfort. We will tell you in detail in this article about what causes such an eating disorder and how to establish normal functioning of the digestive organs during pregnancy.

Flatulence is pathological gas formation in the intestines under certain circumstances. In a significant number of women, signs of excessive bloating appear 1-1.5 weeks after conception and often become the first signal that fertilization has occurred.

Although flatulence often accompanies women throughout pregnancy and is considered a completely normal phenomenon, it can and should be combated. After all, if the condition is not controlled, the situation can become very complicated. Then harmless gases during pregnancy can become the culprit of all sorts of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

The main trigger of flatulence in pregnant women is unstable hormonal levels, especially at the beginning of pregnancy. To preserve the embryo, eliminate the increase in uterine tone and prevent miscarriage, the woman’s hormonal system intensively produces a lot of progesterone. Its task is to relax all the smooth muscles of the uterus. But due to the inability to identify only the uterus, muscle tone decreases throughout the body and in the intestines in particular. Under conditions of decreased tone, intestinal motility weakens, which causes gas during early pregnancy.

The cause of flatulence may not be pregnancy, but various diseases of the internal organs, which worsen after conception. Ulcers, duodenitis, cirrhosis, pancreatic enzyme deficiency, gallstone pathology, dysbacteriosis and other gastrointestinal disorders prevent food from being fully digested. It penetrates the intestines in a semi-digested form, and there it begins to ferment. This is why gases during pregnancy so often bother women. And sometimes expectant mothers had no idea about the presence of such diseases before.

Lactose deficiency can provoke chronic flatulence. If belching, diarrhea and bloating occur after consuming milk and milk-based products, you should check the body's reaction to milk fat.

Other factors that cause gas include the following:

• Errors in the diet, long breaks between meals, poorly chewed food.
• Overeating, late-night snacking (especially at last weeks pregnancy).
• Insufficient physical activity.
• Wearing tight, ill-fitting clothes made of synthetic fabric.
• Severe fluid deficiency in the body.
• Worm infestation.
• Diseases of blood vessels entering the intestines (atherosclerosis, plaques, blood clots, edema).
• Inflammation of the mucous or muscular membrane.
• Limitation of intestinal patency (adhesions, neoplasms).
• Intestinal spasm as a result of stress.
• Swallowing large quantity air while eating.

A rapidly growing uterus and fetus can cause gas during pregnancy in the second trimester and beyond. It pinches the intestines and prevents them from functioning normally. This process is accompanied not only by bloating, but also by constipation, frequent belching and discomfort in the diaphragm. Taking iron supplements for anemia can aggravate a woman’s condition.

Flatulence can bother a woman throughout the entire gestational period. The chances of encountering such an uncomfortable problem increase in women suffering from various intestinal disorders even before conception. After all, everyone knows the fact that pregnancy is a real catalyst for the exacerbation of chronic diseases. Therefore, long-standing diseases of the digestive tract are unlikely to make you wait long after pregnancy.

But even completely healthy women need to be on their guard. Obstetricians assure that even the absence of bloating during pregnancy in the early stages does not guarantee that problems will not appear as the uterus enlarges. That is, bloating can lie in wait for a woman for 9 months.

The formation of gases is a physiological process in the body, but it is important to remember that, apart from inconvenience, it should no longer cause any negative phenomena in the form of pain, weakness and a sharp deterioration in well-being. If such symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Symptoms and signs of bloating during pregnancy

The appearance of gas in the abdomen, regardless of the reasons that caused it, is accompanied by certain symptoms. The woman feels physical and emotional discomfort, but her condition remains satisfactory.

Flatulence has the following symptoms:

• There is a feeling of pressure, bloating, and heaviness in the stomach and intestines.
• Even at rest, you can hear a noise similar to gurgling, fluid transfusion in the abdomen.
• Gases pass out very often.
• Nausea and vomiting not associated with early toxicosis.
• Appetite disorders.
• Abnormal bowel movements (constipation/diarrhea).
• Belching, heartburn, unpleasant odor.
• Increased blood pressure, attacks of tachycardia.
• Loss of energy, irritability.
• Colic at the time of passing gas.
• Bitter or metallic aftertaste in the mouth.
• Short-term pain in the intestines of a cramping nature.

In later stages of pregnancy, abdominal pain and gas begin to have a greater impact on a woman's well-being. In addition to the difficult situation with social adaptation due to the constant passage of gases, the woman has serious health problems. If the causes of bloating cannot be eliminated, frequent headaches, severe weakness, and dizziness occur. The woman becomes sleepy and weak, she does not want to drink or eat. Soon shortness of breath appears and the pulse quickens, it is difficult for the pregnant woman to move, and as a result of refusal to eat, hemoglobin drops and oxygen circulation is disrupted.

Bloating and gas during pregnancy: potential risks and complications

With irregular and moderate gas formation, the woman is not in danger of anything other than severe discomfort. But if the condition becomes chronic and cannot be corrected, serious complications can arise.

In the first trimester, such a disorder in the digestive tract can provoke hypertension and create a risk of miscarriage. In addition, this condition can aggravate toxicosis and dehydration. This, in turn, will cause a deficiency of substances and oxygen beneficial to the fetus.

At a later gestational age, the distended intestine will become even more dislocated internal organs and put pressure on the uterus and baby. This may result in premature contractions and birth.

Important! Refusal to eat and severe psychological discomfort provoke the birth of a weakened, underweight baby.

How to get rid of gas during pregnancy

Any sensations in your stomach that are unfamiliar to you should be the reason for a visit to your obstetrician-gynecologist. During your visit to the doctor you will be prescribed necessary tests and ultrasound studies to rule out possible pathologies internal organs.

Based on the results of the examination, you will be given a suitable diet and, if necessary, approved medications that will eliminate gas in the stomach during pregnancy.

Treatment methods depend on the causes of gas accumulation, so it is unacceptable to solve the problem of flatulence on your own without examining a doctor.

The right diet for bloating during pregnancy

In 80% of cases, the poor diet of a pregnant woman is to blame for the occurrence of flatulence. The menu should consist of easily digestible foods natural products after gentle heat treatment (steamed or boiled). The diet should be divided into 5-6 meals. You need to eat slowly, chewing each bite well.

To prevent food fermentation, you should not drink food even with water. The break between meals and drinking any liquid should be at least 40 minutes.

The group of prohibited foods that increase gas formation includes beans, rutabaga, peas, onions, all varieties and types of cabbage, and turnips. The consumption of bananas, carbonated water, flour products, mushrooms, raisins, garlic, processed foods and liver is limited.

The daily menu of a woman who suffers from gas during pregnancy and stomach pain should consist of the following products:

• Any low-fat fermented milk products.
• Nuts and dried fruits in small quantities.
• Boiled fish and meat.
• Herbal or green tea, decoction of dried fruits.
• Biscuit cookies, long-lasting (“Maria”, “Zoological”).
• Kelp and other seafood.
• Steamed and hard-boiled eggs.
• Vegetable salads, casseroles, stews.
• Soups with second broth.
• Cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal).
• Fruits and berries and dishes based on them (fruit drinks, juices, jelly, smoothies).

Special dry starters of beneficial bacteria will help speed up the digestion of food and eliminate gases during pregnancy. They can be used to make homemade yogurt and kefir, or simply stir in a glass of milk and drink in the morning.

If flatulence is accompanied by constipation, you need to drink 20 g on an empty stomach. olive oil, and throughout the day adhere to the correct drinking regime (1.5-2 liters of water per day).

Drug treatments for severe gas during pregnancy

Flatulence during pregnancy is a very inconvenient illness and should not be tolerated. In order not to provoke stress, poor health and stress on all internal organs, it is necessary to eliminate excessive gas formation by all available and safe methods. Diet, adequate drinking, rest and exercise help get rid of bloating during pregnancy, but what to do if these actions remain ineffective.

If making adjustments to casual look does not give life to a pregnant woman positive result, an obstetrician-gynecologist may recommend drug treatment.

A pregnant woman is allowed to take the following medications for bloating:

• Espumisan (analogue of Bobotik) - in a minimal dose, it quickly stops gas formation, does not enter the bloodstream, and is safe for mother and baby.
• Enterosgel (analogues of Smet, white coal, Diosmectite) - absorbs and removes toxins, rotting products, and harmful microorganisms from the intestines. Effective for constipation or diarrhea, dysbacteriosis.
• Creon (Pancreatin, Mezim) is an enzyme preparation that accelerates the digestion of food.
• Bebinos, children's tea "Fennel", dill tea, Iberogast - herbal preparations that relieve discomfort during colic.
• Hilak forte, Biosporin, Enterozermina, Acidophilin are prebiotics that help normalize the gastrointestinal tract and increase immunity.

Chamomile tea, infusion of peppermint and dandelion seeds have an excellent carminative effect. You need to brew this product in this way: 2 tsp. herbs per cup of boiling water. You can safely drink 1-2 servings a day.

Physical activity for flatulence

During pregnancy, physical activity is often limited for many women. The reason for this is the risk of miscarriage in the 1st trimester, gestosis or excess weight at a later date and other complications. This complicates the treatment of gases during pregnancy, so the doctor decides what to do in such a situation based on the woman’s condition.

If there are no special contraindications or restrictions, it is much easier for a woman to get rid of flatulence with the help of gymnastics for pregnant women, visiting the pool, yoga and active walking. These events trigger metabolism, tone the intestinal muscles and create conditions for rapid and complete digestion of food.

Gases in the intestines during pregnancy: problem prevention

If you have a predisposition to gas formation, it is better to play it safe and immediately after conception follow certain rules of behavior:

• Always wear clothes in your size that are appropriate for your pregnancy. If the outfit will compress the stomach or chest, this will affect the functioning of the stomach.
• Try to move more every day. If physical activity is prohibited, just take a walk in the fresh air more often.
• Divide food portions into several doses and chew food for a long time.
• Stick to proper nutrition, exclude carminative foods.
• Try not to succumb to bouts of depression, don’t be nervous, enjoy the little things.
• Get plenty of rest (you can add a nap during the day if you wish).
• When the first symptoms of flatulence appear, consult a doctor.
• Forget about carbonated water, coffee, kvass for a while.
• Avoid places where people smoke.

Gas formation is not a reason to be shy and silent about your problem. Don't be afraid to ask your gynecologist for help. It will help eliminate the problem, and you can calmly enjoy your “special” position.

How to get rid of bloating. Video