How To Treat Gas During Pregnancy?
Gas during pregnancy, also called flatulence, is a problem that most women suffer from. This occurs, among other things, due to the multiple changes that the body undergoes during pregnancy.
The mother-to-be’s body secretes a hormone that slows down the digestive system during nine months. So what’s going to happen is that the gases won’t be eliminated quickly and will accumulate in excess; this accumulation will generate disturbances and discomfort due to the pressure of the uterus on the intestines.
The discomfort caused by gas directly affects the woman’s way of life, since it forces her to change habits or routines to find a solution to this problem. For all these reasons, maintaining a healthy diet or adapting to a new diet during pregnancy is a very important issue.
Healthy Habits for Treating Gas During Pregnancy
To combat this problem, it is essential that women maintain a proper diet. A diet that contains fiber, accompanied by an abundant consumption of water, will alleviate discomfort and benefit your body.
On the one hand, ingesting fiber helps fight constipation, as it speeds up metabolism and regulates the functioning of the digestive system. That’s why the consumption of fruits, vegetables, cereals and pulses is recommended.
Vegetables that are especially recommended are those with green leaves, because they contain a considerable amount of insoluble fiber. This type of fiber helps to increase stool volume and speed up intestinal transit. Among them are chard, celery, spinach, arugula, etc.
On the other hand, constant hydration is essential to improve digestion and avoid excess gas. It is advisable to drink 2 liters of water a day; drinks containing gas are not advisable.
Some tricks and home remedies
As for the ingestion of liquids, the ideal is to ingest them directly, without using absorption devices, such as straws, for example. These elements can cause some air to be swallowed while the drink is consumed, which can produce more flatulence.
A natural home remedy to relieve gas during pregnancy is dandelion tea ; a highly recommended drink to reduce gas if taken regularly.
Another important factor is the way you eat. Eating several meals a day, in small amounts, in addition to eating slowly, will give your intestines more time for better digestion.
On the other hand, it is essential to avoid excessively fatty and spicy foods; for they impede the functioning of the digestive system because they overload it.
In addition to maintaining an adequate diet, physical activity is also relevant to stimulate intestinal transit. The sports activity to be done will depend on each woman’s pregnancy and the recommendation of her doctor.
Finally, it is advisable to walk for at least 30 minutes daily. The exception to this recommendation is in risky pregnancies; in them, partial or total rest is advised and the practice of any type of physical effort that could compromise the continuity of the baby’s pregnancy or the mother’s health is prohibited.
How to maintain daily habits without failing in the attempt
In order to keep the outings with family or friends without suffering so much inconvenience, the following suggestions can be useful:
- Opt for restaurants that have a variety of foods to choose from among the various options.
- Select dishes from the menu that contain lean meats or vegetables.
- Give preference to preparations that contain little oil or that are grilled.
- Choose places where there are several types of salad to match your choice; prioritize the consumption of green leafy vegetables.
- Avoid drinking sodas and fizzy drinks.
- Control portions so as not to ingest large amounts of food.
- Do not accompany or season with spices, butter or hot sauces.
Other Considerations for Relieving Discomfort
In addition to all the points mentioned above, there are also other suggestions to fight flatulence during the 9 months of pregnancy.
- It is advisable to wear loose, comfortable clothing, and avoid wearing very tight clothing that causes discomfort in the stomach, which makes the uterus press on the intestines.
- Regular yoga practice is also considered to be helpful in relieving pain, due to the fact that different stretching positions and relaxation exercises are practiced.
Ultimately, remember that if the gas during pregnancy lingers and the symptoms get worse, you need to see your doctor so that he or she can advise you on appropriate treatment.
