Bloated pregnant? Your hormones are to blame. Here’s what you can do about it, Lifestyle News

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Bloating during pregnancy, is it normal?

Moms, do you constantly feel like your belly is about to explode? You’re not alone. Many women suffer from bloating during pregnancy at one time or another.

As hormone levels rise during pregnancy, all muscles in the body, including those in the digestive tract, relax. This can lead to burping, bloating, and gas as digestion slows and gas builds up in the system. They can cause unpleasant gastrointestinal sensations after a heavy meal.

Pregnancy bloating

Bloating occurs in late pregnancy due to the enlargement of the uterus and the hormonal surge. The uterine cavity takes up more space in the abdominal cavity, pushing the stomach forward and making digestion more difficult.

You might feel bloated after eating during your pregnancy, which could lead to heartburn, acidity, or constipation.

Typically, 10-25% of healthy people suffer from bloating from time to time. However, more women suffer from it because of their hormones.

Menstruating women can testify to this

“You can blame your hormones,” says Dr. Carrie Smith, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, in a Todaystory.

“Before menopause, for most women, bloating usually occurs monthly and follows a pattern.”

The part of the menstrual cycle that causes bloating is called the luteal phase, which begins right after ovulation and lasts about two weeks.

The uterine lining begins to prepare for a possible pregnancy during this period, and estrogen then dips down a bit from the nose, then begins to rise and remains high.

Another hormone also comes into play: progesterone.

All of these changes wreak havoc on a woman’s digestive tract.

“When estrogen is high, women seem to retain more water,” said Dr. Holly Thacker, director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Specialized Women’s Health.

Water retention is equivalent to bloating.

The report also says:

“Some of the effects of progesterone – when it’s high, like during the luteal phase of menstruation, just after ovulation – include what doctors call delayed gastrointestinal transit time, which means exactly what you think it does: food moves more slowly through your gut, causing constipation and bloating.

However, when progesterone decreases and bleeding begins, you may experience an increase in bowel activity. This means that some women may experience diarrhea and bloating.”

Not only that, women bulge through the ages whether you are a young woman or already in your 50s.

Dr. Lori Tishler, medical director of the Phyllis Jen Center for Primary Care at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, explains that when women’s estrogen begins to fluctuate in the perimenopausal stage (mid-40s), it leads to fluid retention. , gas and bloating.

It is also common for pregnant women to suffer from bloating.

“There are higher levels of progesterone and your gut slows down,” says Dr. Tishler.

“Basically, slower contractions mean potential constipation, gas, and bloating.”

The good news is that bloating is relatively harmless and women shouldn’t worry too much about it.

“A lot of women worry that something really bad is going on, and part of our job as doctors is to reassure them that sometimes bloating is just bloating,” says Dr. Tishler.

“But we all know that’s not much fun.”

To ease the discomfort of bloating, Dr. Tishler suggests consuming more fiber to help stool move smoothly through the intestines, as well as exercising more and drinking more water to stay hydrated.

“It’s all that people don’t want to hear, but it works,” she explains.

ALSO READ: 7 Ways To Reduce Swelling During Pregnancy

What are the causes of bloating during pregnancy

In addition to increasing progesterone levels and a larger uterus, there are other factors that induce gas and possibly contribute to bloating and flatulence during pregnancy.

1. Constipation

Food travels through the digestive tract and spends a lot of time in the intestine. This helps in the absorption of all nutrients, including water, by the fetus.

Dry stools, on the other hand, take longer to reach the rectum due to absorption, and collected feces can cause gas and bloating.

2. Food Sensitivity

Some foods are more likely to cause gas than others. Gluten-intolerant people, for example, may experience flatulence after eating gluten-containing foods and this can cause bloating during pregnancy.

Lactose intolerant patients are in a similar situation. Milk and other dairy products will be difficult to digest and can induce flatulence. The reason behind this is that the body does not create enough lactase to break down lactose (found in dairy products).

3. Bacteria in the digestive tract

When the bacterial balance in the colon is disrupted, more gas production, bloating and flatulence ensue.

4. Gain weight

Your hunger may increase, causing you to consume more food. You will feel tired and less energetic if you increase your caloric intake through a good diet and vitamin supplements. As a result, you begin to feel gassy, ​​bloated, and unpleasant as the days pass.

Foods that cause bloating during pregnancy

Certain foods can cause smelly gas and bloating in pregnant women. Vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, beans, Brussels sprouts, onions, broccoli, artichokes, and asparagus contain non-absorbable carbohydrates. As a result, sulfur-filled vapors can be created, giving off a foul odor.

Fiber-rich foods include chickpeas, lentils, green beans, and pigeon peas. Too many fiber-rich meals, on the other hand, can produce bloating and gas. A high-fiber diet, on the other hand, can help some people minimize gas and bloating.

Seeds like sunflower, poppy, and fennel produce gas in the colon, causing flatulence.

Fruits like apples, mangoes, raisins, prunes, cherries, watermelon and peaches contain non-absorbable carbohydrates. Because they can’t be digested by your body, they end up in your colon, resulting in farting and gas.

The carbon dioxide generated by sodas, wine, and beer can cause burping.

Bloating and flatulence are also caused by fruit juices high in fructose.

Wheat, wheat bran, and wheat products promote fermentation in the large intestine, which can produce gas and bloating.

The artificial sweetener sorbitol, found in a variety of foods and beverages, has been linked to gas formation.

How long does bloating stay during pregnancy?

Bloating is a common pregnancy symptom that will only get worse as your uterus expands and presses on your stomach and intestines.

Your pregnancy bloating and other symptoms can be uncomfortable for you (literally). But don’t worry, your child seems indifferent to all of this.

home remedies for bloating

The following therapies are considered safe when used in moderation and later in pregnancy. Avoid using them during the first trimester, as most herbs have been linked to birth defects and other problems. Before trying any home remedy, talk to your doctor.

A handful of fenugreek seeds should be soaked overnight in a glass of water and then discarded the next day. To relieve gas and bloating, keep drinking this water. Drink a fresh cup of chamomile tea after each meal. This will help calm your stomach and eliminate bloating and gas. Cardamom seeds can help relieve bloating and gas naturally. Cardamom tea can also be made with two cups of water, six cardamom pods, and a teaspoon of nutmeg powder. Keep it cool to help fix the problem. Mix a spoonful of cinnamon powder and a tablespoon of honey in a cup of boiling water. Serve it right away. In a cup of hot water, dissolve the crushed coriander seed powder. Drink the liquid after straining it. Prepare a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice and season with honey to taste. It is a fantastic treatment for bloating. More Tips to Relieve Bloating During Pregnancy Laxatives

While prescription medications aren’t ideal, sometimes bloating can be needed to control. In stool softeners, docusate sodium is a safe active component. Mineral oil is also a safe substance. However, before using any laxative or medication, always consult your doctor.

Stop smoking

Smoking can lead to various problems, including acidity. Before you start planning your pregnancy, you should quit smoking. If you’re having trouble quitting smoking, consider enrolling in a smoking cessation program.

Exercise

You need to exercise every day to stay active, keep your system running, relieve gas, and prevent bloating. Gas won’t be able to leave your system if you don’t exercise and sit all day, which leads to bloating.

Simple activities such as pelvic rocking can also help release gas. However, you should consult a doctor before beginning any workout program.

Yoga and relaxation techniques

Practice yoga or breathing and relaxation techniques with the help of a professional during your pregnancy.

Keep a food diary

Keep track of everything you eat and how much gas you get within six hours of each meal. Keep a food diary to find out which foods are making you sick.

Restoration Options

You’ll be able to discern which foods are good for you and which don’t produce bloating if you keep track. A nutritionist can help you follow a healthy pregnancy diet. Fresh foods are generally preferable to processed or frozen foods. You can choose organic meals without pesticides and without genetically modified components.

When to See Your Doctor About Pregnancy Bloating

Gas and bloating are common throughout pregnancy. If they are severe and accompanied by other symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately:

Cramps and increased abdominal pain Stools containing blood Contractions that start before the 36th week of pregnancy are considered early. Severe constipation and diarrhea Severe vomiting and nausea

Depending on your condition and the severity of the problem, your doctor may prescribe medication.

This article first appeared in theAsianparent.

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