Bloating is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms. Apart from the natural increase in the size of the uterus, the hormones can cause many changes in the body which cause the body to swell up and feel bloated. Bloating, though a common pregnancy symptom, can be extremely uncomfortable for a woman. It is perhaps one of the most undesirable pregnancy symptoms.
For most women, as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed, the clothes become snugger. The puffiness and the bloating are caused due...
...to the increased levels of the hormone progesterone. Progesterone is one of the most important female hormones as it is vital in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. It is progesterone which brings about the physical changes in the body which are so important for sustaining a pregnancy. Progesterone causes the smooth muscles in the body to become relaxed. This is required for the digestion process to become slower, so that the nutrients from your food can enter the blood stream more slowly and readily.
While this is important for the proper nutrition of the baby in your womb, it can also cause bloating. It usually feels as if you have eaten too much. As the uterus keeps expanding and the digestion keeps slowing down, the bloating feeling only tends to increase. Though such bloating can be very uncomfortable for you, your baby cannot experience the discomfort and is completely safe inside your womb.
To overcome the discomfort of bloating, make sure that you drink plenty of water as this helps you avoid becoming constipated. Bloating is usually aggravated when you are constipated. Also, while eating, try not to eat large meals. Instead, consume several smaller meals which are easier to digest for your body. In fact, you should try to break each meal into two smaller meals. Also, do not attempt to eat quickly or you will swallow a lot of air. Swallowed air can make the bloating even worse. Therefore take your time to chew your food properly. Take care to avoid foods which cause flatulence. Beans and cabbage should especially be avoided.
During your pregnancy, the body goes through several things all at once. It is important to relax and give your body the space to absorb the changes and get attuned to the new circumstances. Stress and anxiety can only make the pregnancy symptoms worse and therefore should be avoided at all costs. If you have problems in de-stressing, you can opt for meditation.
Read more articles from the Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms Category.
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