Pregnancy And Baby Care Pregnancy Signs Bloating Pregnancy Sign

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Bloating During Pregnancy

• Bloating during pregnancy is usually caused by gas. While everyone has some gas, it increases during pregnancy. This is because pregnancy leads to some hormonal changes. Your body releases higher levels of the hormone progesterone, which relaxes muscle tissue, including the gastro-intestinal tract, in your body. This slows down digestion, causing flatulence, gas and bloating. The feeling is even worse after a heavy meal.

• In the later half of your pregnancy, the growing uterus takes up more space in the abdominal cavity. It pushes against your stomach, further slowing digestion, which makes you feel even more bloated.
• Since digestion slows during pregnancy, food remains in the intestines for a longer time, giving the bacteria more time to work on it. This leads to more gas.

Remedies for Bloating During Pregnancy

Following a proper diet and exercise pattern may help reduce bloating during pregnancy.

• Cut down on foods which cause intestinal gas. The best way would be to keep a food diary so that you can pinpoint the culprits. Cabbage, cauliflower, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and beans are common culprits for causing gas. Some people get gas when they eat pears, onions or artichokes, or certain starches like potatoes and pasta. At the same time, these foods contain significant amounts of nutrition, so you may consider eating smaller quantities, rather than cutting them out of your diet completely.
• Sweetened fruit drinks and sodas should be avoided completely.
• Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods. Oats and wheat bran are especially recommended. Not only do they help reduce gas, they also relieve constipation, which is a common problem during pregnancy.
• If you are lactose-intolerant, look for calcium-fortified soy milk or lactose-free milk. If you cannot tolerate any dairy products, be sure to take calcium supplements after consulting your doctor about the same.
• Avoid fried and fatty foods, since they can cause indigestion and make you feel bloated.
• Instead of big meals, eat small meals.
• Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. Do not talk while eating, because that causes air to be swallowed, causing gas.
• Don’t eat while lying down, even if it is a small snack, since this too, causes air to be swallowed.
• Avoid smoking, since it causes acidity and gas.
• Take care that your clothes are loose and comfortable, and not tight around the waist.
• Some gentle exercise, either walking or yoga, is advisable since it aids better digestion, and thus relieves you of pregnancy bloating.