Bloating And Gas During Pregnancy: Causes And Home Remedies

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Gas, burps, and flatulence – could be embarrassing. Most people pass gas ten to 20 times a day on average (1). And if we look at the average passing of gas during pregnancy, this number seems to go many notches up. But do not fret! Here are some easy ways of reducing gas and bloating during pregnancy.

Why Does Bloating Occur In Early Pregnancy?

The increasing progesterone levels during pregnancy relax all the muscles in the body, including those of the digestive tract.

This could slow down digestion, and gas builds up in the system, leading to burping, bloating, and flatulence. These develop uncomfortable sensations in the gut after a big meal (2).

Pilates teacher and expectant mom Kelly shares her firsthand experience with increased gas during the first trimester. She says, “Normal people burp and fart. When you’re pregnant, it increases in intensity and frequency. It’s pretty gross, I know. You probably might not want to read this, but it’s worth knowing that it happens a lot during pregnancy. Because food stays longer in the digestive tract when pregnant, this produces gas. And you really do need to get it out! For me, burping was hugely repulsive when the taste of my food emerged hours later, causing me to err toward the side of caution, opting for “safe food” that tasted as bland as possible (and nope, that didn’t even include porridge). Relatively, coming out through the rear end was typically a more palatable (albeit disgusting) way of getting rid of the gas. When the gas didn’t, or couldn’t, emerge, I had one of the worst experiences of bloating and twisting in my intestines, which sadly I don’t have a remedy for (i).”

Does Bloating Occur In Late Pregnancy?

Yes, bloating occurs in late pregnancy due to the growing uterus and hormonal surge. The uterine cavity occupies more room in the abdominal cavity, further pushing the stomach and causing digestive issues. This makes you feel more bloated after meals. As a result, you will also experience heartburn, acidity, or constipation   (3).

Besides the hormonal surge, there are more causes of bloating during pregnancy.

Causes Of Bloating During Pregnancy

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In addition to the increasing progesterone levels and growing uterus, there are other factors that cause intestinal gas and eventually lead to bloating and flatulence during pregnancy.

1. Constipation

The food travels through the digestive tract and remains in the intestine for a long time. This helps the fetus absorb all the nutritional content, including water. However, the absorption results in dry stools that take longer to reach the rectum, and the built-up fecal matter could increase gas and bloating (4).

Did you know?

The increased iron in the prenatal vitamins may contribute to constipation during pregnancy (8).

2. Food sensitivity

Certain foods are likely to cause more gas than others. For instance, those having celiac disease cannot digest gluten products and could develop gas when they consume such foods (5).

The same is the case with those having lactose intolerance. You will find it hard to digest dairy products such as milk, and it could lead to gas. It is because the body cannot make enough lactase to break down lactose (present in dairy products) (6). If you are including these foods as a part of your prenatal health diet, you could talk to your doctor about creating a different meal plan.

3. Bacteria in the colon

If there is a variation in the bacterial balance in the colon, it results in more gas production, bloating, and flatulence.

4. Weight gain

Your hunger levels may surge, and you tend to eat more. Following a nutritious diet along with vitamin supplements will increase your calorie count, which will make you lethargic and less active. Therefore, you feel gassy, bloated, and uncomfortable with the progressing days.

Now you know why you feel gassy, but it helps to know how gas is formed in your digestive system.

Quick fact

Factors such as stress, history of laxative overuse, and lack of activity may cause an increase in gastrointestinal issues during pregnancy (19).

How Is Gas Produced In The Body?

Gas is caught in the digestive tract in two ways – when you swallow air, and when bacteria break down undigested food in the intestine.

You release most of this gas from your stomach by burping. And flatulence occurs as a result of gas that travels down till the colon (large intestine).

Carbohydrates produce a lot of gas, unlike proteins and fats. Fats can slow down the digestion process as they take time to empty out the stomach, and it could lead to bloating (7).

Besides the above essential nutrients, there are certain foods that should be avoided to prevent gas and bloating.

Foods That Cause Gas And Bloating

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Some foods may cause smelly gas and bloating in some pregnant women (8).

Vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, beans, Brussels sprouts, onions, broccoli, artichokes, and asparagus contain unabsorbable carbohydrates, which cannot be digested. This could, therefore, produce sulfur-filled gases, resulting in a foul smell.

• Pulses such as chickpeas, lentils, green gram, and pigeon peas are great sources of fiber. But excessive intake of high fiber foods can lead to a gaseous stomach. However, in some individuals, fiber diet could help relieve gas and bloating (9).
• Seeds such as sunflower, poppy, and fennel will also produce gas in the colon leading to flatulence.
• Fruits such as apples, mangoes, raisins, prunes, cherries, watermelon, and peaches also contain unabsorbable carbohydrates. Your body cannot digest them, and they pass down to the colon, causing flatulence along with gas.
• Soft drinks, wine, and beer can cause burping as they release carbon dioxide into your tummy.
• Fructose containing fruit juices also cause gas and bloating.
• Wheat, wheat bran, and wheat products could lead to fermentation in the large intestine, therefore, causing gas and bloating.
• Sorbitol, an artificial sweetener found in some foods and drinks, could trigger gas formation.

In most cases, you do not require any treatment as gas and bloating fade away shortly after the baby’s birth.

Also, there are some home remedies and ways that can help you manage the uncomfortable, bloated feeling.

Home Remedies For Bloating And Gas During Pregnancy

The following remedies are considered safe when used in moderate amounts and also in later pregnancy. But be cautious about their usage in the first trimester as most herbs are associated with birth defects and various other complications (10). It is best to check with a doctor before following any home remedy.

1. Soak a handful of fenugreek seeds in a glass of water overnight and discard the seeds the next morning. Keep sipping this water to get rid of gas and bloating.
2. Have a fresh cup of chamomile tea after your meals. It will help soothe your digestive system and reduce gassy and bloated feeling.
3. Chewing cardamom seeds helps cure bloating and flatulence naturally. You could also make cardamom tea by boiling two cups of water with six cardamom pods and a pinch of nutmeg powder. Have it fresh to help alleviate the problem.
   

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4. Mix one tablespoon of cinnamon powder with honey in a cup of boiling water. Have it fresh.
5. Mix crushed coriander seeds powder in a cup of hot water. Strain the solution and drink it.
6. Prepare a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, add honey for taste. It makes an excellent remedy for bloating. A warm cup of ginger tea may also help reduce bloating. It can also be taken after meals.
7. A heating pad for bloating may also be helpful. Take a heating pad and place it across your abdomen for 10-15 minutes, and then let your skin cool for sometime. Ensure the heating pad is not too hot to avoid burns. Repeat this a few times.
8. A warm shower may also help with bloating and soothe any pain due to flatulence.

These remedies bring down bloating and flatulence and give you relief. You could also follow a few tips for additional comfort.

Dietary Tips To Reduce Bloating During Pregnancy

9. Eat small proportions

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You need your daily calorie count and eating smaller meals will be difficult during pregnancy. However, this helps reduce the bloated feeling. And to compensate for the smaller meals, you should eat frequently. Splitting your food into six small meals rather than three heavy meals will avoid overloading your digestive system and nourishing your baby too (11).

10. Take it slow

You should eat slowly to give each bite a chance to make its way through the digestive tract. You should not overload your gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, when you gulp down food quickly, there is a chance of swallowing air that ends as gas in the stomach. Take a few deep breaths before and during the meal to relax. Also, do not eat when stressed (11).

11. Consume fiber-rich foods

Yams, carrots, whole wheat toast, oatmeal, wholegrain bagels, apples, and pears are the best sources of fiber. Fiber absorbs water in the digestive system and transports the food smoothly through the intestines. It, therefore, keeps your bowel movements regular and relieves you of the bloated feeling. Start adding fiber foods to your diet at a slow pace if you are not used to them (12).

12. Cut down fried and gas-inducing foods

Foods such as onions, cabbage, broccoli, and beans are gas-inducing. Fried foods may not release gas in the stomach, but they can slow down your digestion process, leading to bloating. You must cut down on these foods to have a happy tummy (8) (11).

13. Cut off refined sugars

Sweet tooth during pregnancy is common. But you need to control the urge to consume refined sugars. Carbonated beverages and sweetened fruit juices also contain high levels of fructose corn syrup, which contributes to bloating. Choose fresh fruit juices of apricots, bananas, and peaches to satisfy your craving for candies and soda drinks. Avoid chewing gum and slimming foods as they contain sorbitol, which can cause gas and bloating during pregnancy (11) (13).

14. Take bitters

Consuming bitter foods in small amounts may help to stimulate the process of digestion, with a positive effect on bloating. Some great bitters include ginger, lemon juice in hot water, bitter salad leaves such as those of radicchio and rocket. Have them half an hour before your regular meals.

15. Maintain a food journal

Keep track of the foods you consume, and the volume of gas felt within six hours of every meal. Maintain a food diary to find out the foods that are causing a reaction.

16. Choice of foods

If you are keeping note, then you may know which foods are good for you and which do not give you bloating. You may consult a nutritionist to follow a perfect pregnancy diet. Always choose fresh foods rather than processed or frozen ones. You can choose organic foods, which are free of pesticides and genetically modified ingredients.

17. Increase intake of fluids

Increase your water intake to keep yourself hydrated. Boost your day with a glass of water and then keep sipping. Also, include fresh fruit juices in your diet. They help in flushing out toxins in your body, preventing bloating and constipation (14).

What if you still end up with a bloated tummy after trying all the above? Then, you could try some ways to relieve the abdominal discomfort.

How To Relieve Bloating In Pregnancy?

18. Laxatives

Though it is unwise to suggest medications, at times, they may be needed to get relief from bloating. Stool softeners contain an active ingredient known as docusate sodium, which is safe. It contains mineral oil, which is also safe. However, you should consult a healthcare provider before opting for any laxative (4).

Quick tip

You may try bran tablets, psyllium powder supplement, or polyethylene glycol to treat constipation and bloating during pregnancy. However, seek a doctor’s advice (20).

19. Quit smoking

Smoking can cause many complications, such as acidity. You should quit smoking before you plan your pregnancy. If you find it difficult, you should attend a smoking cessation program (15).

20. Exercise

You should exercise every day to stay active, maintain a healthy lifestyle, keep your system running, alleviate gas, and prevent bloating. If you do not exercise and just sit the entire day, then the gas cannot move out of your system and may lead to bloating. Simple exercises such as pelvic rocks will also help in releasing the gas. But before you begin exercising, you must talk to a doctor (16).

21. Yoga and relaxation techniques

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Practice yoga or breathing and relaxation techniques with the help of an expert during pregnancy. If you have hyperventilation syndrome, which is being too anxious or excited, then you may breathe in more air.

Some useful yoga poses which may help to ease painful bloating and gas are:

• Extended side angle pose
• Triangle pose
• Sitting side stretch
• Cat and cow’s poses
• Child’s pose

Note:

Not all poses are suitable for pregnant women. You should always check with your health practitioner or yoga instructor before trying these exercises.

When To Call Your Doctor?

Gas and bloating are common during pregnancy. But if they are severe and accompanied by other symptoms, you should immediately contact a doctor:

• Greater abdominal pain and cramping
• Blood in the stools
• Contractions before 36 weeks of pregnancy
• Severe constipation and diarrhea Severe vomiting and nausea

For a better understanding of the condition, you could ask the doctor the following questions.

• Are symptoms such as bloating, gas, and constipation normal or is something wrong with the pregnancy?
• Is it safe to take mineral oil for relief?
• Are there any prescription medications for bloating?
• Would changes in diet help against bloating?

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

Medications For Treating Gas And Bloating

Some medicines may offer you pain relief from gas and bloating. However, the below medications should only be taken on a doctor’s prescription:

• OTC Simethicone (Mylicon, Gas-X) for immediate gas relief (17)
• Antacids with low sodium content for bloated stomach and acid reflux (18)

After knowing all about why bloating and gas occur, you might want to know the answers to some of the commonly asked questions.

Also, avoid salty and fried foods and check your food portion size.

Infographic: Ways To Alleviate Gas And Bloating At Home

Gas and bloating are common during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters. It is important to consult with your doctor before trying any home remedies, as some may not be safe for pregnant women and can cause complications. Refer to the accompanying infographic for a list of safe ways to alleviate these symptoms.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Image: Dalle.E/MomJunction Design Team

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Ben Abbes Taarji HichamMD

Dr. Ben Abbes Taarji Hicham is a practicing obstetrician and gynecologist with around 20 years of experience in the field. Having worked in various Moroccan hospitals, he currently runs a private practice. Dr. Hicham specializes in rejuvenation and cosmetic gynecology, medically assisted reproduction, breast and gynecological cancers, HPV diseases, hysteroscopy and laparoscopy, and hormonal disorders.

Read full bio of Dr. Ben Abbes Taarji Hicham

Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi

Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA

Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal

Aneesha AmonzMSc

Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences.

Read full bio of Aneesha Amonz