Flatulence in pregnancy

Almost every pregnant woman is afflicted with gas. Flatulence is of course uncomfortable and annoying, but it is a classic phenomenon that occurs with pregnancy. But there are tips and tricks to get around Flatulence in pregnancy to treat and on the other hand to prevent them so that they do not appear in the first place (or only in a weak form). And anyone who has flatulence should not suppress it under any circumstances, because this promotes a painful flat stomach.

You can hardly do without: unpleasant winds during pregnancy

Pregnant women can sometimes sing a song about it: gas. There are many reasons. On the one hand it is due to the hormone progesterone, on the other hand it is due to the diet as well as the fact that the growing uterus and the unborn child are also involved. Anyone who believes that the intestinal winds can only appear in the first few weeks of pregnancy is wrong. Most are Flatulence in pregnancy an ongoing constant.

causes

The hormone progesterone is responsible for the intestinal winds. It relaxes the smooth muscles - thus also relaxes the muscle layer of the intestinal wall. The intestine becomes sluggish and subsequently works more slowly. Even if the pregnant woman's body has more time to absorb the important nutrients from the food as a result, more air also collects in the intestine as a result.

The excessive accumulation of gas (meteorism - better known as bloated stomach) causes flatulence. At an advanced stage, however, the child can also be responsible for the intestinal wind when it lies on the intestine and subsequently hinders digestion. But of course there are other reasons and causes why flatulence develops. A classic example is the change in diet.

Many pregnant women make sure that they eat mostly healthy foods. These include fruits, vegetables and whole grain products. And every change in diet causes digestive problems at the beginning, as the intestines naturally first have to get used to the new diet. Towards the end of pregnancy, the enlarged uterus can cause flatulence.

The increasingly larger unborn child presses on the stomach and intestines, disturbs and hinders digestion and also causes flatulence. Sometimes nervousness can also be a reason. Many women are afraid of giving birth or get into stressful situations again and again.

It is known that anxiety and stress naturally affect the stomach and encourage or exacerbate digestive problems. Quick swallowing and hasty eating are also classic aspects that subsequently lead to digestive problems. This is because too much air is eaten when eating too quickly.

What helps against flatulence?

There are numerous tips and tricks on how to avoid flatulence. The pregnant woman should eat regular meals, paying special attention to eating slowly and chewing well. Drink enough, avoid a lot of exercise and stress - all of these points can prevent flatulence or at least reduce the intensity of the intestinal winds.

• Home remedies for flatulence

If the pregnant woman already suffers from flatulence, a few home remedies can also help. Abdominal massages (clockwise), herbal teas made from peppermint, aniseed or fennel as well as warm baths or hot water bottles can alleviate the flatulence. Rest and relaxation are also important.

• Digestive foods

Of course, it must be taken into account that there are numerous foods that promote flatulence and should therefore only be eaten in small portions during pregnancy. Classic foods that cause gas are legumes, onions, cabbage vegetables or unripe fruit.

Raisins, fresh bread, nuts, whole grains, yeast and numerous types of cheese also favor flatulence. Coffee, chocolate, ice-cold drinks or sweeteners such as fatty food also cause intestinal winds and a bloated stomach.

• Digestive foods

On the other hand, those who eat a diet rich in fiber will avoid flatulence or get it under control. Anise, caraway seeds, fennel and peppermint provide a cramping effect. Marjoram, ginger, turmeric and coriander also help to stimulate digestion and relieve gas.

Because of the pregnancy, medication should only be taken in consultation with a doctor. Since flatulence is usually harmless, you can do without any medication in almost all cases. Sometimes tips and tricks on the subject of nutrition are enough to alleviate the flatulence or to completely eliminate it.

prevention

If you want to avoid flatulence, you have to pay attention to your diet. At the beginning, the pregnant woman should take her time. Eat slowly, chew well and do not swallow. Those points can already work wonders. Whoever eats hastily because he is in a hurry will swallow too much air and cause flatulence. Even foods that promote flatulence should only be consumed in small portions (or not at all).

These include cabbage, legumes, fatty and fried foods or leeks such as baked goods that are prepared with white sugar. Carbonated drinks also favor intestinal winds. Alternatively, pregnant women should drink still mineral or tap water. And of course movement shouldn't be missing either. Those who exercise regularly will also get their flatulence under control or prevent it.

The air has to go!

Anyone with flatulence should not suppress it under any circumstances. The gas mixture, consisting of hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and methane, has to get out of the body. If it does not escape, a sore stomach will develop. If the pregnant woman knows that she has a tendency to flatulence, preventive care should be taken not to consume various foods.