Flatulence - pregnancy

Nicole Wendler holds a PhD in biology in the field of oncology and immunology. As a medical editor, author and proofreader, she works for various publishers, for whom she presents complex and extensive medical issues in a simple, concise and logical manner.

More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.

Many expectant mothers suffer from gas. Pregnancy and the changes that go with it mean that digestion slows down and the uterus is increasingly pressing on the intestines, especially when the pregnancy is advanced. Flatulence, but also soda racing or constipation are the result. Find out here what helps against the harmless but annoying gases in the stomach and what you can do preventively.

A common duo: gas and pregnancy

Flatulence is not uncommon during pregnancy: the hormone progesterone ensures that smooth muscles relax, including the muscle layer of the intestinal wall. This makes the intestine sluggish and work more slowly. The body of a pregnant woman has a longer time to absorb nutrients from the food pulp, but more air can collect in the intestine during the digestive process. Such an excessive accumulation of gas in the digestive tract is also referred to as meteorism or bloated stomach.

Being pregnant also often goes hand in hand with a change in diet: Many women then pay particular attention to what they eat and are increasingly turning to healthy whole grain products, fruit and vegetables. This change in diet can lead to digestive problems as the intestines only gradually get used to the healthy lifestyle. Flatulence often occurs especially at the beginning of pregnancy.

Pregnancy can also trigger ailments in the digestive tract in another way, especially in the last third: the growing uterus and the ever-growing child put pressure on the stomach and intestines, disrupt digestion and favor gas.

And: pregnancy and imminent childbirth trigger discomfort and nervousness in some women. Stress and anxiety affect the stomach and make digestive problems worse. Eating too quickly and swallowing quickly can also lead to flatulence.

Pregnancy: How to Avoid Bloat!

Pregnant or not, the following tips can often help you avoid flatulence:

• regular meals
• eat slowly, chew well
• drink enough
• a lot of movement
• avoid stress

What home remedies help with flatulence?

Existing flatulence can often be relieved with home remedies:

• Herbal teas made from fennel, aniseed or peppermint
• warm bath or hot water bottle
• Abdominal massage (clockwise)
• Rest and relaxation

These home remedies are generally applicable against flatulence, even outside of pregnancy.

Flatulence: Suitable and unsuitable foods

Certain foods promote gas formation, while others have a calming effect on the intestines. Sometimes a small change in diet can help against flatulence.

What promotes flatulence?

Avoid flatulent foods such as cabbage vegetables, legumes, onions or unripe fruit. Nuts, raisins, very fresh bread, yeast, whole grains and some types of cheese can easily lead to a bloated stomach. Pregnant women who are prone to gas and gas should also avoid carbonated drinks. Coffee, ice-cold drinks, chocolate, sweeteners, and fatty foods also promote gas.

What Relieves Flatulence?

A sluggish intestine with increased gas accumulation can be dealt with with a diet rich in fiber. You should also always drink a lot. Fennel, anise, caraway and peppermint have a relaxing effect on the intestines - both as tea, but also fresh or as a spice. Turmeric, caraway, marjoram, ginger and coriander stimulate digestion and alleviate gas.

Pregnancy and flatulence: when to see a doctor?

If preventive measures, home remedies, and avoiding flatulent foods do not relieve the flatulence, you should see a doctor. This is especially true if there are other symptoms such as fever, cramps, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting.

Anti-flatulence drugs

Pregnancy and breastfeeding often place limits on drug treatment. In principle, pregnant women should only use medicinal products after consulting their doctor.

Flatulence is harmless and rarely requires medication to relieve it. Digestive, antispasmodic or defoaming agents (Simeticon, Dimeticon) can help. The latter loosen the gas bubbles in the intestine and thereby relieve flatulence. Pregnancy and development of the child are not endangered by the defoamers - the active ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.

Flatulence - the air has to go!

If the excess gases want to escape in the form of winds, do not suppress them because you will be embarrassed. Up to 1000 milliliters of gas are formed in the intestine every day. The mixture of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane has to escape somewhere, otherwise a painfully tense stomach will develop. If you follow this advice and tips above, chances are good you can enjoy pregnancy and childbirth without gas.

Tags:  prevention sports fitness travel medicine