My stomach is swollen like a pregnant woman's. Why pregnant women are bothered by bloating: the main causes of flatulence and ways to combat it

Maria Sokolova

Reading time: 9 minutes

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Many expectant mothers know firsthand about such an unpleasant problem as bloating. The main factor provoking flatulence during pregnancy is the changing hormonal background, which literally involves all organs and systems in the general process of restructuring the body.

The cause of bloating can be both ordinary errors in diet and daily routine, and still hidden diseases, so you should never ignore visiting a doctor!

The main causes of flatulence in early and late pregnancy

The “culprit” for changes in hormonal levels in a pregnant woman’s body is progesterone, the action of which is aimed at relaxing the smooth muscles of the uterus in order to maintain pregnancy.

But the hormone progesterone also has a great influence on the muscles of the stomach and intestines, which leads to a slowdown in motility and a change in the digestion process.

The main factors that result in flatulence:

• Lack of certain digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to poor digestion of food mass.
• Errors in the diet of a pregnant woman.
• Wrong choice of dishes and food products. Flatulence can be triggered by food with an excess of carbohydrates, very coarse food with an abundance of fiber, fatty and smoked foods, and a large lack of vitamins and microelements in the diet.
• Insufficient intake of water and liquid foods.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: gastritis, colitis and enterocolitis, duodenitis, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, peptic ulcer, hepatitis, pancreatitis, etc.
• Dysbacteriosis.
• The pregnancy hormone is progesterone.
• In the second and third trimesters, bloating can cause constant pressure from the growing uterus on the intestines and gastrointestinal tract.
• Stress, physical and mental stress.
• Helminthic infestations, infectious diseases.
• Environmental factors.
• Incorrectly chosen clothing, squeezing the growing stomach and chest.

Signs of bloating in a pregnant woman – when should you see a doctor?

As we have already noted above, the cause of flatulence in an expectant mother can be chronic diseases that appeared or began to worsen during pregnancy.

What alarming symptoms require a pregnant woman to urgently consult a doctor?

Flatulence during pregnancy manifests itself as follows:

1. The stomach seems to be bursting, sounds of rumbling, transfusion of food and gas bubbles are heard.
2. The feeling of heaviness in the stomach does not leave.
3. Copious discharge of gases.
4. Nausea - and not only in the morning on an empty stomach, as happens with toxicosis.
5. Deterioration of appetite - a woman begins to be afraid to eat anything, so as not to again cause a violent reaction in the stomach.
6. Diarrhea may occur - or, conversely, constipation.
7. A pregnant woman notices frequent belching and bad breath.
8. As a result of poor digestion and constant worries about well-being, the expectant mother may experience headaches and dizziness, weakness and drowsiness, increased heart rate and surges in blood pressure.

A deterioration in general well-being and mood is not the most dangerous consequence that can occur with severe and prolonged flatulence.

Serious complications can arise when enlarged intestinal loops put strong pressure on the uterus - it may occur , which often causes premature termination of pregnancy and early birth.

In addition, any digestive or appetite disturbances during pregnancy can lead to disorders of intrauterine development of a child , because they will deprive him of a sufficient amount of vitamins and microelements.

The expectant mother must remember: any ailments during pregnancy are a reason to consult a doctor!

The most dangerous symptoms for which help should be provided immediately:

1. Severe diarrhea and vomiting, signs of dehydration.
2. Increased body temperature and feverish conditions.
3. Abdominal pain of various types.
4. Lack of appetite, severe nausea.
5. Blood and mucus in the stool.

Prevention of flatulence in a pregnant woman - adjusting the diet and regimen

The first thing you need to do is adjust your diet

• It is necessary to eat food in small portions, increasing the number of meals and reducing the volume.
• It is better if the expectant mother eats in a reclining position. Food must be chewed very carefully, remembering the golden rule - you must chew each portion at least 30 times.

Products that provoke increased gas formation should be excluded or sharply limited in the diet:

1. All varieties of cabbage , especially raw. If you really want, for example, pies or cabbage soup, then it is better to give preference to broccoli or cauliflower.
2. R edis, daikon, radish.
3. Eggplants and peppers in any form.
4. All legumes , including green beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, kidney beans, soybeans.
5. Mushrooms.
6. Fruits and berries , especially fresh apples, grapes, plums, peaches, apricots. Candied fruits and juices made from these berries and fruits are also not recommended.
7. Corn.
8. Peanut.
9. Dairy , including kefir, yogurts, cottage cheese and fresh milk.
10. All drinks with gas , including sparkling mineral water.
11. Kvass.
12. Fatty meat products, smoked meats.
13. Yeast bread and bakery products.
14. Sweet confectionery and candies, chocolate.

Foods that help reduce flatulence:

1. Rice, crumbly buckwheat.
2. Lean meats, poultry.
3. Whole grain bread.
4. Boiled carrots and beets.
5. Low-fat fish and all seafood.
6. Green tea, compote with bird cherry.
7. Oatmeal on water.
8. Steamed protein omelettes.
9. Fresh parsley, fennel, cilantro and dill for the table.

We adjust physical activity and regimen:

1. It is necessary to organize the correct daily routine, in which night rest should be at least 9-10 hours, a couple of daytime rest breaks of half an hour, when the expectant mother can simply lie down with her legs elevated.
2. Particular attention should be paid to sufficient physical activity of the pregnant woman. so that the intestines work well. These include walks in the fresh air, as much as possible, and breathing exercises every day.
3. Shoes and clothes should be comfortable, not tight, appropriate for the duration of pregnancy. No corsets or high heels!
4. After eating it is very useful to massage the abdomen, stroking it around the navel clockwise. Do not press under any circumstances!
5. Swimming and.

Treatment of increased gas formation during pregnancy - how can a doctor help?

Since we are talking about a woman expecting a baby, treatment of flatulence, intestinal spasms and other unpleasant problems associated with increased gas formation should be based on means and methods that are completely safe for the pregnant woman and the fetus.

In any case, treatment should be prescribed by a doctor! It is worth recalling that without a doctor’s recommendation, an expectant mother should not even take infusions of medicinal herbs.

Drugs for the treatment of flatulence that a doctor may prescribe:

1. Espumisan. The drug destroys gas bubbles in the intestines and significantly alleviates the condition of flatulence. A safe medicine, it is usually prescribed in a dosage of 2 capsules before bedtime.
2. Iberogast. A carminative drug containing herbal components without any chemical components. It has not only carminative, but also bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, and choleretic properties. It must be taken as recommended and under the supervision of a doctor! Pregnant women are usually prescribed Iberogast in a dosage of 20 drops before meals three times a day.
3. Diflatil and Simethicone. Prescribed by a doctor according to the scheme: 25-30 drops after meals, 3-4 times a day.
4. Simikop. Doctors recommend that their patients take this drug 0.5 ml before meals.
5. Meteospasmil. Usually prescribed 1-2 capsules up to three times a day before meals.
6. Sub simplex. Dosage – 30 drops simultaneously with or after meals.
7. Bifidum-bacterin, trilacg, ecoflor. These drugs are prescribed to expectant mothers to restore normal intestinal microflora.

Contraindicated for pregnant women Maalox plus, Nasigel cherry, Liquid antacid "York", Maisigel, Zeolate, Almakon.

Folk remedies against flatulence during pregnancy

Herbal decoctions and folk remedies during pregnancy should also be taken only on the recommendation of a doctor!

1. Infusion of coriander seeds. Crush a tablespoon of seeds, pour a glass of boiling water and leave. Drink a third of a glass of infusion three times a day 15 minutes before meals.
2. Melissa and chamomile tea.
3. Infusion of watch. Pour two teaspoons of dry watch with a glass of boiling water, leave, strain. Drink half a glass before meals.
4. Dill and dill water. It is recommended to season all dishes with fresh or dried dill. Dill water is prepared by pouring two cups of boiling water over a tablespoon of seeds and leaving until completely cooled. You need to drink half a glass of water before each meal.
5. Ginger. It is recommended to add a quarter teaspoon of ginger powder or one plastic piece of fresh ginger to tea in the morning and evening. You should drink this tea after meals.
6. Paste made from clay, nuts and lemon. Grind 100 grams of peeled nuts (you can take pine or walnuts), one lemon along with the peel in a meat grinder. Add 50 grams of pure clay (buy at the pharmacy) to the mixture, add honey or stevia herb for a sweet taste. Mix well and store the mixture in the refrigerator. Take a teaspoon of paste half an hour before meals in the morning and evening.

The website warns: self-medication can harm your health! Use all the tips presented only after examination and on the recommendation of a doctor!

Gas formation is a normal physiological process. Often during pregnancy, a woman faces problems such as bloating and flatulence. Increased accumulation of gases leads to an enlarged abdomen, which causes significant discomfort to the expectant mother. Why does the belly begin to swell, and what should an expectant mother do with this symptom? We'll tell you.

Bloating during pregnancy is very common. Associated signs of pathology are often hidden:

• a feeling of fullness in the abdomen;
• bitterness in the mouth;
• metallic taste in the mouth;
• heartburn;
• increased pulse rate and heart rate;
• loss of appetite;
• constipation;
• frequent passing of gases;
• nausea;
• pain in the abdominal area;
• rumbling;
• weakness;
• painful sensations in muscle structures;
• burning in the heart area;
• cramping pain;
• increase in pressure.

Bloating in pregnant women does not always cause discomfort. Most often, expectant mothers refer to pushing their baby from the inside, so they do not notice problems with the intestines. The most common but often ignored symptom is constipation.

Causes of bloating during pregnancy

When the belly begins to swell in early pregnancy, this sign signals successful fertilization. Many doctors claim that increased gas formation is the first symptom after conception. The reason for this phenomenon is the increased production of progesterone and the restructuring of hormonal levels. Many people are not even aware of the implantation of the fertilized egg and are waiting for their period to start.

Bloating and gas formation during pregnancy can be both normal and pathological signs. Therefore, if you have complaints, you should urgently contact a specialist. Only a doctor can recognize the cause and prescribe adequate treatment.

Possible Adverse Effects

Bloating during early pregnancy can lead to adverse consequences. With flatulence, not only the expectant mother suffers, but also the baby. This is due to the following reasons:

1. The pregnant woman begins to eat little to prevent the formation of gases. But because of this, the baby suffers from a lack of nutrients in the body.
2. Strong rumbling causes discomfort not only for the expectant mother, but also for the baby.

Abdominal bloating in the early stages must be treated. If this is not done, then serious complications may develop in the form of:

• miscarriage or premature labor;
• the birth of a child with psychological disorders or other pathologies;
• the birth of a weakened baby due to a lack of useful elements.

The woman experiences constant discomfort, which has a bad effect on the emotional state of the expectant mother. Because of this, she becomes nervous, irritable and emotionally unstable.

Treatment of bloating during pregnancy

If you experience bloating during pregnancy, what should you do in this case? It is necessary to urgently consult a doctor. He will listen to the patient’s complaints and prescribe an examination. This usually involves performing ultrasound diagnostics. This will eliminate the presence of serious pathologies.

If the diagnosis is confirmed, then treatment is prescribed. It depends on what accompanying symptoms are present.

If your stomach is swollen during pregnancy, you must follow several rules.

1. Activated carbon will help with the formation of gases. It absorbs gas bubbles and removes them out. If there are restrictions on it, then it is better to give preference to safer products in the form of Enterosgel, Smecta, Polysorb. The dosage is calculated based on the patient's weight.
2. If there are problems with the pancreas, the doctor will prescribe enzyme agents. They will help relieve the feeling of heaviness and improve the functioning of the digestive tract. During the pregnancy stage, women can take Mezim, Pancreatin, Creon.
3. Adjust your diet. The diet should be balanced and not contain foods that cause increased gas. Prohibited foods include flour and confectionery products, pastries and cakes, legumes, bread, carbonated drinks, coffee, and cabbage. Food should only be steamed or boiled. Portions should be small. But you need to eat as often as possible.
4. Take walks. This is very important both in the first and third trimester of pregnancy. This recommendation will help avoid toxicosis, improve the functioning of the digestive canal and strengthen muscle structures.
5. Starting from the second trimester, you should use herbal infusions. They will help improve the motor skills of the organ and calm the nervous system of the mother and unborn baby. But it is worth remembering that you cannot take herbs without a doctor’s recommendation, as some of them can cause miscarriage or premature birth. Chamomile and calendula are considered the safest.
6. If there are difficulties with bowel movements, you can resort to using glycerin suppositories. They will help dissolve feces, facilitate their removal and prevent the appearance of hemorrhoids.
7. Every evening before a night's rest you should drink a mug of kefir. And in the morning you need to take a spoonful of olive, flaxseed or sea buckthorn oil. These products will improve digestion and eliminate flatulence. In addition to all this, homemade yoghurts with the addition of live bacteria will bring great benefits. This drink will not only eliminate digestive problems, but will also enrich the mother’s body with calcium.
8. For the treatment of bloating in early and late stages, Espumisan is prescribed. It also absorbs gas particles and removes them. However, it is not prohibited for expectant mothers.
9. The dishes that the expectant mother eats should not be hot or cold. The optimal temperature will be 40 degrees.

Particular attention should be paid to the clothes that the expectant mother wears. She shouldn't put pressure anywhere. The best option would be overalls and trousers that do not squeeze the stomach.

Traditional methods of treating bloating in the abdomen

There are several recipes.

1. First way.
   If your stomach is distended during pregnancy, and you are worried about severe heaviness and nausea, then a chamomile-based decoction will help. To make it you will need 20 grams of dried flowers and a mug of boiled water. Then you should take a thermos and pour all the contents into it. Leave for two to three hours. After this, the infusion is filtered.

   You should take the drink several times a day instead of tea.

2. Second way.
   Dill water is considered an excellent remedy. It is recommended to give it to newborns, infants, and women at any stage of pregnancy with constant and severe flatulence.

   The stomach can swell at any moment, so you need to have dill seeds with you. Making a decoction is easy. You need to take a spoonful of raw materials and pour a cup of boiled water. Place on the stove and simmer for two to three hours. After this, strain.

   You need to take the medicine up to three times a day before eating.

3. Third way.
   You can remove a bloated belly using a special mixture of lemon and ginger. To make the drink, take five grams of ginger powder and a spoonful of lemon juice. A pinch of salt is added to the resulting mass.

   The medicine must be taken before consuming food for 14 days.

During pregnancy, every woman can experience bloating. This problem is considered quite common. But to overcome the problem, you need to see a doctor and tell about all your complaints. Based on this, he will order an examination, identify the cause, prescribe appropriate treatment and give practical advice.

Man Woman Hands Belly Back Skin Legs Chest Pelvic area Neck Head Miscellaneous Colic in the stomach Stomach hurts (right, left, high, low) Stomach hurts (exactly in the middle) Side hurts Stomach is swollen - and you are neither pregnant nor obese Tumor in the rectum gut

Swollen belly

You know the feeling: you just ate a big meal, maybe washed it down with carbonated drinks, and your trousers, skirt, belt have become a little tight. After a few hours (either emitting gases through the north or south hole) most of the discomfort will pass. Such fullness after eating usually do not present a medical problem.

When should you be concerned about a bloated belly and why?

If bloating recurs, disappear and appear again, this is probably a consequence of the fact that you have swallowed air or you have gases in your intestines. Most swallowers deny this fact because it is not a conscious action on their part, but simply a nervous habit.

Swallowing large amounts of air (as well as water) stretches the stomach and gives a feeling of fullness, which can be relieved by what doctors politely call “belching” (read “belching”). Such people usually say that they “ate something” or that they “have gas.”

In fact, only in a small number of cases does bloating result from the consumption of gas-producing carbohydrates (cabbage is a well-known example). If this is the case, changing your diet and avoiding sweets will relieve the gas problem.

For some "functional" bowel disorders, such as "nervous stomach", "spastic bowel" and "irritable colon" (in which there are often no physical changes), large amounts of gas form within the intestines, accompanied by distension and collapse of the abdominal wall. Again, a change in diet or anti-spasticity medications will help.

There is one pathology in which stretching after eating actually reflects physical illness - a disorder of the gallbladder. An hour or two after eating, you feel bloated, which is relieved by belching.

The likely mechanism is this: a healthy gallbladder can pump out enough bile to digest the fatty foods you eat; a diseased bladder (with or without stones) is unable to, so undigested fat simply lingers in the intestines, giving a feeling of fullness in the abdomen and gas.

Remember that when the problem is air stretching your belly, the tightness and tightness of your clothing will come and go. On the contrary, when your waist increases and it does not go away, it means that your weight has increased or fluid has accumulated in the abdominal cavity. Fluid in the abdomen can be distinguished from air.

If your belly fills with fluid, your sides will expand as gravity causes the fluid to flow downwards. On the contrary, the air is distributed evenly, and the sides do not spread out to the sides. If fluid accumulates in your abdomen, you won't necessarily gain weight as you might expect, because conditions that cause fluid retention are usually associated with serious illness and poor diet.

Most common reason presence of fluid in the abdomen (ascites)- This is an advanced liver disorder (cirrhosis), which is observed in the late stages of long-term alcoholism or chronic viral hepatitis. Certainly, if you are an alcoholic, a bloated belly won't be the very first problem - unless you've looked at the red "bulb" nose and red spider spots on the stomach, chest and arms. Regardless of the cause, in men, the inability of a diseased liver to deactivate the tiny amounts of female hormones that are produced in all men causes shrinkage of the testicles, weakened sex drive, and the appearance of feminine characteristics such as enlarged breasts and loss of facial hair.

Heart disease, like cirrhosis of the liver, can lead to fluid accumulation in the abdomen. A weak heart muscle is unable to push through the blood coming to it from all over the body. Some of it is retained first in the lungs, and later in other places, including the stomach and legs. You will be diagnosed with heart disease if you experience severe shortness of breath, especially when lying on your stomach. In addition, with cirrhosis, the stomach swells before the legs begin to swell; in case of heart failure it is the other way around.

Here's another one heart disease, in addition to weakness of the heart muscle, which can cause fluid to accumulate in the abdomen: problems with the pericardium, the sac that contains the heart. When the pericardial sac is damaged by a virus, tuberculosis or some infectious agent, and sometimes after open heart surgery, it becomes thicker and scars form on it. The hard tissue squeezes the heart like a steel ring. Even if the heart muscle is healthy and strong, it cannot contract normally in such an embrace. It does not push through all the blood, just as it does when it is weak. This condition, called constrictive pericarditis, causes blood to pool in the abdomen, causing it to swell. When fluid accumulates around the heart under the pericardium, even without significant scarring of the sac, it has the same effect.

At stomach cancer growth, regardless of where it occurs, fluid accumulates in the abdomen. Ovarian cancer causes particularly severe fluid production. I have myself observed abdominal enlargement as a result of ovarian cancer being mistaken for pregnancy - at least for a period of time - in women of childbearing age.

Pregnancy is such an obvious cause of abdominal enlargement that, it seems to us, no woman will miss this diagnosis. After all, she has nine months at her disposal! Believe it or not, some women were brought in to give birth without even realizing they were pregnant. I once met such a woman on a television interview. She told me that by never paying attention to her periods, she thought she was just getting fat. The day came and she felt cramps in her stomach. She sat down on the toilet and gave birth to a normal child! These women usually do not understand the physiology of menstruation or conception. Therefore, if you are sexually active and in your prime, always think about pregnancy if your waistline is increasing for some unknown reason.

The other side of the coin is a condition called pseudopsiesis. This is a relatively rare psychiatric problem in which a woman is mistakenly convinced that she is pregnant. Her waist is actually getting bigger, but after nine months nothing is happening. I myself have not seen such things and I don’t know what causes the stomach to enlarge, but such a pathology exists.

The swelling does not necessarily affect the entire abdomen. It may be local. Asymmetry may be a consequence cysts in the abdominal cavity or, if it is in the lower region, retention of stool due to severe constipation.

If you find a lump in your stomach, remember the four quadrants I talked about. If the tubercle is in the right upper quadrant, it is most likely associated with liver or anything in it. In the upper left, probably due to enlarged spleensAnd for various diseases, including infectious mononucleosis, leukemia, lymphoma and other blood diseases. Swelling in the lower midline may result bladder distension, enlargement of the uterus during pregnancy or fibrous tumors, ovarian cysts and other neoplasms.

If you ever had surgery on my stomach, you may notice a lump along the seam, where the scar tissue has stretched and the contents of the abdomen are protruding through it. These incisional hernias sometimes require surgery.

So, abdominal enlargement that is not associated with pregnancy and simple weight gain usually reflects air or fluid retention. Air comes and goes, while liquid gradually accumulates. A rule to remember: you shouldn't rush to the doctor if you have to loosen your belt after a heavy meal, but you should do so if your waistline continues to increase and progresses.

List of possible diseases:

While carrying a baby, women often encounter problems that they might not have known about before pregnancy. And if external changes become visible only after a couple of months, internal ones begin to bother you from the first weeks, manifesting themselves in unpleasant signs, one of which is bloating.

Doctors define this problem as flatulence during pregnancy. Additionally, it may also be accompanied by heartburn, hiccups, discomfort in the peritoneal area, feelings of heaviness in the abdomen, and even.

Pregnant women very often complain of bloating, not only in the early stages, but throughout the entire period of bearing a child. This phenomenon occurs when excess gas accumulates in the intestines. Normally, for the intestines to function normally, it should contain approximately 900 cubic meters. see gases, which should be excreted about 15 times a day.

However, sometimes the passage of gases is disrupted, and then you will be bothered by bloating, pain and other unpleasant symptoms. During pregnancy, under the influence of a number of physiological factors, many expectant mothers regularly suffer from this problem.

Among the main reasons that provoke it are the following.

• Hormonal background.

Excess gas in the first trimester can be caused by sudden changes in hormonal levels. This undoubtedly affects your well-being and health.

In order for pregnancy to proceed normally, it increases significantly in the blood. This helps the smooth muscles of the uterus relax, which means you won’t be afraid of other complications. But such changes, reducing the motor activity of the intestines and stomach, cause flatulence.

In the second trimester, the growing uterus can also cause bloating. As pregnancy progresses and the baby grows in the mother's belly, the significantly increased size of the uterus begins to put pressure on the remaining internal organs, thereby creating discomfort for them. For this reason, the intestines, stomach, and other organs do not work properly, not performing their functions properly.

• Chronic diseases.

Sometimes chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can cause bloating and other unpleasant symptoms (if a woman suffers from cholecystitis, pancreatitis, gastritis, ulcers, and inflammation or inflammatory processes in the intestines are often to blame for the problem). Banal dysbacteriosis should not be ruled out.

• It happens that bloating is provoked due to congenital deficiency of digestive enzymes or congenital enzymatic deficiency.

• Stress, nervous shock and adverse environmental influences also often negatively affect the functioning of internal organs, especially during pregnancy.

• One of the most common causes of bloating is a violation of the diet or improper nutrition.

A woman eats prohibited or not recommended foods, abuses unhealthy foods, has bad habits, etc. If a pregnant woman does not consume enough fluid, this can also affect the appearance of increased gas formation and bloating.

It should be noted that a predisposing factor for the occurrence of a problem is sometimes tight clothing, which interferes with normal movement, puts pressure on the growing belly and hinders movement, so you should be careful about your health - even in such small things.

If you cannot understand for yourself what caused the bloating and how dangerous it is for your health, it is better to consult a doctor to prevent any complications and help yourself get rid of the unpleasant problem.

How might illness manifest itself?

To understand what you need to pay attention to, you should clarify exactly what signs characterize bloating and what additional symptoms it is accompanied by.

Often, during the process or exacerbation of flatulence, a woman may complain of the following manifestations:

• the stomach feels as if it is bursting from the inside;
• there is an unpleasant heaviness in the peritoneal area;
• gases pass noisily and frequently;
• appetite appears and disappears;
• there is an unpleasant taste in the mouth;
• may cause intestinal upset (both constipation).

There are cases where bloating provoked the appearance of cramping pain. In addition to pain in the abdomen, muscle pain and pain in the heart may also bother you. Pregnant women also noted general weakness of the body, sleep disturbances, irritability, etc.

How is this dangerous for mother and baby?

Despite the seeming frivolity of the problem, it can cause considerable harm to both the woman herself and her baby.

Suffering from poor health and discomfort, the expectant mother begins to get nervous, becomes overtired, does not get enough sleep, and suffers from pain. All this, of course, affects the child.

In addition, due to problems with the gastrointestinal tract, the diet is disrupted even more: the woman does not want to eat, she eats little or does not eat well, thereby depriving her baby of the vitamins, nutrients and nutrients he needs for normal growth and development .

However, that's not all. Bloating may well cause the threat of miscarriage or premature birth, depending on the stage of pregnancy, since it causes the tone of the uterus (very strong pressure is exerted on its walls when gases distend the intestines).

Therefore, if symptoms and signs of a problem appear, contact your doctor who can help you solve it.

What should pregnant women do if they have bloating?

To get rid of bloating, you will have to undergo an examination. This will make it possible to understand whether flatulence is simply a “side effect” of pregnancy, or whether it is caused by other, hidden dangerous diseases and problems in your body.

Based on the results of the examination, complaints and the condition of the pregnant woman, the doctor will be able to plan treatment and make any prescriptions.

What can you do with medications for bloating?

Typically, medications during pregnancy should only be used as a last resort. If you are suffering from acute attacks of flatulence, which are accompanied by pain and other serious symptoms, then the doctor will prescribe you special medications.

One of the common medications to get rid of gases during pregnancy is a medicine called Iberogast. This is a herbal drug that can be taken during pregnancy, so doctors often give it preference.

If you need to take “carminative” drugs that combat increased gas formation and bloating, the doctor may prescribe you “Espumizan”. This drug is also considered relatively safe, since it does not have a negative effect on the baby, since it is not absorbed into the blood.

Other popular anti-bloating medications, including those prescribed during pregnancy, include drugs that contain dimethicone or simethicone.

They are called defoamers because they release gas from the foam (in this form it is in the intestines).

As for antispasmodics and prokinetics, doctors try not to resort to them, because almost every drug has a lot of contraindications and side effects.

The use of activated carbon or sorbents is also not always desirable, since they will absorb both beneficial substances and vitamins, which can lead to their lack in the body.

The use of traditional methods and remedies for treatment, especially important in the early stages

There are various herbal preparations and herbs that can cope with the unpleasant manifestations of flatulence:

• A decoction of ordinary pharmaceutical chamomile helps with severe bloating.

A tablespoon of herb flowers is boiled for several minutes in 200 ml of water. Then take a thermos or glass container and let the broth brew for about 3-4 hours. When you strain the infusion, you can take it. It is recommended to drink 2 tablespoons of the decoction no more than four times a day, 15-20 minutes before meals.

• Dill water, used to solve similar problems in young children, is also good in such cases.

You need to take one tablespoon of dill, the seeds of which are sold at the pharmacy, and pour boiling water over it (up to 300 ml). You can even boil it for a few minutes and then leave it to steep for 2-3 hours. Then, after straining the dill water, it is better to immediately divide it into separate portions. You should drink the liquid before meals (about an hour) half a glass several times a day.

• It is recommended to add dill to a variety of dishes on your menu: salads, soups, etc.

If the doctor confirms that you have dysbiosis, you may be advised to drink kefir regularly, since thanks to this product, harmful bacteria that cause bloating do not multiply so actively.

• Fewer gases will form in the intestines if you prepare and consume a special mixture of lemon and ginger juice.

To do this, you need to mix ginger powder (you can rub the root or take dry) with lemon juice in a proportion of 5 grams per tablespoon, adding a small pinch of salt to the mixture. It is better to take the product before meals for two weeks.

During acute attacks, doctors recommend massaging the abdomen, stroking it clockwise (10-15 minutes), as is done for small children with colic. It is also good to go for a walk or walk more after eating. This will increase the tone of the digestive tract.

Swimming in the pool, yoga, and gymnastics for pregnant women will also be useful for the expectant mother.

A set of exercises to activate the motor process is also prescribed in cases where the cause of bloating is a change in hormonal levels and an increase in progesterone levels.

One of the key points of the treatment complex is a special diet.

The daily diet must be composed correctly, that is, not only contain all the products that are healthy and necessary for a pregnant woman, but also exclude those that can contribute to the accumulation of a large amount of gases or their active release.

Pay attention to the list of foods that you should avoid during severe attacks of bloating:

• legumes (peas, beans, corn, a little less soybeans and lentils);
• cabbage and cucumbers (especially raw);
• black bread;
• asparagus and artichokes;
• pears and apples, melons, other raw fruits;
• fried and fatty foods, marinades, salted and fermented foods;
• chewing gum;
• flour and sweet products containing sucrose;
• sparkling water, beer, coffee.

Try to minimize your intake of these foods to avoid causing bloating.

Doctors also advise pregnant women to properly organize their diet: eat often and in small portions, chew food thoroughly, and do not overeat. Do not forget that you should drink enough liquid (it can be in the form of water, tea, compote, juice, liquid food).

However, if you have a habit of drinking water from a bottle, it is better to get rid of it, as it allows excess air to enter your stomach.

Eat more dairy and fermented milk products - this will help improve intestinal function. To help digestion, your doctor may prescribe you food enzymes (Mezim, Pancreatin, Festal).

Is prevention possible?

To prevent an unpleasant problem from occurring, try to follow simple rules:

• First, eat a healthy and balanced diet.

Avoid foods that increase gas or may harm you.

• Drink enough fluids.
• Don't forget about moderate physical activity and exercise.
• Get tested and examined by a doctor on time.

This will allow you to notice a problem or concomitant disease in a timely manner and make it possible to take the necessary measures.

• Do not wear clothes that are too tight or constricting.
• Walk more in the fresh air, get enough sleep, relax, avoid stress and nervous shock.

Conclusion

A pregnant woman should be attentive to her well-being and health, because the normal development and condition of the child completely depends on this. You should not endure pain, malaise or other unpleasant symptoms, thereby endangering yourself and your baby. The sooner you see a doctor, the faster you can get rid of bloating and its manifestations, improving your condition, mood and well-being.

The time of bearing a child becomes one of the most significant periods in a woman’s life, filled with joyful anticipation of the birth of a new life.

But often these wonderful sensations are overshadowed by unpleasant phenomena in the form of periodic deterioration in health.

The most common problems during pregnancy are bloating, heartburn, and toxicosis with morning sickness.

What to do when such manifestations occur? When can you use home remedies, and in what cases should you see a doctor?

Bloating during pregnancy. How to deal with it

Abdominal bloating begins to bother pregnant women, mainly in the second and third trimester, when the enlarged uterus begins to put pressure on the stomach and intestines.

At this time, many women reduce their physical activity; instead of exercising and walking, they prefer to rest, which negatively affects digestion and the natural release of gases.

The widespread belief that during pregnancy you need to eat intensely so that the child can receive the substances necessary for growth also plays a role.

This should not be done; systematic overeating will inevitably lead to digestive problems, causing heartburn, nausea and bloating.

To provide the growing fetus with all the substances important for its development, it is enough to diversify your diet with seasonal vegetables and fruits, and, if necessary, take vitamins under the supervision of a doctor.

Bloating during pregnancy is not dangerous and will go away as soon as the baby is born.

But if a woman has encountered it before, or has a history of diseases of the digestive organs, she should report bloating to the doctor, since chronic diseases may worsen during pregnancy.

In such cases, you will need to undergo a course of therapy; self-medication can harm both mother and baby.

Causes of bloating during pregnancy

Bloating is one of the symptoms of flatulence (excessive gas production).

When, for some reason, gases cannot escape, but wander through the intestines, bloating, rumbling, and cramping pain in different parts of the abdomen occurs, which goes away after they are released.

Although the pain is short-term, it can be very severe when gases pass through the intestines.

In each specific case, consultation with a doctor is necessary, because any treatment carried out without serious indications may pose a threat to the fetus.

If bloating during pregnancy is accompanied by headaches, general weakness, changes in blood pressure, nausea not associated with toxicosis, or dizziness, this is a reason to consult a doctor.

In cases of complete loss of appetite, vomiting, repeated diarrhea, high fever, acute pain in the lower abdomen, you should urgently call an ambulance; these are very dangerous symptoms.

They may indicate an acute intestinal infection, food poisoning, or the threat of miscarriage.

How to eliminate bloating during pregnancy

If after all the examinations no pathologies were identified, then bloating in the second trimester of pregnancy can be considered, although unpleasant, but a natural phenomenon that is not difficult to cope with.

To eliminate flatulence, medications approved for use by pregnant women or natural methods are used.

1. Espumisan, a remedy that is prescribed even to newborn babies, will quickly and effectively relieve bloating. Take 2 capsules at night. When using this drug, you must drink plenty of fluids, otherwise constipation may occur.
2. Simethicone - drops, drink 25-30 drops after meals.
3. Meteospasmil - take 1-2 capsules 2-3 times a day before meals.
4. Activated carbon should be used with caution, as it tends to absorb iron, which can lead to anemia in pregnant women.
5. Iberogast is a natural herbal composition.
6. Hilak Forte, Bifidum-Bakterin, Ecoflor are medicines that normalize microflora.

These drugs are allowed during pregnancy; if used correctly, they will not cause any adverse reactions and will not harm the baby.

In addition to medications, there are many other methods to eliminate or reduce bloating.

A warm bath, abdominal massage, or a special exercise in which the abdominal muscles are tensed and then relaxed will help.

In exceptional cases, when severe bloating causes heaviness and colic, and nothing helps, you can use a gas tube.

If the condition is satisfactory, herbal infusions and food products will come to the rescue:

• green tea with chamomile and thyme;
• mint infusion with chamomile;
• cumin – 3 tsp. pour two cups of boiling water over the crushed seeds, leave to brew for 2 hours, drink a quarter cup several times a day;
• infusion of dill seeds;
• kiwi fruits - it is enough to eat one in the morning and in the evening, you should not overuse it, so as not to cause diarrhea;
• ginger tea;
• if there is no heartburn, you can use ginger powder with freshly squeezed lemon juice, consume a little before meals for 7-10 days; The product improves appetite and normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Some foods can also reduce bloating during pregnancy: whole grain bread, buckwheat and oatmeal, steamed egg white omelet, green tea, fresh herbs, boiled carrots and beets.

In this case, you will have to exclude from the menu everything that contributes to the excessive formation of gases: legumes, all types of cabbage, mushrooms, peanuts, corn, fresh milk, eggplant, kvass, baked goods, confectionery.

During pregnancy, heartburn is often tormented, and many are accustomed to cope with it with the help of a baking soda solution.

This remedy should not be used by patients with heartburn. And pregnant women should especially avoid it, since soda increases the formation of gases in the intestines, which leads to pain in the lower abdomen.

During pregnancy, even women who feel well are extremely important to monitor their diet, since the health of their unborn child depends on it.

In addition to foods that provoke flatulence, you need to reduce the amount of flour, sweet, fatty, spicy foods, fast food, canned and pickled vegetables and fruits.

You should also avoid chemical ingredients in store-bought products, artificial sugar substitutes, and semi-finished products.

You need to monitor your body’s reactions, since hormonal changes during pregnancy lead to the fact that a woman may develop intolerance to foods that she previously consumed without problems.

Having determined which foods make your stomach bloat, you should avoid them in the future.

Daily routine and healthy habits

During pregnancy, it is more important than ever to maintain a daily routine and physical activity.

Although during this period you want to pamper yourself, sleep longer, relax, eat something that you couldn’t afford before pregnancy, well-being directly depends on a properly organized routine.

In addition to the diet, it includes sleep for at least 8-9 hours, light physical exercise designed specifically for pregnant women, feasible work, walks at a slow pace, especially after meals, and positive emotions.

Swimming has a positive effect on the health of a pregnant woman; it can be practiced at any time, if your health allows.

Swimming uses all muscles, including the abdomen, improves the functioning of the digestive organs, and helps the body prepare for childbirth.

The only caution that must be taken into account is that you can only swim in a clean pool or pond; the stagnant water of a rural pond is not suitable for this purpose; it is often contaminated with pathogenic bacteria.

Sea and sunbathing will have a beneficial effect, but only in the morning and late afternoon, when the sun is not so active.

For the entire 9 months, you need to put skirts and trousers with tight waistbands, shapewear, corsets, and clothes that are too tight into the closet.

At this time, it is better to wear loose dresses, sundresses, and overalls that do not squeeze the stomach or hamper movement.

It’s not even worth mentioning that during the entire period of bearing a child and breastfeeding, you should not drink alcohol, smoke or take strong medications without compelling medical indications.

There is an opinion that dry red wine and beer do not harm the fetus and are acceptable during pregnancy in small doses, and some women allow themselves to drink these drinks.

This should not be done under any circumstances; beer and wine, like all other alcohol, affects the fetus and leads to defects and anomalies in its development, especially in the early stages.

Although psychological disorders are difficult to associate with digestive processes, during pregnancy, stressful and conflict situations, nervous tension, depression and depression can be the culprits of flatulence, abdominal pain and other disorders.

In this regard, it is important to control your emotional state, avoid quarrels and conflicts, and in case of nervous excitability, take natural sedatives after consultation with a doctor.

To get positive emotions, you can listen to your favorite music, watch films with positive content, engage in hobbies, and set aside time to communicate with loved ones.

In combination with proper nutrition, proper rest, and balanced physical activity, you can overcome all the difficulties associated with poor health, and the pregnancy period will pass in joyful anticipation of the birth of a new life.

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