Of course, gas, flatulence, and burping can be rather embarrassing. Most people experience these about 10 to 20 times a day on average. And during pregnancy, that number seems to increase a lot. But don’t worry! Let’s understand why gas increases during pregnancy and find ways to reduce this problem.

Why Does Gas Occur During Pregnancy?

The increase in progesterone levels during pregnancy relaxes all the muscles in the body, including those of the digestive system. This slows down digestion and gas accumulates in the system, leading to belching, bloating, and flatulence1.

Abdominal Bloating

Bloating occurs at the end of pregnancy due to the growing uterus and increased hormones. The uterine cavity occupies more space in the abdominal cavity, pushing the stomach further and affecting digestion. This makes women feel more bloated after meals. As a result, they also experience heartburn, acidity, or constipation.

Causes of Gas During Pregnancy?

In addition to the rising levels of progesterone and the growing uterus, there are other factors that cause bloating, flatulence, and gas during pregnancy.

Constipation

Food travels through the digestive tract and stays in the intestine for a long time. This helps the baby absorb all the nutrient content, including water. However, this absorption results in dry stools that take longer to reach the rectum, and the built-up fecal mass will increase bloating and gas during pregnancy2.

Food Sensitivity

Certain foods are more likely to cause gas than others. For example, women who are lactose intolerant and consume dairy products like milk may suffer from gas during pregnancy. This happens because the body can’t produce enough lactase to break down lactose (found in dairy products).

Bacteria in the Colon

During pregnancy, if there is a variation in the bacterial balance in the colon, the result will be bloating, flatulence, and increased production of gas during pregnancy.

Weight Gain

With pregnancy, hunger is likely to increase and moms tend to eat more. Having a more nutritious diet together with vitamin supplements increases calories, which makes the pregnant woman more lethargic and less active. Therefore, she is likely to feel more gas during pregnancy, in addition to feeling bloated and uncomfortable.

How Gas Is Produced in the Body

Gas is found in the digestive tract in two ways: when a person swallows air or when bacteria break down undigested food in the intestine. Most of these gases are usually released from the stomach by burping. And flatulence occurs as a result of gas traveling to the colon (large intestine). Carbohydrates produce a lot of gas, unlike proteins and fats. Fats can slow down the digestive process, as they take time to leave the stomach and this can lead to bloating. In addition to the above essential nutrients, there are certain foods that should be avoided to prevent gas and bloating.

Which Foods Cause Gas During Pregnancy?

Some foods are more likely to cause gas during pregnancy. To find out which ones, it’s ideal to test one at a time to identify what’s causing the problem. Keeping a food diary can help discover if certain foods seem to cause more gas than others3.

Main Foods That Cause Gas

To start, try cutting out foods that are the most likely to produce gas:

  • Vegetables like kale, cauliflower, beans, onions, broccoli, artichokes, and asparagus contain fermentable carbohydrates that are hard to digest. This can therefore produce sulfur-filled gases, resulting in a bad smell.
  • Legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, and peas are excellent sources of fiber. But excessive intake of these foods, especially if not soaked (let them soak before cooking for at least 12 hours), can cause gas and abdominal bloating.
  • Seeds such as sunflower, poppy, and fennel will also produce gas in the colon leading to flatulence.
  • Fruits such as apples, mangoes, raisins, plums, cherries, watermelon, and peaches also contain hard-to-digest carbohydrates, which may cause flatulence along with gas.
  • Sodas, wine, and beer can cause belching as they release carbon dioxide in the stomach.
  • Fructose, contained in fruit juices, also causes gas during pregnancy.
  • Wheat, wheat bran, and wheat products can lead to fermentation in the large intestine, causing bloating and gas during pregnancy.
  • Sorbitol, an artificial sweetener found in some foods and drinks, can trigger gas formation.

In most cases, gas during pregnancy does not need any treatment, because soon after the baby is born, it tends to go away.

How to Relieve Gas During Pregnancy

In addition to improving your diet, pregnant women can try some of these suggestions:

  • Don’t eat large meals. Instead, it’s better to eat small meals throughout the day.
  • Don’t rush! Chew food well and try not to talk while eating.
  • Cut fried foods. Fried foods may not release gas in the stomach, but they can slow down digestion, leading to bloating.
  • Increase fluid intake. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and include fresh fruit juices in your diet. They help eliminate toxins from the body and prevent bloating and constipation.
  • Drink straight from a glass. Avoid drinking from a bottle as it’s easier to swallow air, which will give you more gas.
  • Don’t drink beverages that contain carbon dioxide, such as soft drinks for example.
  • Avoid chewing gum
  • Cut sugar and refined foods. Craving sweets during pregnancy is common, but it’s important to control the urge to consume refined sugars.

Keep a food diary. Track the foods you eat and the gas sensation you feel within six hours after every meal. Keep a food diary to identify which foods are causing a reaction.

Is There Any Medication to Treat Gas During Pregnancy?

If these tips haven’t helped, it’s best to ask your doctor if it’s possible to take any gas-relief medicine containing Simethicone.

When Can Gas During Pregnancy Be a Cause for Concern?

Bloating and gas during pregnancy are quite common. But if they’re causing more than normal discomfort it’s important to contact your doctor as soon as possible. Be alert for the following symptoms:

  • Severe abdominal pain and cramps
  • Blood in the stool
  • Painful and regular contractions before 36 weeks of pregnancy
  • Severe constipation and diarrhea
  • Serious vomiting and nausea

Don’t wait. Although common, gas during pregnancy can be a sign that something is not right. See also: Is Heartburn a Symptom of Pregnancy?