Are you aware of the symptoms and causes of pregnancy gas pains and bloating? Here's a complete guide on how to prevent it. 

Pregnant women face a lot of discomforts due to bodily changes and some of the most common discomforts are bloating and gas. The body undergoes drastic hormonal changes during the first trimester of the pregnancy. The heightened levels of Estrogen and Progesterone (hormones) help in thickening the uterine lining which keeps the growing baby safe in the mother’s womb. The muscles of the entire body get relaxed including your digestive tract because of the increase in progesterone hormone level. This hormonal change brings a lot of changes in your digestive system like slowing down your digestion, discomfort in the abdomen, bloating, belching, causing gas and flatulence. If you are consuming large and heavy meals during your pregnancy then problems like constipation and heartburn will also occur. Improper diet and lack of exercise are the two main causes that heighten the levels of progesterone in your body during pregnancy. The main symptoms of gas during pregnancy are as follows:

• Belching

• Jabbing pains in the tummy which comes and go

• Voluntarily or involuntarily passing of gas

• Swollen tummy

• Tightness in stomach

Foods that can cause gas and bloat during your pregnancy are as follows:

• Beans, whole grains, and some vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, asparagus, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts.

• Some foods like pears, apples, lentils, cheese, ketchup, canned tomatoes, onions, honey, corn, potatoes, wheat, peas, prunes, oat bran, etc.

• If you are lactose intolerant then consuming dairy products during pregnancy will certainly cause gas and a bloated abdomen.

• Fried food, sugary foods, fast foods, processed foods, and carbonated drinks.

• Sorbitol and fructose.

Here are some quick easy remedies to get relief from bloating and gas during pregnancy. These methods will not harm your baby in the womb and also bloating and gas will pose no threat to the unborn child. To get the relief you must regularly follow these remedies:

• Drink plenty of fluids that includes 8-10 glasses of water, fresh fruit juice, buttermilk, and flavored milk.

• Physical activity includes walking, yoga, and elevate your legs to let your system digest food easily (2-3 times in a day).

• Try to switch food items and test your diet by checking which food caused bloating and gas. Exclude them from your diet.

• Consume a fibrous-rich diet because that increases the water content in your intestines and helps you get rid of constipation and gas.

• Eat smaller meals frequently because most of the space is taken up by your growing baby and that slows down your digestive system. Avoid having large meals and don’t miss walking after every meal.

• Avoid stress as those leads to a bloated belly.

• Avoid wearing tight clothes and let your system digest the food easily.

• Soak 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in a glass of water overnight and the next day strain the water and drink it for relief.

• Do consult your doctor before consuming fiber supplements and stool softeners.

• Try probiotics.

• Practice breathing exercises to keep yourself calm and relaxed.

• Sip on a miraculous warm drink that includes only lemon and warm water.

• Avoid smoking and eating chewing gums.

• Take your prenatal vitamins only after consulting with your doctor.

• You can include peppermint and ginger in your diet after testing it as they help in comforting your digestive system.

If the above-mentioned remedies aren’t doing any good for you then you must seek medical help and your doctor might recommend you to take anti-gas medication that is pregnancy safe.