Let’s talk about gas!
No not the kind that we fuel our cars with but the kind that our body creates. While most of us experience gas, I am going to talk more specifically about gas during pregnancy, because yes, pregnant women too experience gas and some of us more than others.
According to Medical News Today, raised levels of the hormone progesterone relax the intestines during pregnancy which slows digestions often leading to bloating, belching, and flatulence (Lillis, 2018).
I can remember that gas was one of the main things that I experienced during the first trimester when I was pregnant with my first son. I can remember that a majority of the first few months of my trimester experiencing gas and wondering what I could do to help alleviate some of the discomfort without having to take any medications.
There are different types of foods that are more likely than others to cause gas, like broccoli and brussels sprouts, but here are 5 natural remedies that I learned about in my nutrition education program last year that can help reduce gas during your pregnancy.
- Drink plenty of water. It is suggested that drinking water before and after a meal can help the stomach digest food helping relieve gas symptoms.
- Avoiding carbonated drinks such as soda can help reduce your chances of getting gas.
- Eat more fiber. Eating more fiber helps reduce constipation, which also helps your food pass through your intestines.
- Exercise regularly. It has been suggested that moving your body helps move food through your colon, especially in women. Of course, you will need to check with your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.
- Reduce stress levels.
I wish I would have known about some of these natural remedies during my first pregnancy.
While it is might not be possible to prevent gas during pregnancy, these natural home remedies are aimed at helping pregnant women who experience gas during their pregnancy.
Looking for some plant-based recipes that are full of fiber? Here are some of our favorite fiber-packed recipes.
Sweet Potato and Red Bean Buddha Bowl
References:
Lillis, C. (2018, September 24). Home remedies for relieving gas during pregnancy. Retrieved from Medical News Today.com website: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323146
Stephanie Collazo, MS, CHC is the founder of Clean Food Mama, to help you get more plants into your diet. She shed 170 lbs by incorporating a whole foods plant-based diet and loves empowering other women to create healthy habits for themselves and their families.
