X
theAsianparent Malaysia Logo
theAsianparent Malaysia Logo
EnglishMalay
Product GuideSign in
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Project Sidekicks
    • Pregnancy
    • Losing A Baby
    • Conceiving a Baby
    • Adoption
    • Labour & Delivery
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Child
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parenting Tips
    • Marriage, Relationship & Sex
    • Viral News
  • Health
    • Illness
    • Allergy & Syndrome
    • Vaccinations
    • Give Health A Shot
  • Breastfeeding & Nutrition
    • Breastfeeding
    • Healthy Meal Tips
    • Formula
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • Primary School
    • Middle School
    • Special Education
  • Money Parenting
    • Tips for Parents
    • Tips for Toddlers
    • Tips for Older Kids
    • The 5 Personas
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Holiday
    • Spirituality
    • Home
  • TAP Recommends
  • Press Room
  • Products
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023
  • Advertise With Us

Gas During Pregnancy: What You Should Know and How To Get Rid Of It?

7 min read
Gas During Pregnancy: What You Should Know and How To Get Rid Of It?

Gas during pregnancy is quite common, and can cause a great amount of discomfort for expecting moms. Here are some things that you can do to relieve it.

You’re pregnant and you notice that you’re passing more gas than you usually would, and at times, it’s painful. Gas and bloating during pregnancy is not uncommon and can be caused by your hormones as well as the food that you eat. Here are some things you can do to help relieve gas during pregnancy. 

What causes gas during pregnancy? 

Gas pain during pregnancy can be mild to severe. Some women experience severe pain in their abdomen, chest, back and even experience intestinal cramps. 

The main cause of gas during pregnancy is increased levels of progesterone. 

Pressure onto the abdominal cavity from your growing uterus can also cause digestion to slow down and cause gas to build up. The food that you eat and the prenatal vitamins that you’re on can also contribute to gas and constipation.

Gas during pregnancy first trimester 

Gas During Pregnancy: What You Should Know and How To Get Rid Of It?

Credit: iStock

Your body undergoes incredible hormonal changes during the first trimester. Both progesterone and estrogen levels increase to prepare your body to support the growing fetus. 

Progesterone causes your muscles to relax, including your intestinal muscles. When this occurs, digestion slows down significantly which leads to gas. Increased estrogen levels cause your body to retain and preserve water and gas. 

Gas during pregnancy second and third trimester

During the second and third trimesters, the position of the uterus shifts in order to accommodate the fetus that is growing. Your uterus expands and the additional pressure to the surrounding organs results in digestive issues. This can lead to constipation, excess gas and uncomfortable bloating. 

How to relieve gas during pregnancy?

While the changes in your body during pregnancy can be rather uncomfortable, they are important to ensure that your baby grows and develops well. 

Following lifestyle and dietary changes can help to alleviate discomfort caused by gas and bloating. 

1# Drink lots of fluids

Drinking plenty of water will help to keep things moving through your digestive tract. This will help in preventing gas and bloating due to constipation. You should be taking about eight to 10 glasses of water or fluids every day. 

If you are taking fruit juices, be aware of how much sugar they contain. Try cranberry, pineapple, orange and grape juice as they are low in gas promoting sugars. 

2# Exercise

In addition to keeping your body fit, exercising can also help to speed up digestion and lower the chance of constipation. Try adding a 30-minute walk or some low impact exercise to your daily routine.

Check with your doctor before starting, if you’re not usually active, or if you have any concerns with regards to your exercise regimen. 

exercise in 1st trimester

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

For exercises that you can do when you’re pregnant, read ‘Pregnancy Exercises: 5 Easy Workouts for Every Trimester’.

3# Check your diet

Certain types of food can cause gassiness and bloat. An elimination diet to remove food triggers from your diet may help to decrease gas and bloating. 

However, do remember to continue on a healthy and balanced diet to ensure that you and your baby are getting adequate nutrition. Avoid restrictive diets and only remove foods that are causing gas. 

Foods that can cause gas 

Some common foods that cause gas are:

  • Beans
  • Whole grains
  • Certain vegetables that contain raffinose such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, cabbage and cauliflower 
  • Fructose from vegetables and fruits such as leeks, artichokes, onions, dried fruit, pears, apples, canned tomatoes, fruit juice. 
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Wheat, corn and potatoes
  • Dairy products 
  • High-fat foods
  • Fried foods

4# Fill up on high fibre foods

Fibre works to bring water into your intestines and this helps to soften stool, making it easier for you to pass and thus, reducing gas and constipation problems. Try having 25 to 30g of high fibre foods in your diet. 

high fiber diet

Photo by Ania Rude from Pexels

Prunes, bananas, and figs are fruits that contain a lot of fibre. Fibre supplements are another option to consider but do check with your doctor to ensure that it is safe for your pregnancy. 

5# Take your time when you eat

Eating quickly can cause you to take in air with each bite. The air then settles in your stomach and can cause gas bubbles. Taking your time to eat, chewing your food properly and eating smaller meals can help.

6# Probiotics

Good bacteria from foods that contain probiotics such as yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut and sourdough bread can help to fight gas and constipation in addition to keeping your gut healthy. If you’re considering a prebiotic supplement, check with your doctor before purchasing it.

Partner Stories
Preparing for a Newborn? Don’t Forget to Shop For These 3 Items
Preparing for a Newborn? Don’t Forget to Shop For These 3 Items
Pencemaran Udara Di Dalam Rumah Lebih Berisiko Menyebabkan Kelahiran Bayi Pramatang, Ini Apa Yang Anda Patut Lakukan!
Pencemaran Udara Di Dalam Rumah Lebih Berisiko Menyebabkan Kelahiran Bayi Pramatang, Ini Apa Yang Anda Patut Lakukan!
Parut Czer Buat Ramai Ibu Hilang Keyakinan, Ini Cara Mudah Untuk Mengatasinya
Parut Czer Buat Ramai Ibu Hilang Keyakinan, Ini Cara Mudah Untuk Mengatasinya
Ibu-Ibu, Ini Cara Untuk Kembali Yakin Dengan Diri Sendiri Selepas Pembedahan C-Section! Tiada Lagi Parut Ketara
Ibu-Ibu, Ini Cara Untuk Kembali Yakin Dengan Diri Sendiri Selepas Pembedahan C-Section! Tiada Lagi Parut Ketara

7# Relax 

Stress, anxiety and worry can be a factor in indigestion and cause gas to build up. Additionally, it’s not healthy for your pregnancy. Try to eliminate stress factors and engage in relaxation techniques such as meditation, and deep breathing. Let your doctor know if you’re having a hard time with stress and anxiety. 

8# Dress comfortably

Tight pants and belts can press on your intestines and make you feel even more uncomfortable. Try wearing clothes that do not put pressure on your abdominal area. 

9# Massage your abdomen

An abdominal massage can help to ease gas and constipation. Start by rubbing your tummy gently in a circular motion from your right hip bone. 

Move above to your right ribs, right across your ribcage and then lower to your left hip, followed by your belly button. Do this for about 10 minutes. 

massage in your pregnancy

Photo by Ania Rude from Pexels

Positions to relieve gas during pregnancy

  • Squat – Try squatting down several times. To do this, bend your knees with your butt pushed back, just like how you would sit on a chair. It works because the squat is a natural position for pushing and repeating it a few times will help you get rid of gas. 
  • Child’s pose – Doing this can help trapped gas move through your digestive tract. Begin on all fours and then move your hands forward slowly. Lower your chest to the floor as close as possible. Make sure that the position of your butt is higher than your belly. Hold the position for a while.  

While these positions can help to relieve gas, be sure to take to new positions slowly. Stop immediately if you feel that something is not right. 

When to call a doctor? 

While having some gas and bloating is common when you’re pregnant, it’s wise to call the doctor or head to the emergency room if you experience any of the following:

  • The gas is getting worse and pain is increasing
  • The constipation is getting worse
  • You experience extreme nausea or vomiting
  • There is blood in your stool
  • You think the pain is from contractions

Conclusion

Gas can be uncomfortable and painful but most of the time it’s nothing to worry about. Eating well and drinking plenty of water can help to alleviate gas symptoms. 

For more information on what to expect when you’re expecting, check out this article ‘What Happens In Each Trimester of Pregnancy? Here It is!’

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on theAsianparent Malaysia website

Read more: Early Signs Of Pregnancy: Are You Expecting?

Read more: 103 beautiful Korean baby girl names you will absolutely fall in love with

Read more: How to Minimize Stretch Marks Appearance – 6 Easy Tips You Can Try Today!

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

ddc-calendar
Get ready for the baby’s arrival by adding your due date.
OR
Calculate your due date
img
Written by

theAsianparent

  • Home
  • /
  • Menjadi ibu bapa
  • /
  • Gas During Pregnancy: What You Should Know and How To Get Rid Of It?
Share:
  • Fosforus Untuk Ibu Hamil Ini 6 Fungsi & Kepentingannya

    Fosforus Untuk Ibu Hamil Ini 6 Fungsi & Kepentingannya

  • Ibu Mengandung Pun Boleh Bercantik Di Pagi Raya, Ini Pilihan Baju Raya Ibu Mengandung Yang Cantik Dan Selesa

    Ibu Mengandung Pun Boleh Bercantik Di Pagi Raya, Ini Pilihan Baju Raya Ibu Mengandung Yang Cantik Dan Selesa

  • Ini Punca Mengapa Tarikh Bersalin Anda Berubah, Tidak Sama Dengan Tarikh Jangkaan

    Ini Punca Mengapa Tarikh Bersalin Anda Berubah, Tidak Sama Dengan Tarikh Jangkaan

  • Fosforus Untuk Ibu Hamil Ini 6 Fungsi & Kepentingannya

    Fosforus Untuk Ibu Hamil Ini 6 Fungsi & Kepentingannya

  • Ibu Mengandung Pun Boleh Bercantik Di Pagi Raya, Ini Pilihan Baju Raya Ibu Mengandung Yang Cantik Dan Selesa

    Ibu Mengandung Pun Boleh Bercantik Di Pagi Raya, Ini Pilihan Baju Raya Ibu Mengandung Yang Cantik Dan Selesa

  • Ini Punca Mengapa Tarikh Bersalin Anda Berubah, Tidak Sama Dengan Tarikh Jangkaan

    Ini Punca Mengapa Tarikh Bersalin Anda Berubah, Tidak Sama Dengan Tarikh Jangkaan

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Conceiving a Baby
    • Adoption
    • Pregnancy
    • Labour & Delivery
    • Marriage, Relationship & Sex
  • Baby
    • Baby Names
    • Ages & Stages
    • Parenting Tips
    • Breastfeeding & Nutrition
  • Health
    • Fitness
    • Allergy & Syndrome
    • Illness
    • Healthy Meal Tips
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • Primary School
    • Middle School
    • Special Education
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Money
    • Holiday
    • Contests & Promotions
  • More
    • TAP Community
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
  • India flag India
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
  • Australia flag Australia
  • Japan flag Japan
  • Nigeria flag Nigeria
  • Kenya flag Kenya
© Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

theAsianparent heart icon
Kami ingin menghantar anda pemberitahuan untuk berita dan kemas kini terbaru mengenai kehamilan.