Early Pregancy & Gas

Through flatulence or belching, the average person passes gas 14 times a day. Early in pregnancy, that number is even higher. While the initial causes of gas in early pregnancy largely relate to hormones, many pregnant women don't find relief as the pregnancy progresses past the first trimester. However, by monitoring diet and paying attention to triggers, many pregnant women can manage gas during early pregnancy.

The Facts

The hormones progesterone and relaxin are hard at work during the early weeks of pregnancy gearing your body ready for its job. These hormones help to relax the muscles in your body, including the muscles that surround your gastrointestinal tract. Those relaxed muscles mean food moves slowly through your digestive tract, which is actually good for your baby. However, it causes gas and indigestion. As the uterus grows, it applies pressure on the rectum, which can cause a loss of muscle control, according to WhatToExpect.com.

Diet

It's impossible to cut out all foods that can cause gas, but you can cut out the main culprits. Beans, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, asparagus and broccoli can cause gas and indigestion. Some people also have trouble with gas after eating artichokes, pears and onions. Another main culprit of gas is what you drink. Sodas and fructose sweetened fruit drinks contain carbonation that can contribute to gas, according to BabyCenter.com.

Food Journal

If you still suffer from gas during early pregnancy even after cutting out the main food culprits, keep a food journal. Write down everything you eat in a 24-hour period, and make note of uncomfortable moments of gas you experience. You may begin to notice a correlation between certain foods and your flatulence. Cutting those foods out of your diet may make an improvement.

Exercise

Gas remains in your intestines, causing bloating and pain, until it moves out. To better control your gas, make it a point to move around after you eat. You can stroll through the neighborhood, walk the dog or even wash the dishes. Whatever you do, get on your feet and you'll mobilize your gas to help you find relief.

Eat Often

The more you eat, the longer it takes your digestive system to process everything. You'll likely have an easier time managing gas if you eat smaller meals at frequent intervals. Instead of eating three large meals per day, consider six smaller meals. Eating often can also help you fight heartburn, another side effect of early pregnancy.

In the Womb

Some moms worry that the increased gas affects the developing baby in the womb, but that's not the case. In fact, the baby experiences no discomfort when you're gassy, and the churning noises your stomach can make actually become familiar sounds to your baby in the womb, according to WhatToExpect.com.

References

• BabyCenter
• Babyzone
• What to Expect Online