Many pregnant women have gas and bloating at some point during their pregnancy. Excess gas can cause abdominal pain and discomfort.

Causes of pregnancy gas

Pregnancy hormones cause the muscles of your digestive tract to relax, slowing down digestion and causing gas to build up in your system. Excess gas can cause you to be bloated and uncomfortable, and it can cause you to burp and pass gas.

As your pregnancy progresses your uterus crowds your digestive system. This may result in a bloated feeling after you eat. This crowding also contributes to heartburn.

Foods that promote gas

Symptoms may be worse after a big meal or after you eat certain foods. Foods that are likely to cause gas are:

• High starch foods like potatoes and pasta
• Fiber rich foods like oat bran and beans
• Cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, broccoli, asparagus
• Onions, pears and artichokes

If you are marginally lactose intolerant, you may have gas from the addition of these foods to your pregnancy diet.

Treatment

What can you do to reduce the amount of gas you produce?

• Swallow less air. Take your time when you are eating your meal. Chew your food thoroughly, and do not carry on a conversation during your meal.
• Eat several small meals instead of less frequent larger meals.
• Drink from a cup, not a bottle or a straw. Do not gulp as you drink.
• Avoid carbonated beverages, chewing gum, and hard candies.
• Eliminate fried and fatty foods from your diet.
• Drink plenty of fluids to aid digestion.
• Exercise regularly to keep your system moving.

Do not use any over the counter products to treat gas or bloating without talking to your healthcare provider first, some are not safe to take during pregnancy.