The phenomenon of bloating often occurs in women during pregnancy, even if they have never had to face it before. Sensations at the same time as from overeating, but they can add a feeling of pain and tingling in the intestines. This uncomfortable state is caused by a large number of gases in the gastrointestinal tract, that is, by meteorism. Bloating in pregnant women is fraught with some compression of the blood vessels of the uterus. This can make it difficult to provide oxygen to the fetus, as well as cause swelling in the expectant mother.
What causes bloating?
The predisposing factor to bloating in the early stages of pregnancy is the hormonal reconstruction of the woman's body. The pregnancy hormone, progesterone, providing safety when carrying a baby, relaxes smooth muscles to prevent contractions of the uterus and, accordingly, miscarriage. But, since smooth muscle fibers are not only in the uterus, but also in other organs, for example, in the gastrointestinal tract, then relaxation occurs everywhere. Peristalsis and tonus of certain organs of the digestive system may lose its power. Since bloating may start to harass a woman already at the very beginning of pregnancy, some are inclined to attribute this phenomenon to one of its symptoms.
But in fact, not all pregnant women suffer from bloating. The key points that influence the development of bloating are:
- motor activity of a woman;
- food;
- bad habits;
- wrong clothes;
- non-compliance with the drinking regime;
- chronic gastrointestinal diseases (enzymatic disorders, dysbacteriosis, gastritis and duodenitis).
Treatment of bloating in pregnancy
The question "How to treat bloating?" Is especially relevant in pregnancy, as it can negatively affect the baby's oxygen supply. Usually, to correct an unpleasant symptom, it is enough to correct the diet of the pregnant woman and her way of life, but in especially pronounced cases the doctor can prescribe a carminative remedy for bloating (for example, Espumizan). However, the main treatment will still be compliance with pregnancy recommendations such as:
- Diet. Bloating can be triggered by large volumes of raw vegetables and fruits. As a result of digesting such food, gases, products of fermentation are formed. Therefore, the consumption of such food should be limited. Prepare these products for digestion will help such processes as quenching (vegetables, for example) and baking (fruits). It is recommended to exclude from the supply of carbonated drinks, spicy foods, flour and sweet, anything that can increase gas formation in the intestine.
- Diet. In order not to overload the stomach and intestines with food, as well as provide better digestion of food, it is necessary to eat small portions 5-7 times a day.
- Drinking regime. It is recommended to drink clean artesian water at least 1.5 liters per day. In this case, you should use it in intervals between meals, and not during nutrition.
- Motor activity is one of the main points on the way to how to cure bloating, without resorting to medication. Moderate physical activity in the form of active walks in the fresh air, exercises from yoga, as well as gymnastics for pregnant women will help to improve the tone of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Wearing special clothes for pregnant women. Squeezing the abdomen with elastic bands from trousers and pantyhose can promote stagnation of gases in the intestine. Therefore, preference should be given to clothes with special inserts for pregnant women.
- Rejection of bad habits. Smoking can also cause a low tone of the digestive system.
Treatment of bloating with folk remedies
Often pregnant women in search of ways to relieve the uncomfortable state are interested in what can be drunk from folk remedies for bloating. Among the folk recipes approved for use during pregnancy, the most effective and safe is a decoction from a chemist's chamomile. One teaspoon of flowers pour a glass of boiling water and keep on the fire for 5 minutes, after which they cool and filter. Take such a decoction of 2 tablespoons 30 minutes before eating.