Flatulence during pregnancy - what you can eat. The stomach is swollen - and you are neither pregnant nor obese. The main causes of flatulence in early and late pregnancy

The formation of gases in the intestines is a normal physiological process. It has been proven that they are released on average 20-40 times per day! And a pregnant woman has even more, but more often for many reasons, they accumulate and cause intestinal bloating.

Let's try to understand the problem of bloating during pregnancy, which sometimes causes serious discomfort, provokes abdominal pain, and the passage of gas. Why does this happen during pregnancy and how can it be avoided!?

Flatulence (bloating) appears as a result of increased gas formation in the intestines, when the body experiences a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, rumbling, and even belching and gases. The gas enters the stomach and then into the intestines when air is swallowed. On the other hand, intestinal bacteria also produce gases when digesting food.

They leave the body in the form of belching, and from the other end they descend through the large intestine and rectum - they come out. The occurrence of bloating is facilitated by undigested food (for some reason) entering the large intestine, where it is broken down by bacteria that release a lot of carbon dioxide. Especially when these are some carbohydrates and fats, which will be discussed below.

Causes of bloating during pregnancy

The most important thing to remember is that there are two of you, therefore the responsibility for the state of health is double, and the expectant mother must understand that bloating can accompany various serious diseases and if this condition is caused by poisoning, stomach disease (such as an ulcer), appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, then you must definitely seek help from a qualified specialist, since only he can make an accurate diagnosis!

So, the most important reason for flatulence is influence of progesterone on the body of a pregnant woman. On the one hand, it promotes pregnancy by relaxing the smooth muscles of the uterus - no tone - no contractions, but on the other hand, the intestines also consist of smooth muscle fibers, so they also relax, hence the bloating - gases are not held by the relaxed walls of the intestines and distend it.

And it is in the early stages, usually up to 16 weeks, when progesterone is still produced by the corpus luteum of the ovaries, that the clinical picture is clearly expressed! Later, as the baby and the uterus grow, the intestines are compressed by the pregnant uterus, and we may also experience constipation.

Another cause of bloating in pregnant women is poor nutrition , especially if before pregnancy there were problems with the gastrointestinal tract (peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, hepatitis, gastritis, etc.).

One of the reasons may be congenital enzymatic deficiency, when, due to a lack of the necessary active enzymes, insufficiently digested food enters the large intestine in this form and, where it should already be completely broken down, begins to ferment. Fermentation processes are always accompanied by the formation of gases, hence again the problem - flatulence.

The champions in the production of excess gas are: legumes - beans, peas, beans; cabbage, sorrel, spinach, apples (sweet varieties), raisins, raspberries, pears, gooseberries, kvass, dates, black bread, sparkling water, pickled vegetables, fatty and fried foods.

We should also pay attention to artificial additives; some of them, such as sorbitol and mannitol, contained in chewing gum, candies, and drinks, can also cause bloating. Therefore, these vegetables should be boiled, and decoctions and compotes should be made from fruits.

Prolonged stress contributes to the release of hormones, which lead to frequent spasms of the smooth muscles of the intestine, and further to constipation and accumulation of gases, causing anxiety in a pregnant woman.

Also, the cause of bloating during pregnancy can be a violation of the microflora, which is inextricably linked with the pathology of the intestinal microflora (dysbacteriosis). In the case where the expectant mother experienced bloating even before pregnancy, the cause should be traced to poor nutrition and chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms of flatulence during pregnancy:

Heaviness and distension in the abdomen, release of gases (followed by a decrease in bloating).
Decreased appetite, heartburn
Constipation, possibly loose stools
Nausea, bad breath
Sleep disturbances, tearfulness, irritability, general weakness
Abdominal pain of a cramping nature, especially if it is one-sided in combination with diarrhea, you should immediately consult a doctor!

How to avoid bloating during pregnancy?

Diet and diet. It is unacceptable to consume the above-described products during pregnancy, and if consumed, then only, I repeat, in boiled form. Food intake should be in small portions and often, up to 5-6 times a day, chewing thoroughly.

It is necessary to satisfy your hunger with food, and not overeat! If you eat food less frequently and in large quantities, it will not have time to be digested and will enter the intestines in large portions, thereby contributing to the formation of gases and constipation.

Limit your consumption of foods containing artificial additives and colors, soda and coffee.

Adding fermented milk products to the diet (kefir, fermented baked milk and especially cottage cheese, as a source of calcium necessary for the normal development of the baby and the processes occurring in the woman’s muscle fibers) to prevent dysbiosis.

You should eat while sitting at the table, so as not to squeeze the intestines, which are already compressed by the pregnant uterus. Under no circumstances should you do this while walking or in a quiet environment, to avoid swallowing air into your stomach.

Wear comfortable, loose clothing made from natural fabrics, and if necessary, a maternity bandage.

Movement is life! For expectant mothers – doubly so! Long walks in the fresh air or yoga classes, swimming in the pool are perfect; all this helps to normalize and activate intestinal tone.

If you are still smoking, be sure to quit! I’ll tell you a case from my practice, an expectant mother asked for help with complaints of severe bloating, when questioned, there were no factors contributing to the formation of gases, the woman was examined - the reason was not found!

And at the end of the working day I saw her on the doorstep with a cigarette, all problems were solved by quitting smoking, since nicotine increases intestinal motility and air is swallowed, which does not have time to pass through the entire intestine and accumulates, as a result we get bloating.

And yet, if bloating during pregnancy could not be avoided, it will help:
First of all, consult with an experienced specialist who, having understood the problem, can recommend you:

Light massage of the abdominal area, lying on your left side. Massage stroking movements are carried out in a circle (clockwise), from the navel and in a spiral to the left iliac region (the connection of the left leg with the stomach), for 10 minutes.
Tea from a decoction of chamomile or dill herb (sold in a pharmacy and in the absence of contraindications).
And the drugs of choice are espumizan, which is approved during pregnancy and does not have a harmful effect on the baby. The drug is a defoamer and forms bubbles in the intestinal lumen, which burst and turn into larger ones, which significantly improves the movement of gases through the intestines to the outside.
Pepsan can help with heartburn, which also helps reduce the formation of gases in the intestines.
In case of constipation, pregnant women can use lactuvite; it also promotes the growth of its own beneficial intestinal microflora.

And most importantly, do not forget that bloating during pregnancy is not a diagnosis, but a symptom of some process in the body (pathological or functional), this is a temporary phenomenon that you should pay attention to together with your doctor! Don't self-medicate! Your health is in your hands, take care of it!

Throughout the entire period of pregnancy, a woman faces many difficulties and troubles. Some people only occasionally feel discomfort, while others struggle with problems until childbirth. But there is not a single pregnant woman who has not at least once found herself in a delicate situation as a result of bloating during pregnancy. The appearance of gases is not a threatening condition, but a woman often experiences awkwardness and physical discomfort. We will tell you in detail in this article about what causes such an eating disorder and how to establish normal functioning of the digestive organs during pregnancy.

Flatulence is pathological gas formation in the intestines under certain circumstances. In a significant number of women, signs of excessive bloating appear 1-1.5 weeks after conception and often become the first signal that fertilization has occurred.

Although flatulence often accompanies women throughout pregnancy and is considered a completely normal phenomenon, it can and should be combated. After all, if the condition is not controlled, the situation can become very complicated. Then harmless gases during pregnancy can become the culprit of all sorts of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

The main trigger of flatulence in pregnant women is unstable hormonal levels, especially at the beginning of pregnancy. To preserve the embryo, eliminate the increase in uterine tone and prevent miscarriage, the woman’s hormonal system intensively produces a lot of progesterone. Its task is to relax all the smooth muscles of the uterus. But due to the inability to identify only the uterus, muscle tone decreases throughout the body and in the intestines in particular. Under conditions of decreased tone, intestinal motility weakens, which causes gas during early pregnancy.

The cause of flatulence may not be pregnancy, but various diseases of the internal organs, which worsen after conception. Ulcers, duodenitis, cirrhosis, pancreatic enzyme deficiency, gallstone pathology, dysbacteriosis and other gastrointestinal disorders prevent food from being fully digested. It penetrates the intestines in a semi-digested form, and there it begins to ferment. This is why gases during pregnancy so often bother women. And sometimes expectant mothers had no idea about the presence of such diseases before.

Lactose deficiency can provoke chronic flatulence. If belching, diarrhea and bloating occur after consuming milk and milk-based products, you should check the body's reaction to milk fat.

Other factors that cause gas include the following:

Errors in the diet, long breaks between meals, poorly chewed food.
Overeating, “night” snacks (especially in the last weeks of pregnancy).
Insufficient physical activity.
Wearing tight, ill-fitting clothes made of synthetic fabric.
Severe fluid deficiency in the body.
Worm infestation.
Diseases of blood vessels entering the intestines (atherosclerosis, plaques, blood clots, edema).
Inflammation of the mucous or muscular membrane.
Limitation of intestinal patency (adhesions, neoplasms).
Intestinal spasm as a result of stress.
Swallowing large amounts of air while eating.

A rapidly growing uterus and fetus can cause gas during pregnancy in the second trimester and beyond. It pinches the intestines and prevents them from functioning normally. This process is accompanied not only by bloating, but also by constipation, frequent belching and discomfort in the diaphragm. Taking iron supplements for anemia can aggravate a woman’s condition.

Flatulence can bother a woman throughout the entire gestational period. The chances of encountering such an uncomfortable problem increase in women suffering from various intestinal disorders even before conception. After all, everyone knows the fact that pregnancy is a real catalyst for the exacerbation of chronic diseases. Therefore, long-standing diseases of the digestive tract are unlikely to make you wait long after pregnancy.

But even completely healthy women need to be on their guard. Obstetricians assure that even the absence of bloating during pregnancy in the early stages does not guarantee that problems will not appear as the uterus enlarges. That is, bloating can lie in wait for a woman for 9 months.

The formation of gases is a physiological process in the body, but it is important to remember that, apart from inconvenience, it should no longer cause any negative phenomena in the form of pain, weakness and a sharp deterioration in well-being. If such symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Symptoms and signs of bloating during pregnancy

The appearance of gas in the abdomen, regardless of the reasons that caused it, is accompanied by certain symptoms. The woman feels physical and emotional discomfort, but her condition remains satisfactory.

Flatulence has the following symptoms:

There is a feeling of pressure, bloating, and heaviness in the stomach and intestines.
Even at rest, you can hear a noise similar to gurgling, fluid transfusion in the abdomen.
Gases pass out very often.
Nausea and vomiting not associated with early toxicosis.
Appetite disorders.
Abnormal bowel movements (constipation/diarrhea).
Belching, heartburn, unpleasant odor.
Increased blood pressure, attacks of tachycardia.
Loss of energy, irritability.
Colic at the time of passing gas.
Bitter or metallic aftertaste in the mouth.
Short-term pain in the intestines of a cramping nature.

In later stages of pregnancy, abdominal pain and gas begin to have a greater impact on a woman's well-being. In addition to the difficult situation with social adaptation due to the constant passage of gases, the woman has serious health problems. If the causes of bloating cannot be eliminated, frequent headaches, severe weakness, and dizziness occur. The woman becomes sleepy and weak, she does not want to drink or eat. Soon shortness of breath appears and the pulse quickens, it is difficult for the pregnant woman to move, and as a result of refusal to eat, hemoglobin drops and oxygen circulation is disrupted.

Bloating and gas during pregnancy: potential risks and complications

With irregular and moderate gas formation, the woman is not in danger of anything other than severe discomfort. But if the condition becomes chronic and cannot be corrected, serious complications can arise.

In the first trimester, such a disorder in the digestive tract can provoke hypertension and create a risk of miscarriage. In addition, this condition can aggravate toxicosis and dehydration. This, in turn, will cause a deficiency of substances and oxygen beneficial to the fetus.

At a later gestational age, the swollen intestine will further displace internal organs and put pressure on the uterus and baby. This may result in premature contractions and birth.

Important! Refusal to eat and severe psychological discomfort provoke the birth of a weakened, underweight baby.

How to get rid of gas during pregnancy

Any sensations in your stomach that are unfamiliar to you should be the reason for a visit to your obstetrician-gynecologist. During your visit to the doctor, you will be prescribed the necessary tests and ultrasound examinations to exclude possible pathologies of the internal organs.

Based on the results of the examination, you will be given a suitable diet and, if necessary, approved medications that will eliminate gas in the stomach during pregnancy.

Treatment methods depend on the causes of gas accumulation, so it is unacceptable to solve the problem of flatulence on your own without examining a doctor.

The right diet for bloating during pregnancy

In 80% of cases, the poor diet of a pregnant woman is to blame for the occurrence of flatulence. The menu should be dominated by easily digestible natural products after gentle heat treatment (steamed or boiled). The diet should be divided into 5-6 meals. You need to eat slowly, chewing each bite well.

To prevent food fermentation, you should not wash down your food even with water. The break between meals and drinking any liquid should be at least 40 minutes.

The group of prohibited foods that increase gas formation includes beans, rutabaga, peas, onions, all varieties and types of cabbage, and turnips. The consumption of bananas, carbonated water, flour products, mushrooms, raisins, garlic, processed foods and liver is limited.

The daily menu of a woman who suffers from gas during pregnancy and stomach pain should consist of the following products:

Any low-fat fermented milk products.
Nuts and dried fruits in small quantities.
Boiled fish and meat.
Herbal or green tea, decoction of dried fruits.
Biscuit cookies, long-lasting (“Maria”, “Zoological”).
Kelp and other seafood.
Steamed and hard-boiled eggs.
Vegetable salads, casseroles, stews.
Soups with second broth.
Cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal).
Fruits and berries and dishes based on them (fruit drinks, juices, jelly, smoothies).

Special dry starters of beneficial bacteria will help speed up the digestion of food and eliminate gases during pregnancy. They can be used to make homemade yogurt and kefir, or simply stir in a glass of milk and drink in the morning.

If flatulence is accompanied by constipation, you need to drink 20 g of olive oil on an empty stomach, and throughout the day adhere to the correct drinking regimen (1.5-2 liters of water per day).

Drug treatments for severe gas during pregnancy

Flatulence during pregnancy is a very inconvenient illness and should not be tolerated. In order not to provoke stress, poor health and stress on all internal organs, it is necessary to eliminate excessive gas formation by all available and safe methods. Diet, adequate drinking, rest and exercise help get rid of bloating during pregnancy, but what to do if these actions remain ineffective.

If adjustments to a pregnant woman's daily lifestyle do not produce positive results, an obstetrician-gynecologist may recommend drug treatment.

A pregnant woman is allowed to take the following medications for bloating:

Espumisan (analogue of Bobotik) - in a minimal dose, it quickly stops gas formation, does not enter the bloodstream, and is safe for mother and baby.
Enterosgel (analogues of Smet, white coal, Diosmectite) - absorbs and removes toxins, rotting products, and harmful microorganisms from the intestines. Effective for constipation or diarrhea, dysbacteriosis.
Creon (Pancreatin, Mezim) is an enzyme preparation that accelerates the digestion of food.
Bebinos, children's tea "Fennel", dill tea, Iberogast - herbal preparations that relieve discomfort during colic.
Hilak forte, Biosporin, Enterozermina, Acidophilin are prebiotics that help normalize the gastrointestinal tract and increase immunity.

Chamomile tea, infusion of peppermint and dandelion seeds have an excellent carminative effect. You need to brew this product in this way: 2 tsp. herbs per cup of boiling water. You can safely drink 1-2 servings a day.

Physical activity for flatulence

During pregnancy, physical activity is often limited for many women. The reason for this is the risk of miscarriage in the 1st trimester, gestosis or excess weight in later stages, and other complications. This complicates the treatment of gases during pregnancy, so the doctor decides what to do in such a situation based on the woman’s condition.

If there are no special contraindications or restrictions, it is much easier for a woman to get rid of flatulence with the help of gymnastics for pregnant women, visiting the pool, yoga and active walking. These events trigger metabolism, tone the intestinal muscles and create conditions for rapid and complete digestion of food.

Gases in the intestines during pregnancy: problem prevention

If you have a predisposition to gas formation, it is better to play it safe and immediately after conception follow certain rules of behavior:

Always wear clothes in your size that are appropriate for your pregnancy. If the outfit compresses the stomach or chest, this will affect the functioning of the stomach.
Try to move more every day. If physical activity is prohibited, just take a walk in the fresh air more often.
Divide food portions into several doses and chew food for a long time.
Stick to proper nutrition and exclude carminative foods.
Try not to succumb to bouts of depression, don’t be nervous, enjoy the little things.
Get plenty of rest (you can add a nap during the day if you wish).
When the first symptoms of flatulence appear, consult a doctor.
Forget about carbonated water, coffee, kvass for a while.
Avoid places where people smoke.

Gas formation is not a reason to be shy and silent about your problem. Don't be afraid to ask your gynecologist for help. It will help eliminate the problem, and you can calmly enjoy your “special” position.

How to get rid of bloating. Video

Bloating during pregnancy is an unpleasant phenomenon that deprives a woman of a full life. After conception, changes occur in the expectant mother's digestive system that cause discomfort. Pregnancy is almost always accompanied by flatulence, that is, increased gas formation in the intestines. There is no need to worry: this is a normal state of the body. It is urgent to go to the doctor only if bloating during pregnancy provokes pain and malaise.

Flatulence concept

Flatulence is the excessive formation of gases in the intestines. The vast majority of women experience bloating during early pregnancy. You can even say that increased gas production is one of the signs of conception. Although flatulence during pregnancy is not considered a serious pathology requiring immediate treatment, it is still advisable to get rid of bloating during pregnancy.

Compression of blood vessels in the pelvic tissues causes bloating during early pregnancy. As a result, the uterus receives an insufficient amount of blood, the expectant mother suffers from swelling, and the embryo in the womb experiences oxygen starvation.

Causes of bloating during pregnancy

Bloating during pregnancy in the 1st trimester most often occurs due to hormonal imbalances in a woman’s body. The main function of the hormone progesterone is to protect the embryo. It affects the muscle tissue of the uterus, reducing the frequency of its contractions to prevent miscarriage. But the activity of the hormone affects the muscles not only of the genitals, but also of many other organs, including the digestive tract. An increase in the concentration of progesterone in the blood causes relaxation of the muscles of the walls of the stomach and intestines. As a result, the intestinal tract loses the ability to perform normal peristalsis and gradually fills with gases.

Bloating during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester occurs due to the pressure of the enlarging uterus on the intestines. Food cannot pass freely through the compressed intestines, which inevitably leads to constipation, fermentation processes and the formation of gas bubbles. Flatulence in pregnant women is often provoked by the use of medications containing iron. Bloating in late pregnancy is not dangerous as it is just a symptom of bowel irritation. But you should definitely consult a doctor if flatulence during pregnancy is accompanied by pain.

The following factors also cause bloating during pregnancy:

poor nutrition;
insufficient water intake;
wearing tight and uncomfortable clothes;
sedentary lifestyle;
smoking and addiction to alcoholic beverages;
chronic diseases of the digestive system.

Symptoms of bloating during pregnancy:

Heaviness in the abdomen, frequent and strong emission of gases.
Constant urge to vomit, not associated with toxicosis.
Decreased appetite.
Rumbling and seething in the stomach, bad breath.
Indigestion, diarrhea, constipation.

The dangers of bloating during pregnancy

Flatulence in pregnant women is in most cases accompanied by migraines, loss of strength, lethargy, drowsiness, dizziness, tachycardia, and changes in blood pressure. The expectant mother, suffering from excess gas formation, sleeps and eats poorly, which negatively affects the condition of the embryo in the womb. If bloating during pregnancy does not go away for too long, then the woman begins to have problems with her heart rhythm, and the fetus may suffer from vitamin and nutritional deficiencies. Gases accumulated in the intestines put pressure on the uterus, which increases the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.

Diet for flatulence during pregnancy

Treatment of bloating during pregnancy involves, first of all, following a diet and creating the right menu. Additionally, if necessary, the doctor prescribes carminatives for flatulence.

To avoid flatulence, the expectant mother should limit and even eliminate the consumption of foods that contribute to the formation of gases in the intestines:

beans,
sauerkraut and marinades,
rye bread,
fried foods.
mushrooms in any form
sweet fruits (apples, peaches, pears, melons, grapes) and dried fruits (raisins and prunes)
cereals (millet, pearl barley, barley)
coffee and soda

During pregnancy, a restructuring of the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract occurs in the female body, a weakening of its protection, and an increase in the number of harmful microorganisms that provoke the processes of putrefaction and fermentation in the intestines. In order to weaken their influence, it is important for the expectant mother to take a number of measures that will help maintain healthy microflora and enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria

Food rich in minerals - calcium, iron, potassium and vitamins - will help. A balanced diet will help improve digestion and cope with problems such as bloating during pregnancy, constipation, and bowel disorders.

You should definitely include the following foods in your diet:

low-fat varieties of fish, it is better to steam or boil it;
light dairy products - low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt, sour cream. You can diversify the menu with cottage cheese casseroles and souffles;
low-fat meat - beef, veal. Cook without frying or using oil;
lean poultry and chicken eggs, boiled and in the form of an omelet;
light broths prepared with lean meat or fish;
mucous cereals in the form of porridges in water (rolled oatmeal, rice, pearl barley);
crackers, dried wheat bread;
fresh vegetables and herbs. Pumpkin, zucchini, beets, potatoes, carrots, garden parsley and dill are very useful;
For drinks, it is better to prefer berry and herbal infusions (rose hips, blueberries, etc.), weak green tea, and cocoa without milk.

A healthy diet will help calm the gastrointestinal tract, reduce pain, reduce flatulence during pregnancy and normalize stool. Such a simple but healing diet can detect hidden food allergies or diseases of the digestive system in a latent form.

Does your stomach swell during pregnancy? Anti-flatulence medications will come to the rescue. For example, Iberogast, containing natural extracts of organic plants (Iberian bitter, milk thistle, chamomile, mint, cumin, licorice, lemon balm and others), helps solve intestinal problems, having a selective effect: relaxes parts compressed by spasms and tones weakened ones. It suppresses fermentation processes and neutralizes gas bubbles in the intestines.

This and other drugs (based on simethicone: Diflatil, Sab Simplex, Simicol) are recommended for use by pregnant women and infants, but they must be taken under the supervision of a doctor.

Treatment of bloating during pregnancy with folk remedies

Dill. In addition to pharmaceutical medications, folk recipes that are time-tested and safe for the health of expectant mothers can help with bloating. The most common cure for bloating and increased gas production is dill. This is an affordable green that is good to add to various dishes and prepare medicinal medicines from it.
Dill water (infusion). A popular remedy is dill water in the form of an infusion or decoction. For infusion, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water into a bowl, add 1 tbsp. spoon of dill seeds, close the lid and leave for three hours. 3 times a day you need to drink ½ glass of infusion before meals.
Dill water (decoction). Dill water can be used as a decoction. Pour 1 tsp into one glass of water. seeds, heat to a boil, keep on low heat for 15 minutes. The cooled and strained decoction is consumed twice a day (morning and evening) before meals. This is great for combating bloating during pregnancy.
Dill oil. Edible dill oil purchased at a pharmacy or store is either dripped onto sugar (7 drops per 1 cube of refined sugar), honey (2 ml of oil with 1 tablespoon), or washed down with water, take 1 teaspoon per 50 ml of water three times a day. day. Before starting treatment, you should consult your doctor.
Dill seeds and dried thyme. Dill works well in mixtures with other medicinal herbs. Pour 1 tsp into a glass of boiling water. dill and thyme, bring to a boil over low heat and set aside for 15 minutes. The strained warm infusion is taken 30 ml every hour. Do not keep it in the refrigerator for more than 12 hours.
Mint, fennel and valerian (2:1:1). Another useful mixture is fennel, valerian and mint in a 1:1:2 ratio. Infuse the mixture (two tsp) in boiling water for 20 minutes, take ½ cup twice a day.
Carrot seeds. If your stomach is swollen during pregnancy, you can take one teaspoon of carrot seeds, chop them, add water and take them three times a day.
Dandelion roots. An infusion of dandelion roots (two tablespoons per half liter of boiling water) is prepared within 24 hours and drunk ½ cup four times a day.
Chamomile. Chamomile tea can not only calm the nervous system, but also the gastrointestinal tract. It is prepared like this: one tbsp. pour boiling water into a glass, hold for 15 minutes and drink once every five hours.
Potato juice. Potato juice is taken in a course of 10 days with a break of a week. Half a glass of freshly squeezed juice from crushed tubers should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach and allowed to rest by lying quietly for about 30 minutes.
Ginger. Ginger taken after meals helps improve digestion, fight harmful bacteria and freshen breath. To do this, you need to suck on a small (about a quarter of a teaspoon) piece of ginger root after eating.

Preventing bloating during pregnancy

Maintaining an active lifestyle. Daily walks in the fresh air.
Avoiding overeating.
While eating, it is forbidden to drink water or other drinks.
Wearing light and comfortable clothing that does not tighten the stomach or restrict movement.
Silence while eating

Now you know why bloating occurs during pregnancy and how to get rid of flatulence. We offer you a video

Diarrhea is a condition in which frequent bowel movements occur. In the medical community, this pathology is usually called diarrhea. Not a single person on the planet is immune from diarrhea, and expectant mothers are no exception. Why does diarrhea occur in pregnant women?

Physiological causes of diarrhea

The only period in which diarrhea is normal is the last days before the upcoming birth. At this time, the woman’s body is actively freeing itself from everything unnecessary. Intestinal motility increases, stool softens, and short-term diarrhea develops. Some women experience diarrhea a day before the baby is born, while others develop loose stools 3-5 days later. Each of these options is considered the norm.

Diarrhea before childbirth is not accompanied by vomiting. The stool becomes mushy, but not watery, without admixtures of pus and blood. Diarrhea occurs several times a day, but dehydration does not occur. There may be mild soreness around the navel. The woman's general condition does not suffer. There is a decrease in appetite.

Diarrhea before childbirth is considered normal and indicates the body is successfully preparing for the upcoming event. There is no need to panic. If diarrhea develops, you should drink more and also avoid fried, spicy and other heavy foods. No special treatment is provided.

Pathological causes of diarrhea

At any stage of pregnancy, the following conditions can cause the development of diarrhea:

Food poisoning

Banal food poisoning is a problem that any pregnant woman can face. The disease awaits expectant mothers at any stage, from conception to childbirth. The cause of poisoning can be the consumption of low-quality food, as well as products that have expired. As a result, pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms enter the woman’s body, and all the main symptoms of the disease develop.

It is not so difficult to distinguish food poisoning from other diseases. The disease begins acutely a few hours after eating low-quality food. Nausea and repeated vomiting, loose stools up to 15 times a day occur. Diarrhea is often accompanied by painful sensations around the navel and in the epigastric region. With some toxic infections, body temperature rises.

The general condition of a pregnant woman is usually impaired. There is weakness, loss of appetite, pale skin. The severity of symptoms will depend on the degree of dehydration. In severe cases, decreased blood pressure, cold sweat, cyanosis of the extremities and loss of consciousness are possible.

Intestinal infections such as typhoid fever, cholera and dysentery deserve special attention. These diseases are quite rare, but no expectant mother can be completely protected from them. Each of the dangerous infections has its own characteristic features and course. If any of these diseases is suspected, a pregnant woman should be immediately taken to the hospital.

Chronic diseases of the digestive tract

Irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, enterocolitis - all of these diseases can cause the development of diarrhea in pregnant women. Diarrhea can also be caused by stomach diseases, as a result of which the production of hydrochloric acid is disrupted. In some cases, pathological processes in the pancreas lead to diarrhea. In many of these diseases, enzyme production is disrupted, which significantly complicates digestion and causes diarrhea.

Diarrhea due to diseases of the stomach and intestines is chronic. Liquid and pasty stools are accompanied by the following symptoms:

moderate pain in the epigastrium and around the navel;
heartburn;
belching;
bloating;
flatulence.

The problem usually occurs long before the baby is conceived. A developing pregnancy worsens the condition of the expectant mother and leads to an exacerbation of diseases of the digestive tract. The disease can make itself felt in the very early stages, disrupting the normal course of pregnancy. Against the background of such diseases, toxicosis in the first trimester is especially difficult and can persist for quite a long time.

Other chronic diseases

Not only diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can provoke the development of diarrhea. The cause of diarrhea can be autoimmune diseases, as well as metabolic disorders. This pathology most often manifests itself long before pregnancy. Another option is possible, when bearing a child becomes a trigger for the development of the disease. Treatment of diarrhea is carried out by a specialized specialist after a complete examination of the patient.

Errors in nutrition

Many pregnant women have the sin of successfully combining incompatible products with each other. Unthinkable food combinations lead to flatulence, bloating and diarrhea. The general condition of the expectant mother is not affected. Vomiting and increased body temperature are not typical.

Errors in diet most often occur in the early stages of pregnancy. Toxicosis and aversion to familiar food force women to look for different ways to satisfy their hunger. As a result, the digestive tract suffers, unable to cope with the increased load. Overeating can also lead to diarrhea.

Treatment of diarrhea in case of dietary violations is not required. Such diarrhea rarely lasts more than 2 hours and does not lead to dehydration. All you need is to reconsider your diet and give up harmful and heavy foods. When you switch to a healthy diet, problems with stool disappear on their own within a few days.

Food allergies

A reaction to allergens in the form of stool loss is more typical for children, however, pregnant women can also suffer from this disease. The disease occurs in expectant mothers with a certain hereditary predisposition to allergies. The cause of diarrhea is the consumption of various allergenic foods. Diarrhea is often accompanied by a skin rash and itching. Sorbents and antihistamines are used for treatment.

Taking medications

It's no secret that during pregnancy a woman is prescribed a large number of medications. Not all of them are well tolerated by the expectant mother. In some cases, taking medications can cause loose stools and abdominal pain. After discontinuation of the drug, the digestive tract continues to function normally.

Dangerous symptoms of diarrhea

Diarrhea during pregnancy is not always a reason to see a doctor. Many women prefer to be treated at home with all available means. This is acceptable for mild forms of food poisoning or diarrhea as a result of errors in diet. In other cases, you must see a doctor and undergo the prescribed examination.

Situations in which medical attention is needed immediately:

loose stool mixed with blood and pus (green);
dark, tarry stools;
repeated vomiting or vomiting blood;
severe abdominal pain;
diarrhea lasting more than a day without effect from therapy;
high body temperature;
confusion;
convulsions;
signs of impending miscarriage or premature birth (pain in the lower abdomen, uterine hypertonicity, bleeding from the genital tract).

If any of these symptoms appear, you need to call a local doctor or an ambulance team to your home.

Why is diarrhea dangerous in pregnant women?

Problem #1. Dehydration

Long-term diarrhea can cause dehydration. The risk of this condition increases with repeated vomiting. When dehydrated, the body loses fluid and mineral salts, which leads to a significant deterioration in the well-being of the expectant mother and her baby. It is very important to recognize the signs of dehydration in time and take all measures to eliminate it.

Symptoms of lack of fluid due to diarrhea:

strong thirst;
severe dry mouth;
dry skin and mucous membranes;
pallor or cyanosis of the skin;
rare urination;
darkening of urine color;
tachycardia;
decrease in blood pressure below 100/60 mmHg. st;
loss of consciousness;
convulsions.

Most often, dehydration develops against the background of severe food poisoning. With some toxic infections, loss of fluid and salts can occur quite quickly. If help is not provided in time, dehydration can cause serious complications and even death of a pregnant woman.

Problem #2. Deficiency of mineral salts

This condition usually develops against the background of chronic diarrhea. Constant diarrhea due to diseases of the digestive tract leads to a pronounced deficiency of mineral salts in a woman’s body. There is a lack of vitamins and other nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of all organs. As a result, the baby does not receive enough important microelements. Fetal development is disrupted and weight gain is delayed. In the early stages, a deficiency of mineral salts can cause developmental defects.

Problem #3. Threat of miscarriage

Severe diarrhea and abdominal pain lead to increased uterine tone. Short-term hypertonicity will not cause harm, but can lead to painful sensations in the area of the pubis and sacrum. In severe cases of the disease, increased myometrial tone provokes miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy. In the later stages, premature labor may occur.

Recognizing the threat of miscarriage with ongoing diarrhea is not so easy. Pain in the lower abdomen often goes unnoticed against the background of other symptoms. The only clear reason to see a doctor is the appearance of bloody discharge from the genital tract. In such a situation, help should be provided to the woman immediately. With timely treatment, there is a high chance of maintaining pregnancy and a successful outcome of the disease.

What to do if diarrhea develops?

Treatment for diarrhea in pregnant women will depend on the cause of the disease. In case of food poisoning and risk of dehydration, the following measures are taken:

Replenishment of fluid losses. During diarrhea, the body loses a large amount of fluid, so it is important to restore its volume as quickly as possible. Special saline solutions (Regidron, Trisol) will best cope with this task. If you don’t have this useful drug on hand, you can drink unsweetened tea or plain clean water. You should focus on the volumes of fluid removed. On average you should drink per hour? a glass of saline solution, tea or water.
Sorbents. In acute diarrhea, it is important not only to replenish fluid loss, but also to prevent further progression of the disease. Of the drugs allowed during pregnancy, you can use activated carbon, Smecta or Polysorb. Enterosorbents, entering the intestinal lumen, remove all toxins and other dangerous substances from it. After using sorbents, diarrhea is reduced, intoxication is reduced and the functionality of the digestive tract is restored. Any other drugs should be used at intervals of 2 hours before or after using enterosorbents.

Specific medications (antibiotics and other drugs) are used in special cases and only as prescribed by a doctor. After all the symptoms of the disease have subsided, the doctor may also recommend taking medications that restore the functioning of the digestive tract. Preparations containing a large number of beneficial lactobacilli will cope best with this task.

Diet is of great importance in the treatment of diarrhea and diarrhea. During the first day of acute diarrhea, you should not eat. On the second day, you can eat white bread crackers and unsweetened tea. Subsequently, the diet is expanded until the normal diet is completely restored. At the same time, in the first days all fried, spicy and salty foods, animal fats and whole milk are prohibited. With a mild course of the disease, the return to normal nutrition can be accelerated.

Chronic diarrhea is treated by a gastroenterologist. If diarrhea is caused by diseases outside the digestive tract, help from other specialists may be required. Therapy is always prescribed taking into account the timing of pregnancy and the severity of the condition of the expectant mother. All drugs used for treatment must be safe for the fetus and not have a negative effect on the course of pregnancy and upcoming birth.

Prevention

The following recommendations will help prevent the development of diarrhea during pregnancy:

Follow the rules of personal hygiene. Simply washing your hands before eating will reduce the risk of food poisoning several times.
Do not eat products that have expired.
Do not eat questionable foods.
Avoid visiting little-known restaurants and cafes.
Watch your diet and avoid overeating.
Avoid foods that can cause allergies.
Treat chronic diseases of the digestive tract (it is better to do this before pregnancy).
Contact your doctor promptly if you notice the first signs of diarrhea or other digestive problems.

Maria Sokolova

Reading time: 9 minutes

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Many expectant mothers know firsthand about such an unpleasant problem as bloating. The main factor provoking flatulence during pregnancy is the changing hormonal background, which literally involves all organs and systems in the general process of restructuring the body.

The cause of bloating can be both ordinary errors in diet and daily routine, and still hidden diseases, so you should never ignore visiting a doctor!

The main causes of flatulence in early and late pregnancy

The “culprit” for changes in hormonal levels in a pregnant woman’s body is progesterone, the action of which is aimed at relaxing the smooth muscles of the uterus in order to maintain pregnancy.

But the hormone progesterone also has a great influence on the muscles of the stomach and intestines, which leads to a slowdown in motility and a change in the digestion process.

The main factors that result in flatulence:

Lack of certain digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to poor digestion of food mass.
Errors in the diet of a pregnant woman.
Wrong choice of dishes and food products. Flatulence can be triggered by food with an excess of carbohydrates, very coarse food with an abundance of fiber, fatty and smoked foods, and a large lack of vitamins and microelements in the diet.
Insufficient intake of water and liquid foods.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: gastritis, colitis and enterocolitis, duodenitis, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, peptic ulcer, hepatitis, pancreatitis, etc.
Dysbacteriosis.
The pregnancy hormone is progesterone.
In the second and third trimesters, bloating can cause constant pressure from the growing uterus on the intestines and gastrointestinal tract.
Stress, physical and mental stress.
Helminthic infestations, infectious diseases.
Environmental factors.
Incorrectly chosen clothing, squeezing the growing stomach and chest.

Signs of bloating in a pregnant woman – when should you see a doctor?

As we have already noted above, the cause of flatulence in an expectant mother can be chronic diseases that appeared or began to worsen during pregnancy.

What alarming symptoms require a pregnant woman to urgently consult a doctor?

Flatulence during pregnancy manifests itself as follows:

The stomach seems to be bursting, sounds of rumbling, transfusion of food and gas bubbles are heard.
The feeling of heaviness in the stomach does not leave.
Copious discharge of gases.
Nausea - and not only in the morning on an empty stomach, as happens with toxicosis.
Deterioration of appetite - a woman begins to be afraid to eat anything, so as not to again cause a violent reaction in the stomach.
Diarrhea may occur - or, conversely, constipation.
A pregnant woman notices frequent belching and bad breath.
As a result of poor digestion and constant worries about well-being, the expectant mother may experience headaches and dizziness, weakness and drowsiness, increased heart rate and surges in blood pressure.

A deterioration in general well-being and mood is not the most dangerous consequence that can occur with severe and prolonged flatulence.

Serious complications can arise when enlarged intestinal loops put strong pressure on the uterus - it may occur , which often causes premature termination of pregnancy and early birth.

In addition, any digestive or appetite disturbances during pregnancy can lead to disorders of intrauterine development of a child , because they will deprive him of a sufficient amount of vitamins and microelements.

The expectant mother must remember: any ailments during pregnancy are a reason to consult a doctor!

The most dangerous symptoms for which help should be provided immediately:

Severe diarrhea and vomiting, signs of dehydration.
Increased body temperature and feverish conditions.
Abdominal pain of various types.
Lack of appetite, severe nausea.
Blood and mucus in the stool.

Prevention of flatulence in a pregnant woman - adjusting the diet and regimen

The first thing you need to do is adjust your diet

It is necessary to eat food in small portions, increasing the number of meals and reducing the volume.
It is better if the expectant mother eats in a reclining position. Food must be chewed very carefully, remembering the golden rule - you must chew each portion at least 30 times.

Products that provoke increased gas formation should be excluded or sharply limited in the diet:

All varieties of cabbage , especially raw. If you really want, for example, pies or cabbage soup, then it is better to give preference to broccoli or cauliflower.
R edis, daikon, radish.
Eggplants and peppers in any form.
All legumes , including green beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, kidney beans, soybeans.
Mushrooms.
Fruits and berries , especially fresh apples, grapes, plums, peaches, apricots. Candied fruits and juices made from these berries and fruits are also not recommended.
Corn.
Peanut.
Dairy , including kefir, yogurts, cottage cheese and fresh milk.
All drinks with gas , including sparkling mineral water.
Kvass.
Fatty meat products, smoked meats.
Yeast bread and bakery products.
Sweet confectionery and candies, chocolate.

Foods that help reduce flatulence:

Rice, crumbly buckwheat.
Lean meats, poultry.
Whole grain bread.
Boiled carrots and beets.
Low-fat fish and all seafood.
Green tea, compote with bird cherry.
Oatmeal on water.
Steamed protein omelettes.
Fresh parsley, fennel, cilantro and dill for the table.

We adjust physical activity and regimen:

It is necessary to organize the correct daily routine, in which night rest should be at least 9-10 hours, a couple of daytime rest breaks of half an hour, when the expectant mother can simply lie down with her legs elevated.
Particular attention should be paid to sufficient physical activity of the pregnant woman. so that the intestines work well. These include walks in the fresh air, as much as possible, and breathing exercises every day.
Shoes and clothes should be comfortable, not tight, appropriate for the duration of pregnancy. No corsets or high heels!
After eating it is very useful to massage the abdomen, stroking it around the navel clockwise. Do not press under any circumstances!
Swimming and.

Treatment of increased gas formation during pregnancy - how can a doctor help?

Since we are talking about a woman expecting a baby, treatment of flatulence, intestinal spasms and other unpleasant problems associated with increased gas formation should be based on means and methods that are completely safe for the pregnant woman and the fetus.

In any case, treatment should be prescribed by a doctor! It is worth recalling that without a doctor’s recommendation, an expectant mother should not even take infusions of medicinal herbs.

Drugs for the treatment of flatulence that a doctor may prescribe:

Espumisan. The drug destroys gas bubbles in the intestines and significantly alleviates the condition of flatulence. A safe medicine, it is usually prescribed in a dosage of 2 capsules before bedtime.
Iberogast. A carminative drug containing herbal components without any chemical components. It has not only carminative, but also bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, and choleretic properties. It must be taken as recommended and under the supervision of a doctor! Pregnant women are usually prescribed Iberogast in a dosage of 20 drops before meals three times a day.
Diflatil and Simethicone. Prescribed by a doctor according to the scheme: 25-30 drops after meals, 3-4 times a day.
Simikop. Doctors recommend that their patients take this drug 0.5 ml before meals.
Meteospasmil. Usually prescribed 1-2 capsules up to three times a day before meals.
Sub simplex. Dosage – 30 drops simultaneously with or after meals.
Bifidum-bacterin, trilacg, ecoflor. These drugs are prescribed to expectant mothers to restore normal intestinal microflora.

Contraindicated for pregnant women Maalox plus, Nasigel cherry, Liquid antacid "York", Maisigel, Zeolate, Almakon.

Folk remedies against flatulence during pregnancy

Herbal decoctions and folk remedies during pregnancy should also be taken only on the recommendation of a doctor!

Infusion of coriander seeds. Crush a tablespoon of seeds, pour a glass of boiling water and leave. Drink a third of a glass of infusion three times a day 15 minutes before meals.
Melissa and chamomile tea.
Infusion of watch. Pour two teaspoons of dry watch with a glass of boiling water, leave, strain. Drink half a glass before meals.
Dill and dill water. It is recommended to season all dishes with fresh or dried dill. Dill water is prepared by pouring two cups of boiling water over a tablespoon of seeds and leaving until completely cooled. You need to drink half a glass of water before each meal.
Ginger. It is recommended to add a quarter teaspoon of ginger powder or one plastic piece of fresh ginger to tea in the morning and evening. You should drink this tea after meals.
Paste made from clay, nuts and lemon. Grind 100 grams of peeled nuts (you can take pine or walnuts), one lemon along with the peel in a meat grinder. Add 50 grams of pure clay (buy at the pharmacy) to the mixture, add honey or stevia herb for a sweet taste. Mix well and store the mixture in the refrigerator. Take a teaspoon of paste half an hour before meals in the morning and evening.

The website warns: self-medication can harm your health! Use all the tips presented only after examination and on the recommendation of a doctor!