While you may be happy about bringing a new life into the world, the effects of pregnancy on your body can leave you less than thrilled. Swollen feet, fatigue, leg cramps --- all of these are common while you're pregnant. It's also common to experience abdominal swelling, or bloating, after eating a meal. Making changes in your diet can help limit this bothersome symptom. Discuss your pregnancy diet and bloating with your doctor.
Intestinal Gas
Intestinal gas is a normal part of being human; in fact, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases explains that humans can produce about 1 to 4 pints a day. Gas builds up in your stomach while you eat because you are swallowing air. Eventually, your stomach needs to release this air and does so through belching. Remaining gas moves into the intestines. Gas accumulation also occurs when certain foods aren't digested in the small intestine. The food moves into the large intestine where bacteria breaks it down, producing gas.
Effects of Pregnancy
Bloating, belching and flatulence are all possible consequences of this intestinal gas. One of the main causes of abdominal swelling is overeating, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Pregnancy can make abdominal bloating even worse. Increases in hormones, particularly progesterone, during this time cause the digestive process to slow. Uterine expansion pushes on the stomach, which affects digestion and also increases bloating. Constipation and heartburn are also common consequences of a growing uterus, with the latter being of particular concern during your final trimester.
Finding Relief
There's nothing you can do about physical changes in your body during pregnancy, but you can control your diet. Don't overeat; instead, try to eat several small meals rather than the traditional three large ones. It's important, however, not to eliminate all gas-producing foods because many of them contain vital nutrients. These include beans, whole grains and vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and carrots. You should avoid foods that contribute to gaseous buildup, including those that are fatty, fried or spicy.These same foods may also trigger heartburn. Eating slowly and taking a walk after meals can help, too.
Warning
Abdominal swelling is usually not cause for concern; however, you should consult your physician if it is affecting your ability to eat or causing a continual problem. Ask your physician about any stomach-relief products before using them. Getting medical attention is also important if you're experiencing other symptoms such as abdominal pain, sudden bowel changes or vomiting. You may have a gastrointestinal illness, gallbladder problems or even a bowel obstruction. Abdominal pain that doesn't subside can also signal a problem with the pregnancy that requires immediate medical intervention.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; Gas in the Digestive Tract; January 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Abdomen - Swollen; Nov. 16, 2008
- BabyCenter; Gas and Bloating During Pregnancy; ovember 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Third Trimester Pregnancy: What to Expect; June 18, 2011
- University of Michigan Health System; Helpful Hints for Controlling Gas (Flatus); March 23, 2007
- BabyCenter; Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy; April 2011
