Gas during pregnancy can be uncomfortable, painful, and can cause bloating and cramping. What pregnancy-safe remedies are there to reduce and manage gas?
By Dr. Kenosha Gleaton, Chief Medical Advisor, Natalist
Why do I have so much gas during pregnancy?
Pregnancy can cause an extra build up of gas than what you’re used to, and it can be painful and uncomfortable to deal with. Fortunately, this is a very common symptom of pregnancy, and you don’t have anything to worry about.
So what causes the extra gas? The short answer is hormones. Progesterone increases during pregnancy to nurture and protect your baby, but it also plays a role in our muscles. Muscles in your body, including intestinal muscles, will relax once exposed to progesterone. When these muscles relax, digestion slows down and gas is able to build up more easily, causing bloating, flatulence, and burping. There’s also an increase in pressure as your pregnancy progresses, slowing digestion and increasing gas build up.
Want to learn more? Read the full article and more on Natalist.com.
