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How can I Deal with Bloating During Pregnancy?

Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers

Bloating can occur in the earliest stages of pregnancy, and may continue to the end. As uncomfortable as this symptom can be, there are a few bloating remedies that work for many women. Learning how to deal with bloating during pregnancy is important in order to begin feeling as comfortable as possible since this is one of the symptoms you can control in most cases. You can begin by drinking more water, staying away from salt, combating constipation, and making a few other lifestyle changes.

It might seem counterproductive to drink lots of water to get rid of bloating during pregnancy, but it actually works. If you do not drink enough water, your body begins to hold onto any liquids that enter your system, causing bloat. This water retention may begin in your stomach, and could eventually end up in your legs, arms, and face toward the end of the pregnancy. To avoid this, drink at least eight to 12 glasses of water per day.

Eating lots of salt can cause bloating.
Eating lots of salt can cause bloating.

If you are yearning for salt, you should not give in to this craving too often. Consuming too much salt can cause you to experience bloating while you're pregnant quite easily. If you ever noticed this issue before pregnancy, you will probably find that it has become more extreme since you became pregnant, as even eating a few chips may cause sudden bloating the next day. Cutting out snacks like potato chips, peanuts, pretzels, and even soda may be necessary if you have a tendency to bloat after consuming them.

Prune juice can help with bloating.
Prune juice can help with bloating.

A common pregnancy complaint is constipation, which can result in constant bloating. Increasing fiber intake can help with this issue. Consuming prune juice, plums, grapefruits, bran, and whole grains is a good way to start getting the fiber you need to combat bloating during pregnancy.

There are some additional changes you can make that have little to do with what you consume. Though exercise may feel like the last thing you want to do, especially when you are uncomfortably bloated, it can help. Exercise can cut down on constipation since it gets the body, including the digestive system, moving. It can also reduce swelling in the arms, legs, and face by increasing blood circulation. If you do notice bloating during pregnancy in areas other than your stomach, you should stay away from tight clothes that restrict blood flow, and also try to put your feet up when you are home to help increase blood circulation.

Discussion Comments

MissDaphne

If you can tolerate them without too much gas, eating beans is super-healthy during pregnancy. The fiber will help keep away constipation and you really need the protein. I even found that loading up on protein, which was the last thing I wanted to do, helped with pregnancy nausea!

And the article is right that exercise is important. For a while during my pregnancy, I was told not to exercise and I just swelled up like a balloon! I was so relieved once I was given the all-clear to start going for walks and aerobics class again. (Took care of my back pain, too.)

dfoster85

One really common cause of constipation, and by extension gas and bloating, during pregnancy is all the iron in prenatal vitamins. Yes, you need a lot of iron, but you might be able to dial it back - talk to your doctor. Shaklee makes a very good vitamin without iron (you would then need to get a *lot* in your diet or occasionally take a separate iron supplement) or you might be able to take just a folic acid supplement, or just folic acid and calcium.

A lot of doctors will also prescribe a stool softener if your constipation becomes a real problem.

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    • Eating lots of salt can cause bloating.
      By: Aaron Amat
      Eating lots of salt can cause bloating.
    • Prune juice can help with bloating.
      By: MSPhotographic
      Prune juice can help with bloating.
    • Drinking water can help with bloating.
      By: Yasonya
      Drinking water can help with bloating.
    • A positive pregnancy test.
      By: Ioannis Pantzi
      A positive pregnancy test.
    • Potato chips, which are salty and fried, can cause bloating.
      By: andersphoto
      Potato chips, which are salty and fried, can cause bloating.