How to Reduce Bloating During Pregnancy: Tips From an Expert

Key Highlights :

1. Pregnancy hormones relax the womb, and the digestive muscles also relax, resulting in reduced motility of the gut and slow digestion.

2. Walking and eating fibre-rich foods are recommended to help with digestion.

3. Probiotics can help with gut health.

4. Junk food and spicy foods should be avoided to reduce gas and heartburn.

5. Eat smaller meals in intervals to prevent the gut from getting overloaded.

     Pregnancy is an exciting time for many women, but it can also come with some uncomfortable and even painful symptoms. One of the most common digestive issues experienced by pregnant women is bloating. This can cause excessive gas in the body and lead to other problems. But what causes it? And how can one deal with it?

     According to Dr Mythri Sharan BK, an obstetrician and a gynaecologist, the hormones relaxin and progesterone are responsible for bloating during pregnancy. Taking to Instagram, Dr Mythri explained in a video that relaxin and progesterone reduce the motility of the gut, causing more-than-usual gas, along with burping and constipation. The doctor said that pregnancy hormones relax the womb, and the digestive muscles also relax, resulting in reduced motility of the gut and slow digestion.

     So, what can be done to reduce the bloating? Dr Mythri has listed the following tips to help pregnant women reduce bloating during pregnancy:

     1. Hydration: Drink plenty of water; at least 8 glasses of water per day. It increases the motility of the gut.

     2. Walking: Make regular physical activity a priority. Walk every day for 15-20 minutes to tackle the issues of bloating, gas and constipation.

     3. Fibre-rich food: Gradually increase the intake of fibre by eating fresh fruits, dried fruits, and whole grains. Pregnancy causes lots of gastric symptoms, so eat a lot of leafy vegetables, cucumber, orange, banana, dried figs, apricot, and raisins.

     4. Probiotics: Eating curd and yogurt can help boost digestion. They support good bacteria to keep your gut happy, which may help fight constipation and gas.

     5. Junk food: Avoid spicy and junk foods.

     6. Eat in intervals: Opt for smaller meals in intervals as they will prevent your digestive system from getting overloaded, keeping gas and heartburn in check.

     If you are pregnant and experiencing bloating, following these tips may help reduce the discomfort. However, it is always best to consult your doctor if you are having any issues related to your pregnancy.

Continue Reading at Source : thehealthsite