Relieve gas and bloating during pregnancy with safe and effective home remedies. Discover natural ways to ease discomfort, improve digestion, and support a healthy pregnancy.
Drink plenty of fluids
Water is your best bet. Aim for eight to 10 (8-ounce) glasses every day, but other fluids count too. If your gas is causing pain or extreme bloating, you may have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), in which case make sure any juice you drink is low in certain types of gas and bloating-promoting sugars called FODMAPS. Cranberry, grape, and orange juice are all considered low-FODMAP juices.
Get moving
Physical activity and exercise should be a part of your daily routine. If you can’t make it to a gym, add a daily walk to your routine. Aim to walk or exercise for at least 30 minutes. Not only can exercise help keep you physically and emotionally fit, but it can also help prevent constipation and speed up digestion. Be sure to consult your obstetrician first before starting any exercise regimen during pregnancy.
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Test out your diet
Try removing potential food triggers from your diet one at a time, until your gas symptoms improve, recommends Brett Worly, MD, an assistant professor in the OB/GYN department. It’s recommended that you continue to eat a balanced diet while doing any form of elimination diet. Weight gain is necessary for most pregnancies, so it’s important to avoid restrictive diets.
Fill up on fiber
Many foods that make gas worse in the short term can actually help manage constipation. Try including 25 to 30 grams of high fiber foods into your diet to help ease gas concerns. Many fruits, such as prunes, figs, and bananas, and vegetables as well as whole grains like oats and flax meal are all good fiber boosters to consider.
Stool softeners
Docusate (Colace), a gentle stool softener, moistens the stool, allowing easier and regular passage. Only take docusate if you’re experiencing constipation or having too much gas. Ross encourages women to take 50 to 100 mg of docusate two times a day throughout the duration of their pregnancy. It’s important to avoid any stimulant laxatives, such as sennosides (Ex-Lax, Senokot), as these can cause complications during pregnancy.