Can Gas Pains Hurt During Pregnancy?

Symptoms that may accompany gas pain during pregnancy include:

• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Cramping
• Indigestion
• Feeling of pressure

Tell your doctor if you have gas pain during pregnancy and: 

• Pain gets worse and does not go away
• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Blood in the stool
• Persistent constipation
• You feel you are having contractions

Pregnant people often have more gas and bloating than usual for several reasons:

• Progesterone
  • In the first trimester, progesterone levels are increased, which causes the body’s muscles, including intestinal muscles, to relax
  • Relaxed intestinal muscles slow down digestion, which can produce excess gas and gas pain
  • With slowed digestion, food stays in the gastrointestinal tract for longer which results in the creation of more gas
  • The relaxed muscles also result in a reduced ability to control the release of gas
• Foods that require more work to break down in the gut
  • Beans
  • Lentils
  • Broccoli
  • Asparagus
  • Cabbage
  • Artichokes
  • Fibrous vegetables
• Lack of physical activity
  • Body movement aids in digestion, and many people are unable to move as much as they used to before becoming pregnant 
  • This can result in the buildup of gas, causing gas pain and bloating 

Gas pain and bloating during pregnancy can often be relieved with home remedies: 

• Lie down on your side 
• Lie down on your back with one leg raised
• Breathe deeply and slowly
• Wear clothing that is loose around the belly
• Avoid chewing gum 
• Practice stress relief techniques
  • Yoga 
  • Meditation
  • Journaling

To prevent excess gas during pregnancy: 

• Eat slowly
• Chew food thoroughly 
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
• Keep a food journal to see which foods trigger gas
• Limit or avoid carbonated beverages
• Avoid fried foods
• Don’t use artificial sweeteners
• Don’t use a straw when drinking
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
• Avoid tight clothing around the waist
• Increase low-impact exercises such as swimming or walking
• Take anti-gas medication approved by your doctor