Gas during pregnancy
Bloating during pregnancy is completely normal. The main reason is not food intolerances at the beginning, but changes in the hormone balance. The hormone progesterone is secreted more strongly during the first months of pregnancy.
This has an effect on the muscles of the intestine and causes corresponding intestinal passages to run more slowly. As a result, flatulence can develop and cause discomfort. As the pregnancy progresses and the child grows, there are also changes in the pressure in the abdominal area.
The uterus can sometimes become so large that it lies on top of the intestine and causes excessive pressure. This can also lead to flatulence and intestinal problems. The same treatment is used as for flatulence outside pregnancy.
If it occurs, conventional teas with added caraway, fennel or aniseed can be used. The application of heat can also help to alleviate the symptoms. A cherry stone pillow or a hot water bottle can lead to the necessary relaxation of the intestinal muscles.
Furthermore, the affected person can try to distribute the excessive air in the abdomen area by stroking the abdomen in a circular motion. In many cases a regular repetition of this exercise already provides relief. Schüssler salts can also be used without any problems for flatulence during pregnancy.
The substances ferrum phosphoricum, magnesium phosphoricum and silicea should be taken at regular intervals. Many pregnant women with flatulence report an improvement after taking wheat bran. Especially known as a source of fibre, regular intake can lead to a quick effect.
Sufficient fluid intake and physical exercise is also important for those affected. The combination of little drinking and resting can lead to a worsening of the symptoms. Many babies suffer from flatulence, the so-called “three-month colic”, in the first three months of life.
The digestive tract is still immature in this phase of life and problems of conversion occur. Before birth, the child was supplied via the maternal circulation, but now the intestines have to start working. In addition, the little ones often swallow a lot of air while drinking.
In rare cases, incompatibilities such as lactose intolerance already occur at this age. The contact of air and milk in the baby’s tummy causes a tough, fine-bubble foam to form. The gas bubbles migrate into the intestine, where they press against the intestinal wall and cause pain.
This abdominal pain is often accompanied by a bulging abdomen and violent screaming attacks lasting for hours. This is very worrying for the parents. One should be rather careful when treating flatulence.
It is important to prevent flatulence as successfully as possible. This can be achieved by reducing all the air in the gastrointestinal tract. After each meal, the baby should be encouraged to let out air from the stomach via the mouth.
This is often achieved by folding the baby slightly onto his back. This manoeuvre can prevent the development of actual flatulence. If flatulence has already developed, the baby’s stomach should be massaged in the direction of the digestion in order to better distribute the excess air.
In the case of severe flatulence, the use of caraway and aniseed can also be helpful. If this does not help, a treatment with Lefax or a heat treatment can be tried. During the course of a day, about 14 litres of gases are produced in the digestive tract, mainly carbon dioxide, which is produced in the intestine during the neutralisation of the acid gastric juice.
The gases are constantly being transported out of the intestine, the majority of which is absorbed into the blood and breathed out through the lungs. 99 percent of the gases are odorless. Further general information: An overview of all previously published topics in the field of internal medicine can be found under Internal Medicine A-Z
- Flatulence household remedies
- Bloating after alcohol
- Flatulence after beer
- Flatulence causes
- Bloating
- Bacteria in the intestine
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
