Find Relief from Indigestion and Bloating

What does indigestion and bloating involve?

It’s sometimes an embarrassing side effect of pregnancy as you may find yourself being a little more flatulent these days. This extra gas is due to indigestion and bloating, which are both common pregnancy symptoms. It’s our body’s way of dealing with the gas building up inside us. This indigestion, bloating and flatulence can also cause some abdominal discomfort.

What causes indigestion and bloating during pregnancy?

Indigestion is likely to happen as your growing womb presses on your stomach, crowding the intestines. Additionally, your body is making more of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone during pregnancy. These hormones relax your intestinal muscles, which slows down the digestive process, creating bloat and extra gas. It’s not necessarily a bad thing; your body can absorb more essential nutrients from your food and pass them on to your little one.

How can I deal with indigestion and bloating?

Eat:

Spread your meals throughout the day and keep them small, instead of having regular large meals. Relax and eat slowly to avoid swallowing air.

Eat your dinner at least three hours before bedtime.

Ginger tea may help to aid the digestion process, as well as easing nausea, another common pregnancy symptom.

Do:

Stay hydrated with plain water and avoid carbonated drinks.

Stay away from foods that may trigger indigestion and flatulence, often spicy foods, chocolate and fried and fatty foods.

Exercise can stimulate digestion, as long as you check with your doctor first on appropriate prenatal exercises you can do.