Gas

[Anonymous]

I am so bloated from gas. What the heck can I do/take? I swear I might pop. I am very grateful I have my own office, otherwise I might have had to take a sick day

So far, I have:
Eat a ton of fiber-rich foods, including fruit
Done several yoga positions that helped a tiny bit

[Anonymous]

I'm right there with you on being quite gassy.

I've heard that high fiber diets can actually increase gas - but I'd still stick with the high fiber. The only other thing I can think to add that might help is exercise - like walking. You could also try eating smaller meals.

[Anonymous]

I've heard if you increase your fiber intake too quickly you'll end up constipated and gassy. Maybe cut back on the fiber a little. Also, stay away from carbonated beverages---at the beginning of my preg I was drinking ginger ale to help w/ nausea and had so much gas it was ridiculous. As soon as I stopped drinking it, I was fine. I never drink sodas so maybe that was why it affected me so badly.

[Anonymous]

The fiber will give you gas, as will being pregnant--the progesterone slows down your bowels, thereby producing more gas as things "ferment." Keep up the fiber, though, or you'll get constipated....or try Activia yogurt---it really works to keep you regular, which is important during pregnancy since you don't need anything to help give you hemorrhoids.

Carbonated drinks will increase gas too.

As for getting rid of gas altogether, you have to wait about 9 months for that. It's one of the beautiful aspects of pregnancy no one tells you about.....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The fiber will give you gas, as will being pregnant--the progesterone slows down your bowels, thereby producing more gas as things "ferment." Keep up the fiber, though, or you'll get constipated....or try Activia yogurt---it really works to keep you regular, which is important during pregnancy since you don't need anything to help give you hemorrhoids.

Carbonated drinks will increase gas too.

As for getting rid of gas altogether, you have to wait about 9 months for that. It's one of the beautiful aspects of pregnancy no one tells you about.....

Yes, that is correct. My doc. told me the GI tract slows down so it can absorb more nutrients vital for you and baby. The downside is that it also dries out the bowels (constipation) and makes for smelly gas. I wouldn't give up the fiber completely though. I think I would rather toot (as bad and embarrassing as it is) than be constipated. If you can steer clear of fried foods too that seems to make gas worse.

[Anonymous]

OP here- I broke down and called my nurse. I thought I would share what she told me, in case anyone else finds themselves in this uncomfortable position. (BTW- If I could toot and get it out, I don't think it would be so bad, it just feels "stuck" and I look like I am smuggling a basketball, considering I am in my first tri, it is odd!)

Drink Hot Mint Tea (Decaf) Both the mint and the hot liquid help break things up
Take GasX if it gets worse

[obregone]

I drink lots of mint tea and that helps me. Ginger tea also helps, but be careful because they rarely sell ginger tea with only ginger in it. it usually has a ton of other things that may not be safe for pregnant women. i prefer just to heat up hot water and sprinkle some ginger powder in it.

[Anonymous]

Tums help me. I know they are not supposed to help with gas, but somehow they help me with my gas. I would not take GasX if I were you, it is a category C medication: http://www.safefetus.com/DrugDetail.asp?DrugId=287&TradeName=Gas-X&TradeId=4685

[Anonymous]

My OB said GasX was fine. I would not have survived pregnancy without it.

[Anonymous]

i had the same problem, and thought i would pop.

i called my dr's office, and one of the doctors told me (1) no gas-x, (2) drink prune juice or high fiber foods, or (3) to drink carbonated drinks to help "release" the gas.... i was very skeptical. 2 and 3 didn't work at all... in fact 3 made it worse. what ultimately helped me was doing a downward dog-like position -- then putting my knees down and lowering my chest to a low position below the level of my derriere. it helped, um, release things...

[Anonymous]

Lie on your side (left side works best) and bring both or at least your right leg up as high as you can and hug it. It puts natural pressure on your system and it should come right out! Now if you're at work, I maybe wouldn't advise this but...