Some pregnancy symptoms are funnier than others, like food cravings and crazy mood swings, but one isn't as laugh-inducing as you might think. That's pregnancy gas. Also known as farting. And unfortunately, many moms-to-be have to deal with the embarrassment of it. But there are ways you can save your dignity and alleviate the urge to pass it – here's how.
First of all, it's important to try to figure out what's causing this extra gassiness. One of the main culprits is likely the hormones surging through your body, which can slow down your gastrointestinal tract. Other causes might be the foods you're eating, or maybe you're not taking enough time to chew and are swallowing a lot of air as a result. Ask yourself if you've been eating foods that are known to cause gas, like beans or carbonated beverages, and take note of how fast you're chowing down.
Now, try doing exercise while pregnant. After clearing it with your doctor, you can use exercise to speed up the movements of your intestinal tract, which can help a great deal. The longer food stays in your stomach, the more likely it is to start fermenting, which is what causes the gas buildup. Decreasing this time cuts down on the amount of gas produced.
When you're feeling hungry, be sure to avoid eating foods that you know tend to cause excess flatulence. Dairy products are often gas producing, as are artificial sweeteners, starchy vegetables, sodas and fruit juices.
After picking out safe foods, keep your meals small and take your time eating them. This will prevent you from swallowing air that could try to escape later on. Taking these steps should help you sidestep any blush-worthy incidents.