Bloating can occur in the earliest stages of pregnancy, and may continue to the end. As uncomfortable as this symptom can be, there are a few bloating remedies that work for many women. Learning how to deal with bloating during pregnancy is important in order to begin feeling as comfortable as possible since this is one of the symptoms you can control in most cases. You can begin by drinking more water, staying away from salt, combating constipation, and making a few other lifestyle changes.
It might seem counterproductive to drink lots of water to get rid of bloating during pregnancy, but it actually works. If you do not drink enough water, your body begins to hold onto any liquids that enter your system, causing bloat. This water retention may begin in your stomach, and could eventually end up in your legs, arms, and face toward the end of the pregnancy. To avoid this, drink at least eight to 12 glasses of water per day.
If you are yearning for salt, you should not give in to this craving too often. Consuming too much salt can cause you to experience bloating while you're pregnant quite easily. If you ever noticed this issue before pregnancy, you will probably find that it has become more extreme since you became pregnant, as even eating a few chips may cause sudden bloating the next day. Cutting out snacks like potato chips, peanuts, pretzels, and even soda may be necessary if you have a tendency to bloat after consuming them.
A common pregnancy complaint is constipation, which can result in constant bloating. Increasing fiber intake can help with this issue. Consuming prune juice, plums, grapefruits, bran, and whole grains is a good way to start getting the fiber you need to combat bloating during pregnancy.
There are some additional changes you can make that have little to do with what you consume. Though exercise may feel like the last thing you want to do, especially when you are uncomfortably bloated, it can help. Exercise can cut down on constipation since it gets the body, including the digestive system, moving. It can also reduce swelling in the arms, legs, and face by increasing blood circulation. If you do notice bloating during pregnancy in areas other than your stomach, you should stay away from tight clothes that restrict blood flow, and also try to put your feet up when you are home to help increase blood circulation.
