Pregnant and dealing with trapped wind? These 3 steps can help to soothe the situation
If you're currently making a human, you'll be painfully aware that your digestive system might be functioning a little differently to what you're used to. Tidal waves of nausea: tick. Constipation: tick. Flatulence: certainly.
What are the signs of trapped wind in pregnancy?
One issue that can keep coming up when you're pregnant is trapped wind. The key signs of this include:
a bloated stomach
nausea
pain when you bend over, lie down or exercise
intense stomach cramps and pain
excessive farting or burping
So, why does this festival of fun happen? Does it all get worse as your pregnancy progresses? And is there anything you can do to soothe your symptoms? WH tapped up an expert for the answers.
Is trapped wind common in pregnancy?
It is. 'The main reason that women suffer with trapped wind during pregnancy is due to progesterone,' says Mr Pat O'Brien, a Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at University College London Hospitals.
'Progesterone [which your body creates to thicken the lining of your uterus, to get prepare your body for pregnancy] is one of the main pregnancy hormones, made by the placenta,' Mr O'Brien explains. While initially this hormone preps your body for pregnancy, after conception, it continues to play a role: maintaining the pregnancy and preparing your body for labour.
So, what's that got to do with trapped wind? Well. 'One of its many effects is to relax the bowel. This means that the bowel is much slower to move along food and gas, leading to trapped wind and constipation, which are very common complaints in pregnant women.'
Does trapped wind get worse in later pregnancy?
Indeed. As your foetus grows, so too does the pressure in your whole abdominal area. Which isn't a shock: you are accommodating a whole bigger load in there, all of a sudden.
'Physical obstruction of the bowel due to the growing uterus may also play a part,' elaborates Mr O'Brien, 'particularly in later pregnancy. But the main culprit is still progesterone.'
Why is trapped wind so painful when you're pregnant?
As mentioned, it's because of elevated levels of the hormone progesterone, which are needed throughout your pregnancy. Because progesterone relaxes your bowel, food and gas take longer to be moved through your body, which leads to more – and more painful – trapped wind than you might be used to. Add in the extra level of pressure of your uterus on your bowel, as your pregnancy goes on, and this can start to feel extra intense.
How do you get rid of trapped wind when pregnant?
Sadly, there's not heaps you can do about your progesterone levels – sorry. But there are a few lifestyle tweaks you can try, that work for trapped wind more generally. Mr O'Brien advises trying:
Eating little and often, rather than big meals. Gulping a lot of air when you have your dinner can cause trapped wind. Chew slowly and take your time
Get exercise, 'even a decent walk,' to encourage movement
Drink peppermint tea, which can help to soothe the situation
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