Morning Sickness or Bloating?
Been feeling a fullness and pressure in the abdominal area, not quite nausea but near enough to be uncomfortable? The problem may be bloating.
If you've never really felt the "bloat" before, you may not recognize it as separate from your normal "pregnant" feelings. Bloating is uncomfortable fullness in the abdomen. You may feel over-full or may even feel as if you have excess gas in your system. Some people feel bloating as indigestion or near-nausea.
Unfortunately, bloating may be a normal part of your newly sensitive pregnant digestive system. With the whole process being slowed down, there is more chance for gases to get trapped. The good news is, there are some things that you can do to help reduce bloating.
- Choose foods high in fiber.
High-fiber foods will help reduce the bloat because the fiber absorbs water in your digestive system and helps to move the contents through the intestines. Think of fiber as a sponge. It picks the stuff up and cleans out your digestive tract. Here is a Fiber Content Chart to help you plan high-fiber meals.
- Stay Away from Refined Sugars.
For some reason, eating large quantities of refined sugars can bring on a bloated feeling the next morning. When pregnant, your system may react to quantities of sugar that didn't affect your non-pregnant stomach. Try to use fresh fruits to satisfy that sweet tooth.
- Drink more water.
Some women are afraid to drink water because they mistakenly believe it will increase their swelling and bloating. The truth is, water helps to flush out the system, and is necessary to prevent swelling and bloating. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and take frequent sips as you go about your day.
- Go for daily walks.
Walking acts as a natural stimulant to your digestive system. By walking after meals, you can increase the speed with which foods move through your body and reduce the potential for bloating. If you don't have time to walk, try some pelvic rocking. - Eat less food at a time.
You may end up feeling like all you do is eat, but by eating less food at each meal, but having more frequent meals, prevents your sluggish digestive system from getting over-loaded.
High Fiber Snacks:
- Carrots
- Apples
- Pears
- Oatmeal
- Whole Wheat Toast
- Whole Grain Bagels
You May Also Be Interested In:Explore ways exercise in pregnancy can help you stay healthy. Finding out how to tell if labor has started. The Coach's Notebook helps you master comfort measures for labor. The Natural Childbirth Directory can help you find more information about pregnancy and locate childbirth professionals. Virtual Labor Game lets you practice your new labor skills. |
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