Farting and Smelly Gas During Pregnancy: Is It Normal?

Pregnancy brings about many changes in a woman's body. It makes many parts of the body sensitive. From unexpected hair growth to constipation and belching, pregnancy causes many physical changes. Among these, gas is also a common occurrence among pregnant women. While it may seem embarrassing, it is nothing to be ashamed of. Smelly gas during pregnancy happens because of hormone surges.

The good news is that the gas can be contolled. Although it cannot be completely done away with, there are some home remedies one can use to limit the gas or its smell. So, let's understand in detail about what causes gas problem during pregnancy and how to manage it.

Is Gas an Early Pregnancy Sign?

One of the most common signs of pregnancy is smelly gas and farting during early pregnancy. This is nothing to be ashamed of. During the first week, a woman's body can become very gassy. If you are pregnant, you may notice that within 1-2 weeks of the first missed period, your body experiences gassiness.

Is Smelly Gas During Pregnancy Normal?

During pregnancy, a woman's body does not have the same control as a normal body does; it is not easy to control muscle movement. The release of extra hormones makes women's digestive systems swell up and causes a lot of pregnancy gas. This gas build-up may also be uncomfortable and cause abdominal pain, belching, or bloating. Sometimes, this can last for all nine months of pregnancy.

What Causes Farting During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, there are several causes of farting or excessive gas. Here are five common causes:

1. Increased levels of progesterone

Progesterone is a hormone that relaxes the muscles in the body, including those in the digestive tract. This can slow down digestion, leading to gas buildup and bloating.

2. Hormonal changes

Pregnancy hormones can affect the gastrointestinal system, causing changes in digestion and gas production. These hormonal fluctuations can contribute to increased pregnancy farts.

3. Pressure from the enlarging uterus

As the uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby, it puts pressure on the surrounding organs, including the intestines. This pressure can lead to gas and bloating.

4. Dietary factors

Certain foods are known to cause gas, such as beans, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, onions, and carbonated drinks. Consuming these foods during pregnancy can contribute to farting.

5. Reduced physical activity

Many pregnant women may experience a decrease in physical activity due to fatigue or discomfort. Reduced physical movement can slow down digestion, leading to increased gas production.

How to Relieve Gas Problem During Pregnancy?

While it is normal for women to experience farting during early pregnancy, it is usually triggered by the poor intake of food and drinks. It is crucial for expecting mothers to keep a food log, so they can understand which foods are more likely to trigger gas.

Instead of eating fast, be more mindful and eat slowly; chew your food well and avoid gulping in excess air, so gas does not get trapped in the body. Focus on drinking more water and cutting down on sweetened or carbonated drinks.

While early pregnancy odour of gas is normal, there are some home remedies to relieve gas during pregnancy. Try drinking plenty of fluids, such as water and fresh juices. Be mindful of consuming more fibre and fibre supplements. Other things you can do to keep gas at bay are exercise regularly, wear clothing that is comfortable and not body-hugging, and make sure that your stress levels are low.

Will a Gas Problem Affect Pregnancy?

Discomfort is commonly felt amongst pregnant women as they tend to get bloated or trap gas due to the hormones released during pregnancy. However, these symptoms do not affect the baby or the pregnancy cycle as such. Please consult your doctor in case the gas lasts for a long duration, or if it is accompanied with severe abdominal pain.

You may also like: Which Foods Should You Avoid During Pregnancy That Cause Bloating?

Conclusion

Pregnancy gas may last for a few months, or the entire pregnancy cycle, especially since it occurs because of the release of hormones. Some women experience frequent farting during pregnancy, but this happens mainly because they do not focus on their food and water intake. To avoid bloating, belching and smelly gas during pregnancy, drink lots of water, eat foods with fibres or take fibre supplements, and ensure that your body gets plenty of physical exercise. While you can't avoid gas build up, you can relieve yourself from the gas, or limit the amount that gets trapped in your body.

References

1. Body changes and discomforts. (2021). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

2. Longo SA, Moore RC, Canzoneri BJ, Robichaux A. (2010). Gastrointestinal Conditions during Pregnancy. NCBI

3. Gas in the Digestive Tract; The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; The National Institutes of Health