Trapped Gas During Pregnancy

Trapped gas is uncomfortable at the best of times, but this is especially true during pregnancy when space is already at a premium. Your digestive system slows down during pregnancy to allow your body to absorb as much nutrients as possible from your food, the downside to this is the gas. Trapped gas during pregnancy is a common complaint, and can be quite painful. Here are some ways to relieve gas during pregnancy:

1. Eat little and often – avoid filling up your stomach by eating little and often. This gives your body chance to process your food, without allowing for a build up of gas trapped in your digestive system.

2. Watch what you eat – try to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Make sure you eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and stay hydrated.

3. Avoid problem foods – sodas, beans and processed foods that are difficult for the body to digest, may be adding to your problems. Try cutting these out of your diet to see if you notice an improvement.

4. One mouthful at a time – try a slower pace during mealtimes. Instead of wolfing down your dinner, be mindful of each mouthful. By rushing your dinner, you increase the amount of air swallowed, which could be contributing to your trapped gas. Eat slower, and be careful not to swallow much air during each meal.

5. Keep track of it – if trapped gas is a recurring problem, try keeping a food journal. Write down everything you eat and when, and then make a note each time you suffer from trapped gas. You may notice a pattern arises pretty quickly, allowing you to cut the offending foods from your diet. It’s much easier to notice these patterns if they’re noted down.

6. Get into position – try kneeling on the ground, with your forehead touching the floor, and your bum lifted in the air. If you feel in pain, adopt this position for relief. The idea is that the gas will rise, allowing you to pass gas and feel more comfortable.

7. Drink peppermint tea – some women swear by this as a way of reducing trapped gas during pregnancy.

8. Get moving – you may find that regular exercise helps gas to travel smoothly through your digestive system. Try to exercise each day during pregnancy. During painful bouts of trapped gas, you may find that going for a walk helps to release the gas.

9. Speak to your pharmacist – there are a number of over-the-counter remedies available to treat trapped gas. Speak to your pharmacist to find out which ones are safe to use during pregnancy.

Have you been suffering from trapped gas during pregnancy?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Understanding Your Baby’s Cries

Life as a new parent can feel pretty hectic. Even if you’re spending most of your time at home, you’ll be busy changing nappies, feeding, soothing, bonding with your new baby, and receiving visitors. This can be a stressful period, as you adjust to life as a parent, while getting to know your newborn. Your newborn, who is also getting to know you, has limited means of communication, and so you are bound to experience some crying once your baby arrives.

Listening to your newborn baby cry can be torturous, and you will be keen to soothe your baby as soon as possible. Here are some of the reasons babies cry, and what you can do to help:

  1. Hunger – this is the most common cause of crying in newborns. Babies have small stomachs and need to eat little and often as a result. If you are breastfeeding, you may notice that you begin to leak a little milk when you hear your baby’s cries –  a great sign that your hormones are working right. If hunger is the cause of the crying, your baby should feel soothed once offered a breast or bottle.
  2. Cuddles – sometimes, babies just want to be held. After nine long months in your uterus, they can get lonely being so far away from you. There’s nothing wrong with soothing your crying baby with a cuddle. If you want your hands free to get on with other things, you may find a sling useful to carry your baby close to you.
  3. Discomfort – this could be down to a dirty nappy, a tag rubbing inside clothing, being too hot, or lying in a funny position, amongst other things. The cry may be whiney and sound like “heh” when your baby is experiencing discomfort. Check for obvious signs of discomfort if you think this could be the problem.
  4. Overstimulated – loud noises, new sights, lots of people – it’s no wonder babies get overstimulated. Your baby may occasionally cry because he feels overstimulated. Take him to a quiet room for a cuddle, or put him in a sling so he can turn away from the world and feel safe against your chest.
  5. Gas – some babies experience gas after feeds, and may need a little help getting rid of the trapped air. Whimpers may indicate that your baby needs help to burp, whereas grunting may suggest the trapped gas is abdominal. There are a number of baby massage techniques that can help to relieve trapped gas.
  6. Pain – this is one of those times you will be amazed at your mothering instinct. Sometimes, the cry seems more desperate, and you’ll know something is wrong. Check for a fever, rash and other obvious symptoms, and call a healthcare provider for advice.

Don’t worry if you can’t tell what your baby is trying to tell you. It will take you a while to begin understanding your baby’s cries. Work through the list above until you find something that soothes your baby, and don’t be afraid to call for help if you think something is wrong.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

How Does an Epidural Work?

Epidural is the most commonly used form of pain relief during labour in the US. A catheter is inserted into the epidural space in the membrane surrounding your spine. This tube is then used to deliver continuous medications for pain relief throughout labour. An epidural usually delivers a mix of an anaesthetic and a narcotic. An epidural decreases sensation in your lower body, but doesn’t cause numbness. An epidural enables you to stay conscious throughout labour.

How is an epidural administered?
You will be asked to sit at the edge of the bed, or lie in a curled position, for the epidural to be inserted. A numbing injection will be used to prepare the insertion site. Once the area is numb, a needle will be inserted into your lower back.

The catheter will then be fed through the needle and into your back. The needle will then be withdrawn, and the catheter will be taped into place to prevent it from coming out. Once it has been taped down, you will be able to lie back down on the bed.

You will be given a test dosage of the medicine to ensure that there are no problems, and once this has been confirmed you will be given a full dose. Your baby will need continuous monitoring if you opt for an epidural, and your blood pressure will need to be checked regularly.

Can I have an epidural?
Not all women are able to have epidurals. You will be advised against having one if you:

  • have very low blood pressure
  • have a bleeding disorder
  • have a blood infection
  • have a skin infection on your lower back
  • have had previous allergic reactions to local anaesthetic
  • are on certain blood thinning medication

When can I have an epidural?
You should be in active labour before you have an epidural. This means you must be at least 4cm dilated and having regular contractions. You can have an epidural fitted at any point during active labour, until your baby’s head is crowning. Then it is considered too late to start an epidural, but if necessary you will be offered other forms of pain relief.

Advantages of an epidural
The advantages of this form of pain relief are:

  • it is considered to be a very effective form of pain relief
  • the dosage and strength can be increased or decreased easily as required
  • you will be awake and alert during the birth

Disadvantages of an epidural
There are some disadvantages to this form of pain medication, including:

  • most epidurals restrict your movement and mean you are unable to stand or walk during labour, and this may restrict the birthing positions you can try
  • you will require an IV and regular blood pressure checks
  • your baby will require continuous fetal monitoring
  • women with epidurals tend to have to push for longer during labour
  • an increased risk of assisted delivery by forceps or vacuum extraction
  • in a very small number of women, epidurals may affect breathing, or cause nerve damage or infection

It is impossible to predict how you will experience labour. You may be crying out for an epidural after five minutes of active labour, or you may find relaxation breathing alone gets you through the birth. Keep your mind open to an epidural, but you may like to delay it until you feel it is truly necessary.

What pain relief are you planning to use during labour?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.