SAEDNEWS: Some Women Experience Excessive Burping During Pregnancy — Is This Normal? Let’s Explore the Reasons.
According to the Family Service at Saed News, burping during pregnancy is a common symptom among expectant mothers. Sometimes, burping occurs alongside other typical pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness, back pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and more.
Is Frequent Burping Normal During Pregnancy?
If you burp more than usual during pregnancy, the cause is often pregnancy hormones. Hormonal changes can increase the amount of gas in your stomach and intestines. Changes in eating habits may also trigger morning sickness and excessive saliva production. Pregnancy-related stress can further impact the body, sometimes causing burping as an unintended consequence.
Why Do Pregnant Women Burp?
Burping and acid reflux can occur repeatedly during pregnancy. Because the stomach produces extra acid during this period, burping becomes more likely. Other common causes include:
Feeling of fullness and acid reflux
Excess gas in the stomach
Nausea often accompanied by heartburn
Burping is usually more frequent and intense during the early months of pregnancy.
How to Treat and Prevent Frequent Burping During Pregnancy
Burping is the sudden release of air from the digestive tract. While it can sometimes be uncomfortable or embarrassing, especially as pregnancy progresses, there are effective strategies to manage it. Lifestyle-compatible changes tend to produce the best results.
1. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Drinking water can help relieve gas problems. Aim for 8–10 glasses of water or other fluids daily. If gas buildup causes severe bloating or pain, you may have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Cranberry juice, grape juice, pineapple, and orange juice are less likely to contribute to gas than water.
2. Get Adequate and Proper Sleep
Deep sleep is crucial during pregnancy. Sleeping in the correct position can reduce nighttime burping. Lie on your left side or bend your legs comfortably. This position aids digestion and can help prevent gas buildup.
3. Exercise Regularly
Physical activity should be part of a pregnant woman’s daily routine. Even a 30-minute walk can improve digestion, prevent constipation, and support overall physical and mental health. Always consult your obstetrician before starting a new exercise routine.
4. Review Your Diet
Identify and eliminate foods that trigger gas until your symptoms improve. Common culprits include Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, wheat, and potatoes.
5. Stay Relaxed
Mental well-being significantly affects digestive health. Stress and anxiety can disrupt chemical balance in the stomach, increasing gas production. Gentle exercises, meditation, or yoga can help maintain calm and optimize digestive function.
6. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol can harm both mother and baby and increase air swallowing, leading to more burping. Complete avoidance is recommended from conception or even pre-pregnancy.
7. Sip Liquids Slowly
Drinking slowly reduces swallowed air and burping. Avoid drinking directly from bottles; instead, sip from a cup while sitting upright.
8. Chew Food Thoroughly
Eat slowly and avoid talking while eating. A calm, mindful approach reduces indigestion and gas formation. A light walk after meals can further aid digestion.
9. Avoid Carbonated Drinks
Carbonated beverages contain carbon dioxide and caffeine, which can worsen burping. Opt for water, fresh juice, or herbal teas instead.
10. Limit Gas-Producing Foods
Certain foods naturally increase gas, such as cabbage, asparagus, broccoli, legumes, and some sugar-free products. Fried foods should also be minimized.
11. Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals
Large meals overload the stomach and slow digestion, contributing to gas and burping. Switching from three large meals to six smaller ones helps control hunger and digestive discomfort.
12. Include Fiber in Your Diet
Fiber softens stool and promotes easy bowel movements. Aim for 25–30 grams daily through fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and seeds. Supplements like psyllium, methylcellulose, or polyethylene glycol 3350 can be helpful if needed.
When to See a Doctor
Burping isn’t always harmless. Seek medical attention if you experience severe, persistent pain, constipation lasting more than a week, or other concerning symptoms. Otherwise, adopt lifestyle changes for effective relief. Pregnancy is not a sprint but a marathon—maintain a healthy, positive approach with proper diet and exercise for the best outcomes.
