Simple Solutions For Tummy Troubles

Gas, bloating and constipation - they're all stomach problems that expectant mothers face. Jessica Hartshorn, Sr. Lifestyles Editor for American Baby Magazine, has some tips to keep your GI tract on track.

When expectant mothers talk about feeling very pregnant, they're not just talking about the weight of the baby. "Your hormones cause your GI tract to literally digest much slower, so instead of a day's worth of food in there, you have like three days worth of food in there," says Hartshorn. Try eating small meals at a time rather than three big meals per day. Instead, have a small breakfast, then a snack. Then eat a small lunch and have another snack. Dinner should also be light, followed by another light snack in the evening.

You can also try to increase your fiber intake by adding lots of fruits and vegetables to your diet. Eating whole grains, as apposed to processed grains, can also help speed things along.

If you're feeling really bloated, it's best to avoid foods that traditionally cause gas like beans, broccoli, eggs and soda. Carbonated beverages really do make you more gassy, so it's best to stick to water. "Your body is making extra blood for the baby and for you, and amniotic fluid and you need to be hydrated all the time," says Hartshorn.

While staying hydrated is healthy, some moms-to-be find water repulsive. If that's the case, try to get water in other ways like smoothies, popsicles or water-rich foods like watermelon or cucumber. "Try to avoid stuff with carbonation and stuff with too much caffeine, although coffee [in small amounts] is okay... You can't have a pot of coffee," says Hartshorn. "It can actually help with constipation."

Finally, get moving! Exercise can really help bloating and constipation because any type of movement gets your bowels moving again. Whether it's stretching, a walk around the block, or your favorite prenatal yoga class at the gym, exercise can help ease your tummy troubles.

If you're feeling really constipated and none of these tips seem to help, talk to your doctor. He or she may consider taking you off your prenatal vitamin for a short period of time; some women believe the extra iron in the pill makes them constipated. Don't take matters into your own hands, though. Always talk to your doctor first.

For more information on having a healthy GI tract during pregnancy, click here to visit www.AmericanBaby.com.

By Erin Petrun