Let's face it, pregnancy can be as complicated as rocket science especially if you are looking for the tell-tale signs - is that stinky fart an indication of impending motherhood? In this article, we explore whether having gas could be a sign of pregnancy or just another way to clear rooms.
The Not-So-Glamorous Side to Pregnancy
Pregnancy comes with a myriad of uncomfortable symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to bloating and fatigue. However, none is more awkward than when your body decides that releasing gas in public might help the situation.
Gas often happens regardless of one's state; pregnant or not, but during pregnancy, some women find themselves burping loudly and even passing wind profusely which raises the question; does extra flatulence signal an upcoming baby shower?
Myth vs Reality
Nothing beats gossip mongers who spend countless hours creating myths out of thin air then spreading them like wildfire! We've all heard someone adamantly state that their cousin had uncontrollable gas only to discover she was indeed 'with child.' But before you decide to trust Rebecca down the road over actual medical journals filled with scientific data backed up by experts know these truths:
Fact #1: Digestion Slows Down During Pregnancy
The body's hormones go haywire during gestation leading to muscles relaxing causing digestion time lengthier than usual. Food also takes longer because there’s less space in your abdomen due to enlarging organ/s uterus (in case you missed it).
This slow digestion causes food fermentation which produces gases like hydrogen sulfide among others - so nope added gaseous emittance doesn't necessarily equate while pregnant.
Fact #2: Hormones Matter
Hormonal fluctuations result in lotsa (lots) changes happening on multiple levels within our bodies. These inconsistencies target different functions such as insulin utilization, appetite control and mucus membranes amongst others. Unsurprisingly the gastrointestinal tract isn't spared either with progesterone hormones caused relaxing muscles that aid digestion (more reason for delay). One of the ripple effects refers to slower transit of food through our intestinal track leading to stinky consequences-‘hang on Lulu I’m not pregnant am I?’
Fact #3: It Depends on Individual Body Chemistry
We are all different and what might work for you doesn't necessarily apply in another person plus throw pregnancy into the mix shudders. Therefore it's entirely possible for some women to experience more frequent bouts of gas than others while pregnant.
What Causes Gas During Pregnancy?
Gas during gestation arises from various sources such as;
- Incremental uterus pressure.
- Slower-than-usual-digestive processes with stool implication
- Swallowing air frequently
- Certain foods notorious for creating gas; i.e., beans, breads and carbonated drinks among others.
All these factors lead up to bloating which weakens surrounding muscles allowing gaseous build-up that must exit pronto.. leaving one running towards the bathroom or avoiding eye contact because there’s a 'person' responsible.
Sighs heavily, unfortunately ,these symptoms affect most moms-to-be found rushing repulsive odors sections in stores hoping no one discovers their secret passage.
Apart from flatulence, there're other bodily adjustments attributed to pregnancies often discussed below;
1. Nausea
The absolute worst bit about reviving your inner mother instincts has got be morning sickness- seriously who came up with this term. An empty stomach combined with hormonal changes can leave you feeling nauseated regularly during early stages up until delivery day so make sure preparation is key here people!
Make any last plans knowing vomiting might accompany breakfast until baby arrives trust us when we say it's not nearly as fun as weekend morning hangover remedies- guilt-free decadent breakfast.
2. Heartburn
While we're on stomach issues, let's not forget about heartburn -it’s kinda like acid but worse often felt more towards the evening or after meals before bed, never mind that sleeping just got a bit difficult with an expanding uterus to worry about.
Another common factor mainly deals with digestive acids encountered during digestion staying in your esophagus much longer than usual thanks to muscle relaxation side effect-I'm assuming 'oh yay can't wait’ wasn't part of someone's plan?.
The good news is this symptom will calm down once junior has left town .... until next time!
3. Weight Gain & Headaches
Pregnancy generally causes weight gain whose severity varies from person to person sighs definitely no one-size-fits-all approach here guys blame it on the genes or lifestyle perhaps?
Headaches also give many ladies sleepless nights and mornings accompanied by severe moods mimicking Ethan Hunt (portrayed by Tom Cruise) flying cars at full speed while clueless passengers watch in absolute horror .
Ok Ladies (and stray curious folk), now that we've established gas should be taking less seriously when scrutinizing symptoms related indicate "nesting" tendencies over actual pregnancy strategies it’s still wise seeking medical aid if discomfort persists concerning you :
Such As:
- Experiencing frequent unintentional weight loss
- Severe cramping
- Vomiting and diarrhea coupled loose stools
- Having an abdomen distended beyond six months gestation. 5.Having blood discharge without explanation especially coupled abdominal pain 6.If Gas Smells Different Or Is Accompanied By Other Symptoms Like Fever Or Dizziness
Any of these signs ring alarm bells consider contacting your doctor immediately for further investigation techniques head-on!
We hope that his piece has given some ‘ladies' insight as to whether gas is a pointer towards pregnancy or another unwanted outcome. Remember, for proper diagnosis always visit an OB-GYN specialist, not the self-anointed tenured society gossip on the block.
After all, who needs more information from them after finding out they’ve been spreading weird rumors that you’re going through menopause at 20?! Amen sister Tengah!