What Causes Postpartum Gas & How to Relieve It

Ever experience an uncontrollable release of smelly gas postpartum and wonder what’s happening with your digestive system after pregnancy? You’re certainly not alone. Many new moms on a nursing mother forum share their experiences, often recounting both embarrassing and humorous moments related to postpartum gas.

While the postpartum period is marked by various symptoms like vaginal bleeding, night sweats, postpartum depression, and mood swings, postpartum gas is often the most overlooked. After all, everyone farts, right?

But when is it considered abnormal? What causes it? Are there ways to manage it? Is it just a temporary issue? When should you see a doctor? Read on to find answers to all these questions and more.

Understanding Postpartum Gas

Postpartum gas refers to the accumulation and discomfort caused by gas following childbirth, typically experienced during the postpartum period.

During pregnancy, the pressure on abdominal organs, shifts in the position of the intestines, and hormonal changes all contribute to the trapping of gas in the digestive system. This can lead to gas pains and increased flatulence.

Imagine the odour of gas trapped for a prolonged period—it has fermented and can be particularly foul-smelling. This is a common experience for many new mothers. Generally, postpartum gas is temporary, although it can persist longer if underlying medical conditions exist.

Symptoms of postpartum gas include farting, belching, and abdominal cramping.

What Causes Postpartum Gas? 

Postpartum gas is a common issue that many new mothers face, resulting from a combination of hormonal changes and physical adjustments after childbirth. Here are some key factors that contribute to this discomfort:

Hormonal Changes: During pregnancy and childbirth, your body releases hormones that relax your abdominal muscles to accommodate your growing baby. This relaxation reduces gastrointestinal motility—the muscular contractions that move food through your digestive system—leading to constipation and bloating, both frequent culprits of postpartum gas.

Additionally, these hormonal shifts can also lead to nausea, indigestion, acid reflux, and heartburn, all of which can exacerbate the discomfort associated with postpartum gas.

Constipation: Often, postpartum women experience constipation, a condition where the intestinal muscles move too slowly, causing stool to back up, which leads to bloating, pain, and increased gas production. It’s crucial for postpartum women to listen to their bodies and seek medical advice if they experience prolonged constipation or abdominal pain.

Simple steps like increasing fluid intake and consuming high-fibre foods can greatly alleviate these symptoms and, by extension, reduce postpartum gas.

Dietary Adjustments: Making small changes to your diet can significantly impact postpartum gas. Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones can prevent the build-up of painful gas. Incorporating probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus into your diet can also help decrease gut inflammation and improve overall digestive health. Probiotic supplements may additionally aid in regulating digestion, thus mitigating gas and other related digestive issues.

Ensuring adequate hydration and avoiding dehydrating drinks like coffee or tea can also help manage gastrointestinal issues postpartum.

Pelvic Damage: Pelvic floor damage is not uncommon during childbirth and, depending on its severity, can start in the form of minor pain or burning sensations, which can later lead to postpartum gas. Every new mother deserves to feel comfort and assurance following the delivery of their child. However, this isn’t always the case when pelvic floor damage interferes with the joys of motherhood.

It’s important for women to pay attention to any discomfort and consult a healthcare provider or a pelvic floor specialist if symptoms persist. These professionals can assess if pelvic damage is contributing to postpartum gas and suggest appropriate treatments.

When to See a Doctor About Postpartum Gas?

While postpartum gas pain is typically a normal part of recovery after childbirth, there are times when it may be necessary to seek medical advice. Here are several situations when consulting a doctor is advisable:

• Severe Pain: If you experience persistent abdominal pain that doesn’t improve with standard remedies, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider.
• Persistent Symptoms: If your symptoms of gas and discomfort continue without improvement over time, a medical review may be necessary to rule out other conditions.
• Difficulty Passing Gas or Stool: Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement, despite attempts, could be indicative of a gastrointestinal blockage or other serious issues that require immediate medical intervention.
• Severe Bloating: Excessive abdominal bloating that leads to significant discomfort or pain should be evaluated by a doctor.
• Difficulty Breathing: If breathing becomes difficult, especially if it occurs with gas pain, this could signal a more serious underlying condition that needs prompt medical attention.

If you encounter any of these symptoms, it’s important not to dismiss them as typical postpartum recovery signs. Getting timely medical advice can help address potential complications early, ensuring your health and well-being postpartum.

Relieving Postpartum Gas 

The good news is that there are several things you can do to help relieve postpartum gas. The first thing you should do is make sure you’re getting enough fluids throughout the day—at least 8 glasses of water (or other beverages like herbal teas) per day will keep your digestion running smoothly and prevent constipation from setting in. 

Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day rather than three large meals will also help keep your digestion functioning properly. 

Additionally, taking probiotics or eating probiotic-rich foods such as yoghurt may help reduce symptoms of indigestion or acid reflux related to postpartum gas. 

Finally, try not to lie down after eating—try going for a walk or doing some gentle stretching instead! 

All these strategies will help prevent postpartum gas from becoming a problem for new moms after giving birth! 

FAQs

1. How do you get rid of postnatal gas?

To alleviate postnatal gas, focus on maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and incorporating light exercise into your routine. Consuming smaller, frequent meals and avoiding gas-inducing foods can help. Additionally, postnatal massages can effectively relieve gas and improve overall digestive health.

2. How long does postnatal gas last?

Postnatal gas typically diminishes as the body recovers from childbirth and hormonal levels stabilise. This usually occurs within the first few weeks to a month postpartum. If the issue persists or worsens, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider.

3. Can postnatal hormones cause gas?

Yes, postnatal hormones can contribute to gas. The hormone progesterone, which is high during pregnancy, can relax the muscles of the digestive tract, slowing down digestion and leading to increased gas production. After delivery, as hormone levels adjust, this issue should gradually decrease.

4. How can you relieve gas after breastfeeding?

Adjusting your diet to avoid foods that you notice may contribute to gas can help relieve gas after breastfeeding. Drinking plenty of water and engaging in mild physical activity can also help. Additionally, taking care to burp the baby properly during and after feeding can reduce the amount of air swallowed, which may also help reduce your gas symptoms.

Closing Words…

Postpartum gas is an uncomfortable but normal part of being a new mom. Knowing how it’s caused and how best to relieve it can go a long way toward helping new mothers feel better after childbirth so they can better enjoy this special time with their babies! 

Hold On, What About Postnatal Massages?

For women looking for additional relief from any lingering pain or discomfort associated with pregnancy and childbirth, getting a professional postnatal massage may be just what they need! 

If you’re scratching your head about where to get the best postnatal massage in Singapore, well, might we go so far as to recommend PNSG? 

Oh, you didn’t know that we also specialise in post-delivery body massages? Well, we do! Our massage therapists offer specialised treatments specifically designed for mothers who have just given birth—so don’t hesitate to reach out if you think this might be right for you.

Should you be curious about post natal massage prices, it’ll run you anywhere from $638 for 5 sessions to $1038 for 10 sessions. We hope to see you soon!