Increased flatulence, bloating, and abdominal discomfort are common in the months following childbirth, especially while breastfeeding. This is a normal part of postpartum recovery, as the body navigates dramatic hormonal shifts and physical healing. Digestive changes are frequently reported by new parents. The sensation of being “gassy” is often the result of trapped air and a slower-moving digestive system.
Postpartum Physiological Changes
The primary driver of digestive slowdown is the dramatic shift in hormone levels immediately after birth. During pregnancy, high levels of progesterone relax smooth muscles, including those in the gastrointestinal tract, slowing movement and often leading to constipation and gas buildup. Although progesterone levels fall sharply after delivery, it can take months for the digestive system’s motility—the movement of food—to fully return to its pre-pregnancy rhythm, especially with the hormonal influence of lactation.
Physical changes also play a significant role in digestive function and gas retention. Internal organs were displaced and compressed by the growing uterus for months. As they settle back into position, this re-adjustment can lead to less efficient movement of the intestines, making it easier for gas to get trapped. Furthermore, a lack of movement in the early postpartum period contributes to overall digestive sluggishness.
The physical trauma of birth can also affect the ability to control and pass gas effectively. Injuries to the pelvic floor muscles or the anal sphincter during delivery can weaken the tissue, leading to changes in bowel habits. For those recovering from a C-section, gas pain can be intense as air pushes against the abdominal incision site. Pain medications used postpartum may also contribute to constipation, compounding the issue of trapped gas.
Dietary Factors and Eating Habits
Gas production is linked to the breakdown of certain carbohydrates and fibers by bacteria in the large intestine. Foods known to cause gas, such as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, or legumes like beans, may become more noticeable postpartum. These items contain complex sugars that are difficult for the small intestine to fully digest.
Carbonated beverages, including soda and sparkling water, introduce air directly into the digestive tract, increasing bloating and flatulence. High sugar intake, especially from processed foods, can feed gas-producing gut bacteria. Furthermore, pre-existing food sensitivities, such as lactose intolerance, may become more pronounced due to the stress on the body and digestive slowdown.
Eating habits while caring for a newborn often introduce excess air. Rushing meals and quickly gulping down food or drinks causes you to swallow a significant amount of air, known as aerophagia. Drinking through a straw can also increase the amount of air swallowed, contributing to trapped gas. The increased caloric intake required for milk production, often characterized by quick snacks, may inadvertently introduce more gas-producing foods.
Simple Strategies for Relief
Adjusting how and what you eat can provide substantial relief from gassiness. Slow down mealtimes and chew food thoroughly before swallowing to reduce the amount of air ingested. Try to avoid drinking beverages while eating, and limit the use of straws to minimize air swallowing.
Gentle movement is highly effective in helping trapped gas move through the digestive system. Taking short, slow walks throughout the day encourages intestinal motility. Even simple movements while sitting, such as pelvic tilts or gently rocking, can help shift painful trapped gas.
Staying well-hydrated with plain water helps prevent constipation, a major contributor to gas. Warm fluids, such as herbal tea, may be soothing and help relax the digestive tract. If dietary triggers are suspected, try temporarily removing common gas-producing foods, like beans or carbonated drinks, for a few days. Over-the-counter anti-gas medications containing simethicone are generally safe while breastfeeding and can help break up gas bubbles.
Warning Signs That Require a Doctor
While most postpartum gas and bloating is benign, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Contact a healthcare provider if you experience severe, unrelenting abdominal pain that does not resolve with passing gas or movement. This type of pain, especially if localized, could indicate a more serious issue like a bowel obstruction or, rarely, a uterine infection.
Other red flags include the inability to pass gas at all, which can signal a sluggish or paralyzed bowel, known as ileus. A medical evaluation is necessary if you experience persistent symptoms:
- A fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- Vomiting
- Blood in the stool
- Constipation lasting for more than a few days despite home remedies