Has anyone seen a GI Dr. during their pregnancy?

[Odonata]

So I've been complaining about my bloating on here since almost day 1 and from what I hear it's normal, but when I was at my Dr's yesterday he said that while pregnancy women do bloat, mine is pretty excessive.  Hell, i'm only 17 weeks and my belly button has turned in-side-out and I'm so huge I'm starting to waddle.  He did an ultrasound of my upper abdomen and my intestines are blown to the max with gas.  No medication or diet changes seem to be working and I'm to the point where I'm always hungry but now can't eat anything.

He wants me to see my GI Dr but I'm not sure if they can do anything about this.  Anyone else ever have this issue?  Was the GI Dr able to give any advice for relief?  My guy is backed up a few weeks so it'll be a while before I can get in and get some answers.  
 

[MrsDarcy]

I haven't, but with the misery you've been in I'd get on the books ASAP. Hope the MD is able to give you some relief!

[MamaMaui24]

I'm so sorry! (And lol that your GI doctor is "backed up!")

I know you said you've tried everything. I'm sure that included avoiding gas producing vegetables, no carbonation, no straws, no gum, Bean-O and gas-x. What about fennel? I've seen a recipe for "four winds tea."


"Fennel tea is helpful for the relief of bloating and flatulence . The so-called "Four-Winds" tea blend, which contains equal parts fennel, anise, caraway and coriander seeds, has proved especially useful for this purpose. All four of these herbs have similar therapeutic properties and uses."

[anna7602]

Are you on medication now?

I am scared to see my GI right now. His answer to every escalation of symptoms is, "let's do a colonoscopy." I am pretty sure that's not an option during pregnancy.

[Odonata]

May 13, 2014 21:03:21 GMT -5 MamaMaui24 said:

I'm so sorry! (And lol that your GI doctor is "backed up!")

I know you said you've tried everything. I'm sure that included avoiding gas producing vegetables, no carbonation, no straws, no gum, Bean-O and gas-x. What about fennel? I've seen a recipe for "four winds tea."


"Fennel tea is helpful for the relief of bloating and flatulence . The so-called "Four-Winds" tea blend, which contains equal parts fennel, anise, caraway and coriander seeds, has proved especially useful for this purpose. All four of these herbs have similar therapeutic properties and uses."

LOL - I noticed the "backed up" after I hit post and laughed at myself.  haha.

Bean-O and Gas-X are the major things I've been taking.  I also take a stool softener to keep myself moving since constipation can cause bloat.   I do make fennel tea and it helps with heartburn sometimes.  I haven't see the four winds tea but I can look for it.  I'm staying away from diary, processed carbs (breads, pasta, though I had a gluten free english muffin this morning so I don't know what that counts as) and of course beans and other gas veggies.  I'm doing various yoga poses that are suppose to relieve gas and am taking Zantac for heartburn and to try to cut down on gas production.  And, of course, as much water as I can handle.  Most of my bloat is upper abdomen right under my boobs.  When I use to get gas it would always be lower abdomen.  I don't get it.  Nothing is moving!  

To be honest, I wouldn't mind flatulence.  I get all happy every time I do fart.  I'm like "hooray! some of it is coming out!"  But I rarely ever do pass any gas at all, nor do I feel like I have to.  I wish I could poke a hole in the side of my stomach and let some out - like install a valve or something!  

[Odonata]

May 13, 2014 21:05:33 GMT -5 anna7602 said:

Are you on medication now?

I am scared to see my GI right now. His answer to every escalation of symptoms is, "let's do a colonoscopy." I am pretty sure that's not an option during pregnancy.

No, I can't see how that would be possible.  You have to take strong laxatives and not eat for a long time.  Unless it's an emergency I can't see how that would be good.  

[anna7602]

If constipation is an issue, try magnesium. I actually had to cut back on the magnesium because it was making me too loose. (I was taking it for insomnia issues with my doctor's okay.)

[Odonata]

May 13, 2014 21:17:07 GMT -5 jjwritergirl said:

I would at least try to go in. If you are uncomfortable with his suggestions during pregnancy you can choose to wait on treatment.

Have you been taking a probiotic at all? I know that isn't a cure all, but for me it really does make a world of difference between me feeling like a balloon and a human.

Yeah I take one with my PNV.  It keeps my BM regular but the gas came out of the blue and has been building since.  

[Odonata]

May 13, 2014 21:20:14 GMT -5 anna7602 said:

If constipation is an issue, try magnesium. I actually had to cut back on the magnesium because it was making me too loose. (I was taking it for insomnia issues with my doctor's okay.)

Believe it or not I'm not constipated at all.  So I know there isn't a blockage in there since I have one BM a day.  I take the stool softeners just to make sure constipation doesn't add to this issue.  I wonder if Mg will help move the gas along, too?

[Odonata]

MamaMaui24 I just looked up "Four Winds Tea" and there is a "Four Winds Coffee and Tea" in Grand Junction, CO that is the first 5-6 links Google gives me. haha.

I found the tea and it is suggested for IBS, which I have, so maybe it'll be worth a try!

[Odonata]

May 13, 2014 21:29:09 GMT -5 @destinationunknown said:

I had this issue when I was 7-8 months pregnant and it was awful. I was measuring like 5 weeks ahead I was so distended. The only place I was comfortable was the warm bath. DH would come home from work and I would be doing this yoga pose with my ass in the air trying to fart because it hurt so bad to have all of that air blocked in there. It eventually passed and I avoided foods that would make it worse. I feel for you though! That was one of the worst parts of my pregnancy. Thanks for reminding me as I've been contemplating doing it again lol.

I'm giggling at the yoga poses thought. Haha. The distension is the worst. I sleep with a pillow under my belly to support it and wonder what I'm gong to look like or feel like when I'm actually as pregnant as I look now. Glad to hear yours passed (literally? ? Lol)

[Odonata]

May 13, 2014 21:49:42 GMT -5 @destinationunknown said:

May 13, 2014 21:42:27 GMT -5 Odonata said:

I'm giggling at the yoga poses thought. Haha. The distension is the worst. I sleep with a pillow under my belly to support it and wonder what I'm gong to look like or feel like when I'm actually as pregnant as I look now. Glad to hear yours passed (literally? ? Lol)

I remember one night it got so bad that I called my OB and got the on call dr. He was like "is your belly round and distended?" Uh- I'm 8 months pregnant you idiot, of course it is!

See, mine is VERY round and distended but I'm not far along enough to look like this. My one side us bruised because i keep smashing it into tables and things. I have an app that tells me what is going on this week and i laugh when i read "you might find it more comfortable to wear maternity clothes at this point" um I've been in them for over a month now! At least ppl know I'm pregnant so I play it off but people think I'm due some time this summer and are shocked to hear I'm not due until the fall.

[picksthemusic]

Have you tried sitting on the toilet with a stool under your feet to get your body in a good position to release gas? Any time I'm super gassy, this helps a lot. Just go sit on the toilet for a while and fart it out. At least it'll be some temporary relief. You may want to try some relaxation breathing and keep your jaw/throat open and do deep breaths to help your other end open up (it sounds silly, but trust me, it works). You may be stressed about your gas so much that it might be hindering your body from letting it go.

But yes, absolutely see your GI doc.

[ringstrue]

I would try some good ole simethicone. You can get them in pill form for adults. One of your meds may have it included, but it could be that you are also reacting to another ingredient in them. You don't absorb it so you can take as much as you need.

[ringstrue]

Wait if its up high I wonder if you are swallowing air? If you have any habits like chewing gum or sucking on candies where you swallow a lot it may be contributing. Even certain meals can require chewing habits that make us swallow air.