In this article:
What Is Gas Pain and Why Does It Happen to Pregnant Individuals?
Gas pain occurs due to air being trapped in the abdomen, which causes the intestines to tighten. This is more common when you are pregnant because of hormonal shifts and the way your body is adjusting to pregnancy.Some usual causes are:
- Digestion slows down because of progesterone, a hormone that relaxes your muscles.
- Your growing uterus puts more pressure on your intestines
- Your eating habits might have changed
- You may not be moving around as much, especially in late pregnancy
Why Does Gas Pain Move Around Instead of Staying Put?
Gas pain always shifts in location. Your nerves might send pain signals from one place to another, which is called referred pain. So, a pain in your shoulder might actually be because of the formation of gas pain in your belly or diaphragm.How Is the Shoulder Connected to Gas Pain?
What Does Referred Pain Mean & How Does It Work?
Referred pain occurs when nerves from various body parts share the same route. The nerves that supply the diaphragm are also connected to the shoulder area through the phrenic nerve.When gas causes pressure below the diaphragm, your brain may interpret the signal as shoulder pain.
Why Is Shoulder Gas Pain More Common During Pregnancy
Does the Growing Uterus Play a Role?
Yes. Ideally, after week 20, your growing uterus starts pressing your stomach and diaphragm, causing irritation on the adjoining nerves more easily.Can Posture Aggravate Gas Pain?
During pregnancy, your posture changes as your weight shifts forward. Slouching or lying flat can trap gas and increase pressure near the diaphragm, making shoulder pain more noticeable.Do Hormones Affect Gas Movement?
Progesterone relaxes smooth muscle, including that in the intestines. This can prevent early contractions but can also inhibit digestion, thereby allowing gas to form and move upward more easily.Which Shoulder Is Usually Affected and Why?
It’s common to feel gas-related discomfort in your right shoulder. This occurs because the liver is on the right side of the body, beneath the diaphragm. Gas trapped there can irritate the diaphragm, causing pain in the right shoulder.However, left shoulder pain can also occur and is usually benign when associated with digestion.
How Can You Tell It Is Gas Pain and Not Other Alarming Signs?
Shoulder pain from gas can:- Come and go without warning
- Feel better when you pass gas or adjust how you’re sitting or standing
- Feel like a numbness, sharp, or pressure-like
- Is not associated with fever or severe illness
When Should You Worry?
- Sharp or intense pain in the stomach
- A feeling of fainting or lightheadedness
- Breathing issues
- High temperature
How Can You Ease Gas Pain on Shoulder?
Eat Frequently but in Small Amounts
Large meals can make you more prone to gas formation. To help you digest better, try to eat every 2 to 3 hours.Avoid Gas-inducing Foods
Certain foods like beans, cabbage, onions, fizzy drinks, and fried items are known to cause gas. You might want to cut back on these.Engage in Light Activity
Consider a brief 15 to 20-minute walk after meals. This can help alleviate pain by releasing gas.Keep An Ideal Posture
To ease pressure on your diaphragm, sit upright and support your pelvic floor.Lie on Your Left Side
Simple stretches or lying on your side might help relieve the trapped gas.Can Gas-related Discomfort Be Caused Due to Anxiety?
Yes, stress can worsen the discomfort by inhibiting digestion and increasing muscle tension. Pregnancy already disrupts mood, and digestive problems might add to your concerns.Communicating what is bothering you to your family or partner can help reduce psychological distress. Emotional support is very important for maintaining your health during pregnancy.
What Should You Do Next?
- Take time when you eat and chew your food thoroughly
- If your doctor says it’s okay, try to walk every day
- Sit up straight
- Keep a track of gas-triggering foods
- Seek a doctor’s approval before trying self-medication
What’s the Role of Your Partner and Loved Ones?
They can offer you help with food, encourage you to stay active, or listen to what bothers you. If you have people to lean on, you can manage your stress, which, in turn, can aid digestion and overall health.For expectant mothers, shoulder pain from gas usually happens due to slower digestion, hormonal changes, and pressure on the diaphragm. While it might feel unsettling or alarming, it's often not something to worry about and can be managed by making a few lifestyle changes, developing good habits, and knowing when to seek medical guidance.
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FAQs on Why Gas Pain Travels to the Shoulder During Pregnancy
- Is shoulder pain from gas alarming for the baby inside me?
No. Gas-related shoulder pain does not affect your baby. That feeling of soreness is often related to the pressure inside you and the signals your nerves send. - Does the final phase of pregnancy bring more discomfort due to gas pain?
As your pregnancy progresses and your belly expands, it puts stress on your diaphragm. This can lead to discomfort. - Is taking gas-relief medicines safe when I’m pregnant?
A few antacids or gas-relief medicines might be okay, but avoid self-medication during pregnancy without consulting a physician.