Many women encounter gastrointestinal issues during pregnancy because of bodily changes. Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, heartburn and constipation may happen when the hormone progesterone slows down digestion. As the baby grows bigger, it puts pressure on the stomach and intestines hence worsening these conditions. These problems occur commonly though they can be mild or serious enough to affect a person’s everyday activities.
Expectant mothers may find it helpful to improve their quality of life through dietary changes and lifestyle modifications as well as seeking medical interventions when required. This article aims at discussing frequent gastrointestinal issues during pregnancy while highlighting the main reasons for them alongside efficient treatments aimed at managing such symptoms.
Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Issues During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can bring some uncomfortable digestive problems. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand common gastrointestinal issues during pregnancy (1).
1. Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is the nausea and vomiting that most pregnant women experience, especially in the first trimester. Although it is called “morning” sickness, it can occur at any time of day.
2. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common during pregnancy, often linked to morning sickness. This discomfort can happen at any time, but it can be a challenge to deal with as it involves changes in diet and other lifestyle modifications.
[Read: Home Remedies For Vomiting During Pregnancy]
3. Heartburn
Heartburn in pregnancy is a burning sensation in the chest, caused by stomach acid rising into the esophagus. The hormone changes that occur during pregnancy and pressure from the growing uterus further aggravate this problem.
4. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a more serious form of heartburn where there is frequent reflux of acid back from the stomach causing continuous heartburns. It may happen over a day or even all night long necessitating some changes in lifestyle choice.
5. Diarrhea
Diarrhea during pregnancy may be due to hormonal changes, diet modification or infection. However, it is crucial to keep drinking enough fluids and see a doctor if diarrhea does not stop so that dehydration and other complications do not set in.
6. Constipation
During pregnancy, constipation is common because of hormonal changes that slow down digestion. Increased fiber intake, hydration, and regular exercise are effective relief measures for this uncomfortable condition.
7. Colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Pregnancy can exacerbate colitis and IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, low-grade fever, and alteration in bowel habits. Stress management and a balanced diet may reduce symptoms.
8. Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining and intestines causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal tightness, among other things. Rest and hydration in addition to prescribed medicine is extremely important during pregnancy for the management of this condition.
9. Gallstones
Gallstones may develop as a result of changes in bile during pregnancy causing severe stomach aches, nausea, vomiting. Medical consultation is needed since its treatment would also involve changing diets or even sometimes surgical procedures.
Learning about ways of managing these digestive disorders serves as one way to ensure comfort during pregnancy days. Severe cases always require you to discuss with your doctor immediately without delay whereas persistent ones could get worse if ignored for an even longer period because they are crucial determinants for both maternal and fetal well-being besides being equally important for her purpose.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Issues During Pregnancy
Gastrointestinal problems are common during pregnancy due to several factors. Therefore it is important to know these reasons in order to manage and relieve discomfort.
- Hormone Changes: The increased progesterone causes the smooth muscles to relax, which slows digestion down and can cause women to experience constipation and heartburn among other gastrointestinal issues (2) (3).
- Physical Strain: The uterus enlarging puts pressure on the stomach and intestines which causes heartburn and other symptoms(4).
- Dietary Change: Diet changes, in combination with an increase of prenatal vitamins like iron, probably also contribute to the passes that pregnant women complain of (5).
How Can Gastrointestinal Issues During Pregnancy Be Treated?
Taking care of gastrointestinal problems becomes ever more important during pregnancy Therefore, here is some helpful advice on how to handle the common problems :
Heartburn and Acid Reflux
Avoid Trigger Foods: Some foods like spicy, fatty, or acidic foods may worsen heartburn; as a general rule, it may be best just to steer clear of them.
- Eat Smaller Meals: The stomach will not get too full, meaning less acid reflux.
- Elevate Your Head While Sleeping: This may help lessen the acid coming from the stomach upwards and diminish the heartburn (6) (7).
- Take Safe Medications: Generally, antacids with calcium carbonate should be safe and always check with your healthcare provider on any medications you may wish to take.
Diarrhea
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water, clear fluids, broths, and oral rehydration solutions to prevent becoming dehydrated(1a).
- Maintain BRAT Diet: Foods like bananas, rice, applesauce and toast can help firm the stool up(8) (9).
- Consult with Your Healthcare Provider: When diarrhea is persistent or severe, make sure your healthcare provider is aware as there could be infections or other causes that require attention.
Nausea and Vomiting
- Eat Small, Frequent Meals: This helps keep nausea at bay and it will keep the stomach from becoming empty which may worsen symptoms.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep sipping water and drink ginger tea throughout the day.
- Ginger and Vitamin B1 and B6: Both have been found to lessen nausea. Ginger has amazing benefits when consumed during pregnancy and can be consumed in many ways like tea and candies(1b) (9a).
Constipation
- Increase Fiber: Increase fiber intake by eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Drink Water: Staying hydrated helps maintain softer stools and regular bowel movements.
- Exercise: Gentle exercises are good to promote bowel movements like taking walks.
- Stool Softeners: If needed, use stool softeners that are pregnancy-safe and under the advice of your healthcare provider (10).
When Should I See My Doctor?
Recurrent or moderate gastrointestinal symptoms or discomforts, even if you can manage them, should be reported to your physician in order for you to receive the proper treatments and receive appropriate monitoring services.
Severe discomfort or significant length of time for discomfort symptoms should elevate the priority of a physician call, while emergent care should be sought immediately for
- Blood in the vomit/stool,
- Unusual weight loss,
- Severe discomfort impacting daily activities,
- Choking episodes,
- Trouble swallowing, and
- Extreme fatigue (5a).
Although digestive disorders are common during pregnancy, they can be managed if taken care of effectively. Simple approaches such as modifying your meals, drinking water, and visiting a healthcare provider at the right time may go a long way. Make sure you talk to your doctor about any consistent or worse signs for you to get well-addressed while pregnant. Don’t forget that it’s important to feel good and healthy while not being afraid to ask for help sometimes when needed.
FAQ’s
1. Is It Normal To Have Stomach Issues While Pregnant?
Yes. It is common to have gastrointestinal problems while pregnant as a result of hormonal fluctuations and a growing uterus putting pressure on the digestive system.
2. How Do You Settle An Upset Stomach While Pregnant?
Eat smaller, more frequent meals, drink water, and avoid trigger foods such as spicy or greasy foods. In addition, try ginger and Vitamin B6, which can help reduce nausea.
3. How Do You Treat Loose Motion In Pregnancy?
Ensure you are keeping your fluid level up well by drinking lots of clear fluids, try the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), and visit your doctor if you have ongoing diarrhea.
4. Can An Upset Stomach Affect My Unborn Baby?
No, mild gastrointestinal problems during pregnancy do not affect your baby. However, in serious cases that lead to dehydration or nutritional deficiencies, this can lead to your baby being affected. Should you be experiencing severe problems, always refer to the doctor.
References
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- Gomes CF, Sousa M, Lourenço I, Martins D, Torres J. Gastrointestinal diseases during pregnancy: what does the gastroenterologist need to know? Ann Gastroenterol. 2018 Jul-Aug;31 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6033757/#
- University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, NY – https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=90&contentid=p09521#
- Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, M.D. Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center’s William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital – https://utswmed.org/medblog/4-common-pregnancy-related-gi-issues-and-when-call-doctor/
- Approved by Department of health, Victoria state government – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/pregnancy-signs-and-symptoms#
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Gastrointestinal Issues During Pregnancy – https://www.lifespan.org/centers-services/multidisciplinary-obstetric-medicine-service-moms/gi-issues-pregnancy ,
- NHS, Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy – https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/indigestion-and-heartburn/#
- Camille S. Thélin, Joel E. Richter – the management of heartburn during pregnancy and lactation – https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/apt.15611#
- Medically reviewed by Fernando Mariz, MD. Written by Kimberly Holland – https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/diarrhea-remedies#
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – https://www.acog.org/womenshealth/faqs/morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy#
- Mayo clinic, – Is it safe to take stool softeners to treat pregnancy constipation? – by Myra Wick, M.D., Ph.D.- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/pregnancy-constipation/faq-20058550#
