By Colleen McMahon
When you become pregnant, your body goes through changes that can play havoc with your digestive system. There are two main culprits for this: hormonal changes and the physical pressure that a growing baby puts on your internal organs. Here are some of the digestive issues you may encounter with pregnancy:
Morning Sickness
This is the first thing most people think of as a digestive problem with pregnancy. It’s the combination of nausea and vomiting that happens with most women in the early weeks of pregnancy. Triggers differ from woman to woman and can involve certain foods, smells, or just the change of position that comes with standing up in the morning.
The main cause is the rapid changes in hormone levels in your body as it adjusts to its new reality of growing a life inside of it, and once these hormones stabilize by the second trimester, morning sickness subsides for most women.
It can be a misery while it is going on, however, and you should try the many tips and tricks to deal with it Some of the suggestions include eating saltine crackers, drinking plenty of fluids, eating small amounts spread over the day rather than a few bigger meals, choosing foods with more protein, and keeping a diary to track your personal triggers. If morning sickness is severe and persistent to the point that you risk becoming dehydrated or malnourished, you should talk to your obstetrician about medications that can help.
Heartburn
Even women who have not had issues with heartburn or acid reflux may experience this during pregnancy. The same hormone that controls the muscles of the uterus and helps hold the baby inside you can also relax the muscles that keeps stomach acid where it belongs. In later weeks, the physical pressure of the baby can squeeze against your stomach, forcing acid into the esophagus.
Again, smaller and more frequent meals can help, as well as avoiding fried and spicy foods, and making sure you stop eating anything for several hours before bedtime. Using pillows or bed risers to elevate your top half can also help, as can using over-the-counter heartburn remedies. In the final weeks of pregnancy, some women find it more comfortable to sleep propped into a seated position or in a recliner.
Gas and Bloating
That same hormonal relaxation that effects your stomach can make it harder for your intestines to push food through, allowing gas to build up. This can in turn lead to abdominal pain, unpleasant bloated sensations, and flatulence. Smaller amounts of food intake can help here as well, as can wearing loose clothing that reduces pressure on the abdomen. You should avoid or limit foods known to increase gas production, like cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale), beans, and carbonated beverages.
Constipation
Constipation can occur throughout pregnancy, again due to hormonal changes as well as the high iron levels in prenatal vitamins. It can become a real challenge later in the pregnancy, when the pressure of the baby is greatest. The two biggest aids with constipation are fluid intake, especially water, and exercise, both of which help keep things moving in your system.
Avoid sugary drinks as they can increase constipation. Ingesting more plant fiber through vegetables and whole grain foods can also help. Try to avoid using laxatives except as a last resort — and check with your doctor for recommendations before you do. Many laxatives cause diarrhea and can lead to needed nutrients passing out of your system without being absorbed.
Pregnancy can be an exciting and happy time of your life, but it brings a lot of challenges and changes too. Ask your doctor and do your research through other trusted sources to help you resolve the digestive issues that can crop up as you proceed through your pregnancy.
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