Experiencing digestive problems during pregnancy will certainly make you feel uncomfortable and quite disturbed. Conditions like this can probably be avoided with certain steps.
However, if you have already experienced it, then what you need to do is find a way to overcome these various digestive disorders .
For this reason, below we provide information about the causes and types of digestive disorders during pregnancy, as well as solutions to overcome them.
Please pay attention, Mom!
Causes of Digestive Disorders During Pregnancy
In general, indigestion symptoms occur when the acid in your stomach irritates the lining of your stomach or esophagus. This causes pain and burning. When you’re pregnant, you’re more likely to experience indigestion because:
- hormonal changes
- growing baby pressing on your belly
- the muscles between the stomach and esophagus relax, allowing stomach acid to rise back up.
You may be more likely to experience indigestion during pregnancy if:
- You had digestive problems before you got pregnant
- been pregnant before
- has entered the final stages of pregnancy
Types of Digestive Disorders During Pregnancy and How to Overcome Them
1. Constipation
The triggers for constipation during pregnancy are quite varied, for example being lazy to move, lack of fluids, so that blood flow is not smooth and the feces harden.
Constipation can occur at any stage of pregnancy, but it often occurs in the final trimester because the enlarging fetus is prone to pressing on the intestines.
Hormonal surges during pregnancy also contribute to constipation during pregnancy. Especially if you already have a history of hemorrhoids before pregnancy, then digestive problems in the form of constipation will be more likely to attack.
Overcoming disorders in pregnant women can be done by doing various methods such as the following:
- Eat foods rich in fiber, such as green vegetables, fruits, nuts, cereals, and whole grains.
- Drinking lots of water can help pregnant women to clean the intestines and soften hardened food residue.
- Regular exercise and movement can stimulate the digestive system in pregnant women.
- Eat small portions, but often.
However, if the constipation problem does not go away and makes the mother suffer even more, it is best to immediately consult an obstetrician.
2. Nausea and Vomiting
Symptoms of nausea and vomiting while pregnant are one of the common pregnancy disorders. This condition is also often called morning sickness which usually occurs in early pregnancy.
The cause of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is influenced by hormonal changes in the mother’s body. Ways to overcome nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are as follows:
- Avoid spicy, fatty and oily foods
- Fulfilling the body’s fluid needs
- Take regular breaks
- Manage stress well
- Drink ginger, citrus fruits, lemons, or berries
- Eat small portions but often.
If symptoms of nausea and vomiting prevent pregnant women from consuming nutritious food regularly, they should immediately contact an obstetrician to get the right action or medication recommendations.
3. Bloating
A bloated stomach will make pregnant women feel full more quickly and of course this will cause a number of discomforts.
Symptoms like this are usually caused by the fetus getting bigger as time goes by, so the stomach will feel full more quickly and the mother will easily feel short of breath.
The uterus that continues to grow will also press on other organs in the abdominal cavity of the mother. The way to overcome this is to avoid eating large amounts at one time.
Don’t listen to pressure from others to eat a lot. Just eat portions that make your stomach feel comfortable but often.
4. Diarrhea
Diarrhea during pregnancy can occur at various gestational ages. Although it seems trivial, this condition can turn into a serious problem if not treated immediately.
Diarrhea can have a negative impact on both the mother and the fetus she is carrying. For example, pregnant women experience dehydration which causes a lack of nutrient and oxygen intake to the fetus.
If you experience symptoms like this, make sure to keep your body hydrated so you don’t get dehydrated. In addition, here are some simple tips for dealing with diarrhea during pregnancy :
- Avoid foods that cause diarrhea, such as high-fat foods, spicy fried foods and dairy products.
- Changing supplements or medications currently being taken
- Consult your gynecologist if it doesn’t stop for 2 to 3 days.
5. Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are a common complaint. Hemorrhoids are a condition where the blood vessels in the anus area become swollen.
Symptoms of hemorrhoids include the appearance of lumps around the anus that are itchy, painful, and bleed.
The causes of hemorrhoids during pregnancy are quite diverse, one of which is the enlargement of the uterus which creates pressure on the blood vessels around the anus.
Constipation is also one of the causes of hemorrhoids during pregnancy. Ways to overcome hemorrhoids during pregnancy include:
- Eat foods high in fiber and drink plenty of water
- Exercise regularly
- Ensure cleanliness of the anal area
- Doing Kegel exercises
- Not holding bowel movements for too long
- Don’t sit or stand for too long.
Mothers can also consult with an obstetrician. Usually, the doctor will prescribe the use of hemorrhoid medication or ointment that can be used by pregnant women to relieve symptoms.
6.Heartburn
Heartburn or burning symptoms in the pit of the stomach due to rising stomach acid usually occurs in the second and third trimester of pregnancy.
Heartburn during pregnancy can occur due to changes in hormone levels that affect the muscles of the digestive tract .
This pregnancy hormone relaxes the valve between the stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acid to easily rise into the esophagus. Ways to deal with heartburn symptoms in pregnant women include:
- Drinking coconut water
- Sleep on your side with the left side of your body
- Wear comfortable and loose clothing for the pregnant woman’s body
- Chewing gum
- Drink warm water
- Chew food slowly
How to Prevent Indigestion During Pregnancy
Dietary and lifestyle changes can prevent and control your digestive symptoms, especially if they are mild. You can try these ways:
1. Consume Healthy Food
You are more prone to indigestion if you eat too much or are too full. Even though you are pregnant with your little one, it does not mean that you should eat more than usual. This may not be good for you or your baby.
It is best to eat according to your needs, and make sure you always eat healthy foods.
To maintain digestive health, mothers can routinely consume yogurt, as well as fruits that contain fiber. Also eat foods that contain protein and vitamins.
2. Change Your Eating and Drinking Habits
Moms can control digestive disorders during pregnancy by changing your eating habits. For example, eating small portions, rather than eating a lot 3 times a day. It is also better not to eat within 3 hours before going to bed at night.
Cutting down on drinks containing caffeine, and rich, spicy or fatty foods, can also relieve symptoms and prevent indigestion.
Some foods and drinks can make reflux worse in some people. It is known that some foods can relax the sphincter and allow more acid to reflux.
3. Avoid Trigger Foods
If there are foods that trigger your indigestion, try avoiding them for a while to see if your symptoms improve. Foods and drinks that are thought to worsen symptoms in some people include:
- Candy
- Tomato
- Chocolate
- Spicy and fatty foods
- Fruit juice
- Hot drinks
- Coffee
- Alcoholic beverages
4. Maintain Body Posture
For example, sit up straight when eating. This will take pressure off your stomach. Positioning your head and shoulders slightly higher when sleeping can stop stomach acid from rising while you sleep.
Although it may seem trivial, good posture can help prevent stomach acid from rising and maintain your body’s balance.
5. Quit Smoking
Smoking during pregnancy can cause digestive problems, and can have serious effects on your health and that of your baby.
When you smoke, the chemicals you inhale can contribute to indigestion. These chemicals can cause the ring of muscle at the bottom of your esophagus to relax, allowing stomach acid to come back up more easily. This is known as acid reflux.
Smoking also increases the risk of:
- premature baby (before the 37th week of your pregnancy)
- babies born with low birth weight
- sudden infant death syndrome ( SIDS ), or “cot death”
6. Avoid Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can cause digestive upset. During pregnancy, it can also cause long-term harm to the baby. It is safest to not drink alcohol at all during pregnancy.
7. Avoid drinking and eating at the same time
Too much fluid mixed with too much food can cause bloating and worsen heartburn. Try to drink plenty of fluids between meals.
8. It’s best to avoid eating heavy meals before going to bed.
It’s best to eat your last meal at least two hours before bedtime, so your stomach can start digesting the food before you lie down for the night. A bedtime snack is fine, as long as it’s light and easy to digest.
9. Chew Food Slowly
Chewing is the first step in the digestive process. The more you chew, the less work your stomach has to do to digest it.
Plus, when you eat too fast, you often swallow air, which can cause gas in the stomach.
So, even if you are hungry, try to chew slowly and do not rush. Try to bite and chew well.
10. Wear loose and comfortable clothing
Wear loose, comfortable clothes. Tight clothing around your waist can constrict your stomach, adding pressure and triggering heartburn.
11. Pay attention to your weight
Maintain gradual pregnancy weight gain; depending on your starting weight, which is within the recommended range of 11-15 kg.
Being overweight during pregnancy puts you at risk for digestive problems and can worsen symptoms by adding pressure to your digestive tract.
When to Worry?
See your midwife or obstetrician if you need help managing your symptoms or if the above diet and lifestyle changes aren’t working. They may recommend medication to ease your symptoms.
You should also see your midwife or GP if you experience any of the following:
- difficulty eating or swallowing food
- weight loss
- stomach ache that doesn’t go away
Your midwife or doctor may ask about your symptoms and examine you by gently pressing different areas on your chest and abdomen to see if they are painful.
If you are taking prescription medications
Talk to your doctor if you are taking medication for another condition, such as an antidepressant, and you think it may be making your indigestion worse. They may be able to prescribe an alternative treatment.
Never stop taking a prescribed medicine unless you are advised to do so by your GP or other qualified healthcare professional in charge of your care.
Medication for Digestive Disorders During Pregnancy
Some medications for indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy include:
- Antacids : medicines to neutralize the acid in your stomach (some are available without a prescription from your doctor)
- Alginate : A medication to relieve indigestion caused by acid reflux by stopping the acid in your stomach from coming back up into your esophagus.
You may only need to take antacids and alginates when you first start experiencing symptoms. However, your doctor may recommend taking them before symptoms appear, such as before meals or at bedtime.
If you are taking iron supplements and antacids , do not take them at the same time. Antacids can stop your body from absorbing iron.
Additionally, if antacids and alginates do not improve symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach, which are widely used during pregnancy and are known to be harmless to your baby, including:
- Ranitidine , comes as a tablet that you take twice a day.
- omeprazole , in the form of tablets taken once a day
These are the types of digestive disorders that commonly occur during pregnancy. Don’t forget to maintain your body condition so you can enjoy your pregnancy optimally.
Also, make sure your lifestyle during pregnancy is always healthy and enjoyable. Hopefully this information is useful for you, Mom!
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Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
