Medical expert of the article
New publications
Pregnancy and digestion: how to avoid problems?
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Of course, pregnancy is not a disease, but one of the normal physiological conditions of a woman. However, most women in the state feel uncomfortable for nine months and complain about their health.
Usually the focus is on the gastrointestinal tract. Here are the 4 most common problems of the gastrointestinal tract that occur at different stages of pregnancy:
Heartburn, upset stomach
Pregnancy and heartburn go hand in hand. Due to hormonal changes, in particular, the production of the hormone relaxin, which causes weakening of the pelvic bones, digestion slows down. The longer the food remains in the stomach, the more gastric juice enters the esophagus, causing chronic esophagitis.
How to relieve: avoid fried and spicy, eat a little. At night you can drink warm milk, and slightly raise the head of the head.
Gases and bloating
The splash of the progesterone hormone relaxes smooth muscle tissues throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. Digestion of food takes more time than usual, therefore such inconveniences as, for example, flatulence, eructation, etc. Can arise.
How to facilitate: it is best to exclude the use of products that cause gases. To do this, you can create a diary, with which you will see which food delivers you the greatest discomfort. Also a good option is the use of wheat bran, which due to insoluble fibers will accelerate the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract.
Constipation
In this, hormones and fetal pressure on the intestine are to blame. But there is also one more reason for constipation in a pregnant woman. If "there is for two", then you can quickly earn this problem.
How to facilitate: the inclusion in the diet of foods rich in fiber (raw fruits, vegetables and grains), daily walks and simple exercise and, of course, moderation in food.
[Frequent or involuntary urination
Not only does the growing fetus put pressure on the bladder, during pregnancy, the volume of blood also increases, which causes the kidneys to work harder. Therefore it is not surprising that women in the situation often run to the toilet, and when coughing or sneezing, urinary incontinence can be observed. This is also because the muscles of the pelvic floor are weakened.
How to relieve: avoid the occurrence of constipation, do exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor.