Digestive problems: Our top tips for expectant mothers
Many pregnant women experience symptoms such as constipation, bloating, a feeling of fullness or heartburn. These are often caused by hormonal changes, a growing bump or a change in diet. Good to know: even small changes to your daily routine can help to gently support digestion.
1️⃣ Drink plenty of fluids – preferably water or unsweetened herbal tea
2️⃣ Exercise regularly, such as with short walks
3️⃣ Gradually and consciously incorporate high-fibre foods into your diet
In this article, you’ll find out why the digestive system can be negatively impacted, and you will find our top tips for home remedies.
⚠️ If you experience severe, persistent or sudden symptoms, you should contact your doctor.
Checklist for Mums-to-be!
- Make sure you drink enough fluids (water, herbal tea and diluted juices)
- Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly
- Eat small meals and be mindful of what you eat
- Eat foods rich in fibre (wholemeal products and fruit)
- Avoid pulses, brassicas (cabbages) and onions (these are among the foods that cause flatulence and are difficult to digest)
- You should also cut down on foods that can cause indigestion, such as chocolate and products made with white flour
- Prunes are also frequently recommended, particularly for constipation during pregnancy
- Medicinal plants such as linseed and psyllium can stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation – however, it is essential to ensure they are used correctly
- Low-acid fruits such as apples, fresh strawberries or papaya are recommended as home remedies for heartburn during pregnancy
- Probiotics: by restoring the balance of the gut microbiome, dysbiosis – which can also cause digestive problems – can be corrected
Why do digestive problems occur during pregnancy?
Constipation: these factors may be to blame
Many expectant mothers struggle with constipation, particularly at the start of pregnancy. One cause of this is the hormone progesterone. Whilst it is vital for the growing baby, it has an adverse effect on bowel function as it slows down the pregnant woman’s digestion.
Taking iron supplements can also contribute to constipation. Towards the end of pregnancy, the growing baby and the placenta require more and more space, which puts increasing pressure on the pregnant woman’s digestive system. As a result, constipation can lead to pain and difficulty when using the toilet.
Bloating during pregnancy
Hormonal changes also contribute to the development of bloating during pregnancy. The slower digestion of food means that partially digested food begins to ferment. As a result, many pregnant women suffer from a bloated stomach and a feeling of fullness.
Diarrhoea: a common ‘side effect’
Diarrhoea can also be an unpleasant side effect of pregnancy. The body reacts more sensitively to food, as women often find themselves eating different foods to before, which can lead to diarrhoea. Stress, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or food intolerances can also cause diarrhoea during pregnancy.
If severe, persistent diarrhoea occurs, this is usually a sign of an infection (viruses, bacteria, parasites) and you should see a doctor. Diarrhoea can also occur during labour. However, this is caused by the intense contractions of the uterus, which lead to increased bowel movements.
Heartburn in pregnancy
Many pregnant women suffer from heartburn, particularly during the second and third trimesters. Here, too, changes in hormone levels play a role. These changes, combined with the growing womb, cause the sphincter muscle between the oesophagus and the stomach to relax. As a result, stomach acid can rise more easily. The baby’s movements and kicks can also cause gastric juices to rise, leading to heartburn.
A diet high in acid (carbohydrates, fats, acidic fruit, etc.) can also be a cause of these symptoms.
What helps with digestive problems during pregnancy?
Although the hormonal and physical changes that occur during pregnancy are unavoidable, there are still a few tips and tricks that may help with digestive problems during pregnancy:
- Regular exercise, preferably in the fresh air – for around 30 minutes a day
- Sufficient sleep – the digestive system is very active at night
- Relaxing abdominal massages: gently massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction, ideally before and after meals
It is also generally worth paying more attention to your diet during pregnancy, making sure it is balanced and nutritious, in order to support your growning baby!
When should you see a doctor about your digestive problems?
Please contact your doctor if your symptoms suddenly become very severe, persist for a long time, or are accompanied by other symptoms such as a fever, severe pain, blood in your stools, circulatory problems or persistent diarrhoea. It is also advisable to seek medical advice if you are unsure which home remedies or products are suitable during your pregnancy.
Probiotics during pregnancy
Alongside diet, fluid intake and exercise, the gut microbiome is also becoming an important topic to consider during pregnancy. This is because the gut is home to numerous microorganisms that form part of our digestive system. The use of scientifically tested probiotics can be a useful supplement for expectant mothers – particularly when digestion and gut sensations change. This provides the body’s own friendly gut bacteria with support from viable, probiotic bacteria.
Colonising the mother’s gut with the ‘right’ bacterial strains ensures a good start for both mother and baby. On the one hand, this can have a positive effect on the expectant mother’s digestive discomfort. On the other hand, it prepares the mother’s gut flora for childbirth – ensuring that, in the event of a vaginal birth, the baby is supplied with important bacteria right from the start. These beneficial bacteria, which originally come from the mother’s gut, quickly find their way to their intended destination in the baby’s body.
Our in-house medical team are here to help with product advice according to your health conditions and symptoms! Get in touch with us via email now and get a personalised recommendation about what products or product combination is best for you!
E-mail us at uk@omni-biotic.com
