Hormones and physical changes can impair good digestion in pregnancy, but lifestyle and a few small tricks can help limit the disorders.
Pregnancy can bring with it several ailments; Tiredness, back pain and hemorrhoids are just a few examples of the problems you can face after conception.
Not even the digestive system is immune, and between gastroesophageal reflux, stomach pain and constipation (which can cause abdominal swelling), the disorders that can put a strain on good digestion in pregnancy are not lacking.
In fact, gastrointestinal problems are among the most frequent disorders in pregnant women; Difficulties can already begin before eating, when nausea and aversion to the taste of certain foods can literally make the appetite pass.
It seems that in many cases hormones are responsible, but as the belly grows the problems also begin to be a “matter of space”.
In fact, the growth of the baby and the consequent increase in the size of the uterus force the mother’s organs into a more limited space, conditioning the functioning of the digestive system.
Stomach pain and poor digestion
Pregnancy hormones can affect the functioning of the digestive system.
In particular, progesterone can slow down digestive processes both in the stomach and in the small and large intestines. What comes into play is its relaxing effect on smooth muscles.
The gallbladder can also be affected by the presence of progesterone; Its emptying can slow down, and the risk of stones forming may increase.
A very frequent disorder during the first trimester is nausea, which in 91% of cases affects precisely during the first weeks of gestation.
Young age, obesity, smoking and the fact that it is the first pregnancy are all risk factors for this problem, which generally tends to recur even after pregnancies.
50-90% of pregnant women suffer from it, and in 25-50% of pregnancies it is associated with vomiting.
The causes of its mild form, which generally does not disturb beyond the eighth week, have not yet been fully clarified; it seems that fluctuations in hormone levels (in particular HCG, chorionic gonadotropin), intestinal motility problems and even psychosocial factors may come into play.
Fortunately, it is generally not a dangerous disorder neither for the future mother nor for her child; However, if nausea and vomiting persist in the second or third trimester, or if cramps and abdominal pain also occur, the situation may require more attention.
The most severe forms of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are called hyperemesis gravidarum, affect 3 to 10 pregnant women out of 1,000, appear between the fourth and tenth week and can last up to 18-20 weeks of gestation.
Symptoms include:
- Untreatable vomiting
- increased salivation
- weight loss of more than 5% of weight.
The situation can lead to malnutrition and may be associated with:
- abdominal pain
- ketosis
- potassium deficiency
- Metabolic alkalosis
- abnormalities in liver enzyme levels
- mild hyperthyroidism.
Hormonal and psychological factors are also included among its causes, but genetics can also be at its base; Obesity, a multiple pregnancy, the fact of never having carried a pregnancy beyond 20 weeks and the so-called gestational trophoblastic disease (a condition characterized by the proliferation of fetal tissue) are instead possible risk factors.
With the passing of the months, even the expansion of the uterus can create stress at the digestive level; growing it can in fact press on some parts of the digestive system, or even block them, and consequently the movement of food in the alimentary canal can be slowed down, with a relative increase in the risk of finding yourself struggling with another frequent disorder in pregnancy: constipation.
In fact, the origin of this problem, which affects between 11% and 38% of pregnant women, is also multifactorial.
To come into play can be the reduction of the motility of the small intestine or colon, the decrease in the levels of thehormone motiline (which regulates the contractions of the digestive tract), the increase in water absorption and possibly the intake of iron supplements.
As for stomach pain, it can be caused by the increase in pressure on the organ.
In addition to pain, a burning sensation may also appear, which may be associated with gastroesophageal refluxor due to the reduction in the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach) and the consequent passage of gastric juices into the esophagus, resulting in irritation of its mucosa.
The intensity of the discomfort depends on the type and amount of food ingested and generally worsens during the night; In some cases they can even compromise the quality of sleep.
Fortunately, during the last weeks of pregnancy, when the baby turns his head towards the mother’s pelvis, the abdominal pressure can decrease enough to reduce the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux as well.
To these problems can be added the changes in appetite, very frequent during pregnancy: sometimes hunger decreases or some foods are not tolerated, other times the so-called “cravings” increase or appear, and all this can further complicate the feeding and digestion of the pregnant woman.
Improving digestion with nutrition
There is no shortage of remedies against poor digestion: from baking soda to antacids, the shelves of supermarkets and pharmacies make available for all kinds.
Unfortunately after conception some of these solutions are contraindicated. Fortunately, however, there is a completely natural remedy that can be very useful: nutrition.
The general principles to be followed both during pregnancy and during breastfeeding (when the mother’s diet is reflected in some characteristics of the milk with which the newborn is fed)are those of a balanced diet that provides adequate doses of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.
More frequent but less abundant meals, increasing carbohydrate intake and reducing fat intake (preferring, among those for seasoning, extra virgin olive oil) are potentially useful measures for women who are affected by nausea during pregnancy.
It is also possible to find relief thanks to natural remedies such as ginger and the intake of vitamin B; Before taking supplements, however, it is necessary to consult with your gynecologist.
In the case of severe forms, such as hyperemesis gravidarum, it is important to properly replenish weight fluids, as well as vitamins and minerals.
Even in these circumstances it may be useful to take supplements, but it is necessary to rely only on products that have been recommended by the gynecologist.
Among the most effective natural methods to combat constipation generally not contraindicated during pregnancy is instead included the increase in fiber consumption.
Particularly useful to promote intestinal transit are the so-called insoluble fibers, abundant in vegetables and whole grains.
However, even soluble fibers, more typical of fruit and legumes, can promote the well-being of the intestine; In fact, these are the fibers with prebiotic action, that is, those fibers that nourish the intestinal bacterial flora, whose state of health is also linked to the well-being of the intestine.
To promote good intestinal function during pregnancy it is therefore good to follow a diet rich in ingredients of plant origin, so as to take 25-30 grams of fiber per day.
Be careful, however: fruits and vegetables must always be washed thoroughly to avoid infections that can compromise not only the well-being of the future mother but also the health of her baby.
In addition, to get the greatest possible benefits from fiber intake, it is good to associate it with adequate hydration.
In itself, a woman’s water requirement increases during gestation, going from 2 liters per day recommended in childbearing age to 2.35 liters.
The best drink to ensure adequate hydration is water; Carbonated drinks are not a good choice: they are often real concentrates of simple sugars, the consumption of which should be limited to all ages and at all stages of life.
The same applies to fruit juices, while with chamomile, herbal infusions such as mint and herbal teas it is important to avoid excessive consumption and pay attention to the ingredients, which may be contraindicated during pregnancy; To avoid taking substances that are potentially dangerous to the child, it is best to consume them only after asking your gynecologist for advice.
The best way to combat nighttime burning due to gastroesophageal reflux is to avoid eating just before bedtime and try to keep your head elevated (for example with a pillow).
Reducing the size of meals, rather increasing their frequency, can also help; You should also avoid foods and drinks that seem to be associated with pain and heartburn, such as those containing caffeine (in addition to coffee, also tea and chocolate) or acidic ones, such as tomato and lemon.
The latter can be useful for stimulating intestinal peristalsis and promoting regularity, but it can worsen the symptoms of certain digestive disorders associated with acidity, such as gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux.
Digestion in pregnancy: an aid from physical activity
Finally, physical activity can also help fight constipation.
If pregnancy is not complicated by particular problems, a little movement is not associated with risks, on the contrary, it can also help fight other disorders, such as heaviness in the legs due to difficulties in blood circulation.
Even in this case, however, before taking the initiative it is good to ask for the approval of your doctor.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.