Stomach Problems in Pregnancy 2

Dyspepsia (Indigestion) is another problem that most pregnant ladies face.  It sometimes feels like your stomach is high up in your throat as your baby and belly get bigger and bigger.  This feels worst during the final trimester as the uterus does indeed exert pressure on your stomach.

Heartburn is another common complaint as the lower oesophageal sphincter (It is a flap that keeps your food from going back up to your mouth) becomes weak and results in your stomach acid escaping your belly and travelling up the oesophagus.  This actually does feel like your heart is burning.

Some ways to help include –

• Eating smaller meals
• Sit up straight when eating
• Avoid troublesome food like spicy meals
• Sleep propped up on a pillow of the indigestion or heartburn is disturbing your sleep
• Antacids or Alginates – Remember to ask your pharmacist or healthcare professional if they are suitable in pregnancy
• See your Doctor if after trying the above suggestions, you still feel bad.  There is the option of a proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole.

This is another common stomach grievance for pregnant women.  There are a few reasons for it which include

1. The hormonal changes that occur in pregnancy.  These result in the slowing down of the movement of food along your digestion system. 
2. Are you living a bit more of a laid back kind of existence?  That could be adding to the slowing of your food clearance.
3. Have you been suffering with low iron (anaemia)?  If you are taking extra iron tablets, then one of the possible side effects of that could be constipation.

Constipation can be pretty uncomfortable and frankly when you are pregnant, your stomach is already coping with the extra visitor; not having bowel movements makes your stomach feel even fuller.

Another concern of constipation is that it will increase the chance of developing haemorrhoids – another common complaint and horrid discomfort of pregnancy.

How can you improve your discomfort and constipation?

There are a few measures you can take up yourself.

1. Increase your fluids – An obvious one I know but it can seem difficult to do when you already feel full up
2. Increase your fibre intake – Chose fibre enriched cereals, eat more fruit and vegetables, choose snacks that are high in fibre.  DO not do all this at once though or else you might start to feel bloated.  Gradually increase your fibre.
3. Exercise – can help keep things moving.

If after trying these measures, you find you are still suffering from constipation then it might be worth asking for help from your pharmacist who should be able to suggest a laxative that is appropriate for you to take like senna or lactulose.

Remember, if you are in any doubt about any of your stomach troubles while you are pregnant, it is best to speak with your healthcare provider so you can receive personal care.