Bloating and constipation during pregnancy

Complaints in the gastrointestinal tract are among the most common symptoms during pregnancy, and about 75 percent of expectant mothers suffer from bloating or constipation. In this article, you will learn what causes digestive problems during pregnancy and how to find relief.

What are the causes of digestive problems?

If you are affected by digestive problems during pregnancy, there can be various causes. The most common is the hormone progesterone, which during pregnancy causes the muscles to relax. Your intestinal muscles also feel this effect and become sluggish. The slowed digestion gives your body more time to filter important nutrients for your baby from the food. During processing in the gastrointestinal tract, a lot of water is removed from the food, leading to hard stool and difficult bowel movements leads. The larger your baby grows during pregnancy, the more it also presses on your organs – another trigger for slowed intestinal activity and Heartburn . An additional cause of constipation can be iron supplements prescribed to many women during pregnancy. Constipation is often accompanied by bloating. Since the food remains in the digestive tract longer, it begins to ferment and form more gas bubbles – bloating and a feeling of fullness are the consequences. Also, the formation of Hemorrhoids is facilitated by constipation and increased straining during bowel movements.

Do you suffer from (three to four times very soft to watery stools per day), this is usually caused by infections and the fact that your gastrointestinal tract is now more sensitive to potentially harmful foods.

What helps with constipation?

Even if your digestion during pregnancy is probably slower than usual: Medical constipation is only diagnosed when there are three to four days between each bowel movement. But regardless of whether you are suffering from constipation or just a sluggish digestion, there are some things you can do to give your gastrointestinal tract a little boost:

• A healthy and balanced diet contributes to regular digestion. Additionally, you can specifically promote your digestion with certain foods, including dried fruits, sour milk products such as yogurt or buttermilk, wheat bran, flaxseeds, whole grain products, vegetables like endives, carrots, or fennel, or fruits like citrus fruits, apples, or raspberries.

• Stopper foods like bananas, chocolate, white flour products, or blueberries you should instead avoid .

• Drink sufficient. Per day, it should be about two liters of still water, unsweetened teas, or natural fruit juices. The extra tip to give your gut a little boost is, by the way, a glass of plum juice.

• When you change your diet, make sure to do this step by step to do. If you suddenly consume a lot more fiber-rich foods (such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, or nuts) than your body is used to, it can cause digestive problems in the first few days.

• Please prefer to sit down several small meals spread out over the day as a few large ones. Remain seated for a few minutes after eating so that the food can calmly move into your stomach.

• Movement not only keeps you moving, but also your digestive tract. Just 20 to 30 minutes or a walk a day has a positive effect.

• Gleich wichtig wie Bewegung sind Ruhepausen: Stellen Sie sicher, dass Sie genug bekommen Sleep , because your digestive system is mainly active at night when your body is resting.

• As a natural substitute for laxatives, one tablespoon of milk sugar and three tablespoons of psyllium husks are used. Simply stir the mixture into water, a smoothie, or your muesli once daily to gently stimulate your digestion.

• Take Magnesium to you. Positive side effect: The mineral also counteracts annoying calf cramps.

What helps with bloating?

Since constipation and bloating often occur together during pregnancy, the annoying intestinal gases can be alleviated with similar remedies. avoid :

• Pay attention to a healthy and balanced diet.

• Avoid bloating foods such as legumes, cabbage, leeks, fried and greasy foods.

• Sit up straight during your meals and chew slowly to reduce the amount of air entering your stomach.

• Avoid carbonated drinks and opt for still water instead of sparkling water.

• Relieve bloating with gentle movement.

The following things you can do if you are under acute bloating leads:

• Even if it's not usually the polite thing to do: if possible, let the excess air out instead of suppressing it. ;)

• Gently massage your belly in circular motions clockwise to relieve bloating. Caution: If you experience issues such as placenta previa , preterm contractions or a cervical weakness, you should no longer massage your belly to avoid triggering premature labor.

• Warmth helps: With a warm bath, a hot water bottle, or a cherry stone pillow, you can relieve the cramps.

• A cup of fennel, peppermint, anise, or caraway tea soothes your stomach and helps against bloating.

Do I need to see a doctor for digestive problems?

Constipation and bloating may be uncomfortable, but they are usually harmless for you and your baby. Make sure to eat and drink regularly despite loss of appetite or feeling full, so that your baby receives all the necessary nutrients. Avoid taking laxatives or other medications without consulting your doctor first – in the worst case, they can induce labor. Also, be sure to contact your doctor if you notice the following symptoms:

• Severe pain in the gastrointestinal tract

• Bloody stool

• Rapid weight loss

• Dehydration

• Persistent headaches

• Dizziness

• Fever

Even if you suffer from constipation or bloating for an extended period or if they cause you significant discomfort, your doctor or midwife can of course help you.

If occasional digestive problems trouble you during your pregnancy, you're like many other pregnant women. Usually, you don't have to worry, and you can manage constipation, bloating, and the like well with some home remedies. It's best to try out a few tips to find out what works for you and helps. Because, as always, every body and every pregnancy is different. We hope that these annoying digestive issues don't throw you off too much and we wish you all the best for your pregnancy!