Are Digestion Problems Common in Early Pregnancy?

It's not uncommon for women, during pregnancy, to begin having all sorts of digestion issues. These are brought on by changes in the body, and in many cases may be the first time a woman has dealt with such digestion difficulties.

Reasons For Digestion Issues During Pregnancy

The primary reason is that the placenta distributes much higher levels of progesterone, during pregnancy, which is a hormone that relaxes smooth muscle tissue throughout your body, including your gastrointestinal tract. This relaxation will slow down digestion, and lead to such things as gas, bloating, burping, and flatulence and generally create miserable sensations in your gut, especially after a big meal. It can also cause issues of heartburn and constipation.

As your pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus will crowd your abdominal cavity, further slowing digestion.

Atop Other Aches and Pains During Pregnancy

It's common for woman, during this time, to suffer from varying degrees of these types of discomfort, and along with headaches, backaches and morning sickness, it can be another aggravation on top of a loaded list of discomforts. Know the facts, and try to identify some triggers, to help alleviate the discomfort.

Things To Avoid During Pregnancy

Avoid fatty foods, carbonated drinks, and too much sugar, especially things containing high-fructose. Another big offender is how you eat and how much. Eat smaller portions, and snack in between meals, and always be sure to chew your food slowly.

Choices For Indigestion Relief

In the case of many pregnant women, heartburn in pregnancy is unavoidable, and an over-the-counter medication is necessary. Choices to avoid are antacids that contain either aspirin or sodium bicarbonate, as they can be harmful during pregnancy. Antacids that contain aluminum are an option to consider, but they can cause constipation, and are toxic in large doses. Chewable antacids are the best choice, as they are fast acting and safe during pregnancy. Liquid form and tablet form antacids are an option, but both offer some draw backs, as tablets must be digested to become activated, and adding anything liquid to the digestive system, will stimulate the juices, and exacerbate the situation. If all else fails, you can contact your doctor and discuss a possible prescription formula that will be safe during pregnancy. This is an option that many do not consider, but in certain cases, it can be the best.

Although digestion issues will be another things an a long list of pains for women during pregnancy, there are things that can be done. Know the facts, and understand the situation. And if the situation becomes unbearable, speak to your prenatal caregiver.