Your digestive system is influenced by the hormone progesterone during pregnancy. Progesterone causes your digestive system to slow down so that your body can better use the nutrients from your foods to support your developing baby, but the effect of this “digestive slow down” can be pretty unpleasant at times! Symptoms like bloating, nausea and vomiting and discomfort due to the effects of travelling stomach acids can begin as early as the fourth or sixth weeks of your pregnancy and then occur through out pregnancy. Generally though the first and third trimesters are the times when women are most prone to these kinds of discomforts.
Why can stomach acids travel back up the oesophagus and cause a burning sensation?
As a mum-to-be, your body is cleverly producing extra progesterone to relax your muscles and allow your baby to grow. Unfortunately that also means the valve at the entrance to your stomach relaxes too, allowing bits of stomach acid to enter. Because everything is more relaxed than usual, it's harder for food to move through your system. And as your uterus gets bigger there will also be added pressure on your stomach which might not help things, especially when lying down.
Ways to relieve this condition:
If you are suffering from this kind of digestive upset during pregnancy, the following tips could make your life easier:
- Avoid spicy, fatty or very rich foods
- Caffeine is not recommended in large quantities during pregnancy and it can also exacerbate the reflux of acid into your oesophagus, so it’s best to minimise the amount of drinks like coffee during pregnancy
- Cut out acidic citrus juices but make sure you keep up your fibre intake in other ways
- Cut out or at least cut down on, chocolate (sorry!)
- Eat small frequent meals, and not too close to bedtime
- Chew gum after a meal to increase saliva production, which helps to neutralise stomach acid
- Some mums may find a milky drink before bedtime can help
- Sleeping with a few extra pillows to prop you up in bed to raise your chest and head above the level of your stomach may provide some relief
- Finally, if all else fails, your doctor may prescribe you an antacid. Always refer to your doctor for advice
Bloating, Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common in pregnancy and is typically referred to as “morning sickness”. It usually subsides in the 12-14th week of pregnancy but can be experienced for some women throughout pregnancy. For more information see our morning sickness section.
Tips to try to minimize bloating, nausea and vomiting include:
- Eating a few bites of something before getting out of bed
- Have a snack ready at your bedside and carry snacks with you during the day
- Get out of bed slowly
- Maintain your hydration. Drink small amounts frequently throughout the day
- Eat little and often- every 2-3 hours during the day
- Have a rest during the day
- Eat plain foods such as crackers, fruit, dry toast, or yoghurt
- Do not drink any alcohol
- Avoid spicy foods, fatty foods and strong smells
- Eat a small snack before going to bed
- Eat smaller meals more often rather than three larger meals
- Slow down your eating and chew your food thoroughly
- Avoid gassy foods such as onions, cabbage, peppers, fried foods, beans or anything that affects your individual digestion
Consult your health care professional about any bloating, nausea and vomiting you have to ensure it’s not symptomatic of another condition and to assess your hydration levels.