Gut-Related Symptoms During Pregnancy
Some symptoms of gut disorders during pregnancy are mild and temporary, such as indigestion. Others are more severe, and will require suitable treatment. 1
Indigestion
Acid reflux and heartburn are common throughout pregnancy, and may lead to nausea and vomiting when left untreated. 2
Constipation
The progesterone hormone is increased when pregnant, causing the intestines to relax. This slows the movement of stool through the bowel. 3
Diarrhea
Hormone fluctuation, added stress and dietary changes usually bring about diarrhea in pregnant people. 4
Your Gut During Pregnancy: Key Facts
The most significant changes to your body during pregnancy will be throughout your gut. Here’s what you need to know.
Gastric problems are common during pregnancy
It is very normal to experiencing symptoms of an upset stomach throughout a pregnancy. The body is merely adjusting to the fluctuating hormone levels. 5
Some gastric problems can be avoided
With the right probiotic recommended by your physician, sufficient hydration and a balanced diet, gastric problems such as nausea, diarrhea and constipation can be avoided during pregnancy. 6
How probiotics can help the gut during pregnancy
Probiotics are a form of live good bacteria that work closely with the gut microbiome, helping to normalize function and prevent digestive disorders. Probiotics are powerful allies to anyone seeking better overall health and wellbeing, including those who are pregnant. Consult HCP before using any probiotic.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, take this medicine only when absolutely necessary and under the supervision of your doctor. 7
Stay Informed
Getting to know your gut, and identifying your personal triggers, is the first step to better intestinal health. Stay informed as to how gut microbiota become negatively affected by everything from traveling to seasonal changes, and how to bring about internal balance to your life. 8
- How Diarrhea Happens During Pregnancy; Verywell family, June 2021 [quoated June 2021] https://www.verywellfamily.com/diarrhea-in-pregnancy-4163950
- Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy; NHS, January 2021 [quoated June 2021] https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/indigestion-and-heartburn/
- 5 Safe Remedies for Constipation in Pregnancy; Healthline, September 2015 [quoated June 2021] https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/constipation-remedies
- What to know about diarrhea during pregnancy; Medical News Today, April 2019 [quoated June 2021] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324941
- Is it normal?; Medical News Today, April 2019 [quoated June 2021] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324941#is-it-normal
- The Maternal Gut Microbiome during Pregnancy; PMC, November 2018 [quoated June 2021] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5648614/
- Probiotics During Pregnancy; American Pregnancy Association; October 2020 [quoated June 2021] https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/probiotics-during-pregnancy-11583/
- Product information
- When should you see a specialist?; UChicagoMedicine. Chicago: The University of Chicago Medicine; 2020 [quoted June 2021] https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/gastrointestinal-articles/stress-and-stomach-pain-when-should-you-see-a-specialist
- Healthy Eating Pyramid; Harvard T.H. CHAN, [quoated June 2021] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-eating-pyramid/