What to Eat When Experiencing Digestive Issues During Pregnancy?

Diarrhea, heartburn, constipation, and other intestinal problems during pregnancy: what to do?

Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman’s life. She is preparing to become a mother. In the ultrasound scan, she sees her baby for the first time. Then she feels the first movements. However, intestinal problems can arise during pregnancy – some unpleasant surprises: constipation, heartburn, and diarrhea. This also applies to those women who have not had such problems before.

Constipation

Constipation occurs in two forms:

1. Atonic constipation arises due to a weakened tone of the smooth muscles of the intestine. This form is characterized by loss of appetite, apathy, bloating, nausea, heaviness, dull pulling pain, flatulence, weakness, and mushy stools.
2. Spastic constipation develops due to intestinal wall spasms. Food moves more slowly through the gastrointestinal tract. This form of constipation is characterized by bloating, aching pain, loss of appetite, irritability. Stools are dense and difficult to pass.

Products should be chosen based on the type of constipation.

What to eat for pregnant women with constipation?

For atonic type:

• Fiber-rich food that improves stool formation and facilitates its elimination: bran, rye bread, berries, fruits, and vegetables. Beans, spinach, peas, and grapes increase the chance of gas formation. This leads to discomfort and pain.
• Dietary fibers – cereals.
• A few tablespoons of bran. They need to be scalded with boiling water beforehand.
• Water and other drinks. It’s better to drink them chilled. This will speed up peristaltic movements and shorten evacuation time.

For spastic type:

• Pureed boiled, mashed vegetables.
• Vegetable oils (15-30 ml on an empty stomach).
• Absolutely avoid food that can cause mechanical irritation. Foods high in fiber are also off-limits as they can increase pain.

What should pregnant women eat for constipation?

• Dietary meat and fish (boiled, baked, or steamed).
• Rye and wheat bread (preferably from the previous day).
• Vegetable soups on meat broth.
• Porridges and soups made from cereals.
• Fresh ripe fruits and dried fruits.
• Vegetables: lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, pumpkin, cauliflower, and white cabbage.
• Chicken eggs, preferably soft-boiled (no more than 1 per day).
• Dairy and fermented dairy products.
• Limit spicy seasonings.

Heartburn

One of the intestinal problems during pregnancy that occurs for a number of reasons:

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• Progesterone relaxes the muscles of the esophagus, so the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus does not fully close. Stomach contents enter the esophagus, causing heartburn. This is also facilitated by the increase in the uterus and intra-abdominal pressure.
• Gastrointestinal diseases.
• Poor nutrition.

What to eat during pregnancy to avoid heartburn?

Benefit the gastrointestinal tract:

• Dietary meat and poultry.
• Fish.
• Dairy and fermented milk products.
• Cereals.
• Fresh vegetables and fruits.

To relieve symptoms, drink milk, kissel, oatmeal, herbal decoctions and infusions.

Avoid

It’s better to avoid fried foods. Exotic fruits can cause an unpredictable reaction. Negatively affecting the gastrointestinal tract:

• Coffee and soda.
• Pickles.
• Garlic.
• Smoked products.
• Chocolate.
• Acid-increasing foods (lemon, etc.).
• Too much sweets and pastries.
• Condiments and spices.

Diarrhea

It’s better to prevent a problem than to treat it. It’s important to pay attention to freshness and expiration dates of products, thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits, and maintain hygiene.

What can a pregnant woman eat when experiencing diarrhea?

• Crackers or dried bread.
• Rice.
• Porridges (except barley).
• Dietary meat and fish, poultry.
• Eggs no more than 2 per day (preferably hard-boiled, but omelet is okay).
• Water. You can also have strong black tea without sugar, rice or oat decoction, dried fruit compote, and non-carbonated mineral water.

It is better to consume food at room temperature.

To Avoid

These products will worsen the situation:

• Citrus and sour berries.
• Chocolate and confectionery products.
• Fatty meat and fish (including rich broths).
• Black bread.
• Fried, spicy, peppery, very salty foods, and canned goods.
• Milk and cream.

Prevention of intestinal issues during pregnancy

It is important to remember that medications during pregnancy are undesirable. To avoid intestinal problems during pregnancy, you need to follow a few rules:

• Healthy sleep. During sleep, the body rests and gains strength.
• Proper healthy nutrition. Eat frequently but in small portions.
• Physical activity. This can include walking or practicing yoga. These will not only be harmless but will also improve the condition of the pregnant woman, preparing her for childbirth.
• Avoid excessive worry, anxiety, and stress.

On momslab.com, you’ll find even more information about self-practice, nutrition, and everything that might concern pregnant women. The website was created for home self-practice. Specialists in obstetrics and gynecology, pharmacology, and dietetics are available 24/7. The site also features a blog and chat. The author is a mother of two – Ksenia Vlasova. Her Instagram account also contains many useful posts.