There are many aspects of pregnancy that make our patients glow with joy: The first gentle rounding of your belly. The first kick or wriggle of your baby. The day you find out if you’re carrying a boy or a girl.
Unfortunately, not every aspect of pregnancy will give you that warm fuzzy glow. Some, like constipation, hemorrhoids and gas, are topics that we generally don’t discuss in polite conversation.
But we hope you will talk to us about these and other common discomforts of pregnancy. We want to help make your journey to motherhood the best it can be. That means you can feel free to speak with us about any problem.
And don’t worry – we truly have heard everything!
In the meantime, here are some suggestions for alleviating some of the most common digestive complaints of your pregnancy . . .
Constipation: Even if you’ve never had this problem before, it may be part of your pregnancy experience. There are several reasons why you might experience constipation, such as changes in bowel action due to hormone levels, enlargement of the uterus, lack of fiber, lack of activity, or even the iron supplement we recommended you take.
As is true with so many health issues, the best solution is prevention. Be sure to:
- Drink six 8-ounce glasses of fluids each day (water is the best choice).
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Increase the fiber level in your diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Establish a regular pattern of daily bowel movements.
- Avoid straining or pushing to have a bowel movement.
- Only take laxatives or stool softeners as prescribed by our doctors and nurses.
Hemorrhoids: If you get constipated, the odds of developing hemorrhoids (enlarged veins in the anal area) increase. These can result in the anal area feeling itchy and inflamed or even just plain sore. If you have had a hard bowel movement, you may find a small amount of blood on the toilet tissue in the stool; this blood comes from the hemorrhoids.
To help prevent hemorrhoids:
- Avoid becoming constipated (see above)
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time
- Don’t strain or push when having a bowel movement.
Gas: Several of the same factors responsible for constipation and hemorrhoids can result in you feeling gassy or bloated.
In early pregnancy an increase in the hormone progesterone slows digestion, providing more time for gas to be produced. Later, as your uterus enlarges, your intestines shift and crowd your abdomen. This slows digestion even more – and again increases gas.
As if all of the above weren’t enough, some pregnancy hormones have a muscle relaxing effect. Why does this matter? When your muscles relax, you are less able to hold gas in and more likely to release it at inopportune moments.
If your goal in life is to compete (and win) a burping contest with your ten-year-old nephew or son, there’s no need to worry. But if you would prefer to reduce the amount of gas you experience (and release), here are a few tips from the Mayo Clinic, as well as some from our own store of knowledge:
- Get moving: If we approve exercise for you, just do it. Exercise can stimulate and speed digestion (and thus reduce gas).
- Watch what you eat. Avoid foods that can cause gas, such as fried or fatty foods, corn, garlic, onions, cauliflower and cabbage. Know your own trigger foods as well.
- Watch what (and how) you drink. Avoid or minimize carbonated beverages.
- Don’t use a straw, as it allows extra air to be taken in with fluid.
- Don’t eat too much at once. Try smaller, more frequent meals.
- Establish a regular pattern of daily bowel movements.
Next week: Round ligament pain– what it is and what to do.