Gastrointestinal Symptoms During Pregnancy

A woman’s body experiences changes in the cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems during pregnancy and childbirth. Gastrointestinal changes are caused by increased hormone levels, as well as the growth of the uterus into the stomach during pregnancy, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and constipation. It is important to understand how to reduce the severity of these common symptoms and when to seek medical treatment.

One of the most common symptoms of pregnancy is morning sickness. This is the nausea and vomiting symptoms women often experience during the first trimester. About 70% of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness and the symptoms can vary from nausea without vomiting to nausea with vomiting. Although it is commonly termed “morning sickness”, symptoms can start at any time and can last throughout the day. Mild symptoms can be improved using dietary and lifestyle modifications including eating immediately when hungry, eating small meals and snacking often, sucking on ginger flavored candy, smelling fresh lemon, mint, or orange, avoiding laying down after eating, and avoiding any triggers that cause nausea. Some pregnant women may experience excessive nausea and vomiting that can lead to severe dehydration. Medical attention is necessary in cases of repeated vomiting throughout the day, blood in the vomit, abdominal cramps, dark yellow urine, or feeling dizzy upon standing and may be treated by replenishing lost fluid through intravenous therapy.

Another common gastrointestinal symptom in pregnant women is heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Symptoms of heartburn, caused by acid in the stomach backing up into the esophagus, include burning in the chest or throat, acid taste in the mouth, cough, and trouble swallowing. Raising the head of the bed by 6 to 8 inches, avoiding tight-fitting clothes and laying down within three hours after eating are ways to help reduce symptoms. Pregnant women experiencing heartburn should also avoid foods that might worsen symptoms, including coffee, colas, tea, citrus, chocolate, and fatty foods. If symptoms are not improving with lifestyle and dietary changes, medications, such as over-the-counter antacids, can be used. However, although most antacids are considered safe to use during pregnancy, it is always important to consult with a physician before starting any new medications while pregnant.

Many pregnant women experience abdominal bloating and constipation. These symptoms occur mostly in the third trimester because the baby is getting larger and putting more pressure on the intestines. In order to improve constipation, pregnant women should first try increasing fiber and fluid intake. Bulk-forming laxatives like psyllium are also good first line treatments because they cannot be absorbed in the body and do not pose any harm to the baby. If these treatments do not improve symptoms, a physician should be contacted regarding other treatments that may be used in certain cases.

Gastrointestinal changes are some of the most common symptoms in pregnant women. While most women are concerned about their increased weight gain during pregnancy, it is important to understand there is a wide variety of other symptoms that may occur. Empowering women with knowledge to reduce the severity of common symptoms can help improve their quality of life throughout the pregnancy. Additionally, understanding when to seek medical treatment for common symptoms will help reduce poor outcomes during pregnancy.

References:

Bianco, A. (April 29, 2022). Maternal adaptations to pregnancy: Gastrointestinal tract. In: UpToDate, Lockwood CJ (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA (Accessed on October 10, 2022.) Retrieved from https://bit.ly/3VfHkgw