Pregnancy & Baby Care Newsletter

The Sluggish Bowels in Pregnancy

One of the most important problems in pregnancy is the sluggishness of the bowels! Nature arranged this to take place as an important adaptive change to allow the system to absorb as much nutrients from the gut as possible for the developing fetus. With this change some pregnancy problems occur including flatulence and constipation.

Dr Menon and Ms Prew continue their series about the subject

Gas / Flatulence and Belching

The problem of flatulence is caused by a build up of gases in the large intestine. Belching (also called burping) is the sudden expulsion of gases from the stomach. These are common problems during pregnancy that cause more embarrassment than pain or discomfort and are though to be due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. To avoid this problem:

• Chew your food slowly and thoroughly.
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Have regular bowel movements.
• Avoid gulping liquids or drinking with a straw.
• Don’t chew gum or suck on hard candies.

Constipation can cause these problems, and so can certain foods. If you’ve been experiencing flatulence / gas or belching, avoid constipation and steer clear of known gas producers, such as beans, onions, fried foods, cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

Constipation

As many as third of women experience constipation during pregnancy. This condition is common for many reasons:

• The high level of pregnancy hormones during pregnancy relaxes the muscles of the bowels and makes it hard for them to work efficiently.
• The growing womb presses on the bowel and disrupts normal function.
• Iron supplements can sometimes make stools dry and difficult to pass.
• Decreased physical activity can also contribute to the problem.

Just because constipation is common in pregnancy, doesn’t mean you have to accept it. You can do many things to try and avoid constipation, including the following:

• Drink lots of fluids.  Water and fruit juices soften stools and keep digested waste passing through the bowel. (Prune juice is a powerful constipation zapper!)
• Increase your fibre intake, by eating whole grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables or legumes. These foods are especially good at keeping stools soft and at making sure they pass easily through the bowel.
• Limit sugary, processed foods. They are binding.

• Exercise if you can (walk, swim). Not only does exercise keep your muscles in shape, it boosts blood circulation and brings more oxygen to all organs (including the bowels) to help them do their jobs more efficiently.

If these life style changes do not give adequate relief from symptoms your midwife /consultant may advise you on other options.  Constipation usually resolves itself following pregnancy.