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Common Gastrointestinal Problems in Pregnancy

About Dr Sameera Bazli

Disturbances in gastrointestinal tract function are common and a normal part of pregnancy. They include Nausea , vomiting and Constipation among others that are less common.
Dietary changes in pregnancy with aversion for certain foods eg. Coffee, alcohol, and fried food are very common as are cravings for certain foods. Mechanisms for these changes are poorly understood. PICA which is craving for ingestion of 
non food products eg. Chalk, coal, soil or others is also reasonably common.

Gastric Reflux
Around 80% of pregnant women will experience some degree of heartburn during their pregnancy. This is most common during the last three months of pregnancy, but can occur earlier and is thought to be due to decreased 
oesophageal sphincter tone allowing gastric acid to reflux into the lower oesophagus Causing the symptoms. This is probably due to the combined influence of progesterone and oestrogen, although the etiology remains unclear.
Treatment for simple nausea, vomiting and reflux problems involves the ingestion of small amounts of carbohydrate rich food and the avoidance of bending and lying straight on your back. Antacids may be necessary three times a 
day . This may also be taken 30 minutes prior to retiring to bed.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum {Excessive vomiting during pregnancy}
This usually occurs during the first three months of pregnancy and sometimes requires admission to hospital.
Management should be the Withdrawal of oral fluids, Rehydration through drips and Replacement of electrolytes and vitamins as necessary.
Antiemetics should be administered to prevent vomiting.
Other treatment of nausea and vomiting include the use of Ginger and Vit. B6.

Constipation
Most women find that they have reduced bowel action during pregnancy.
DIET plays a major role in the avoidance of constipation during pregnancy. 
Of particular importance is adequate fluid intake.
The addition of FIBRE to diet has a significant improvement in constipation.
The use of stool bulking agents is common in pregnancy.
Methyl cellulose, Ispaghula and Lactulose are commonly used.