Think Youve Got Food Poisoning?
Pregnancy is a journey filled with many new, exciting, andlets face itsometimes frustrating side effects.
Does your condition worsen, or maybe even improve, while youre expecting?
that once helped alleviate your flares?
Whats it like to have IBS while pregnant?
(Pregnancy food aversion is real, folks).
OB/GYN atPediatrix Medical Groupin San Jose, California
By her second and third trimesters, she hardly dealt with diarrhea.
Getting to that point involved a lot of changes to her typical IBS treatment.
Many coping skills shed acquired were now considered no-nos in pregnancy.
She also had to re-learn which foods caused (or didnt cause) IBS flaresboth during and post-pregnancy.
Thankfully, certain habits she had already implemented for ahealthy pregnancyhelped her IBS.
She also startedprenatal yoga, which helped alleviate some GI discomfort like cramping and gas.
Managing IBS while pregnant helped Karina mitigate some potential risks to her and her babys health.
Is there any risk of pregnancy complications from IBS?
OB/GYN atPediatrix Medical Groupin San Jose, California
That way, they can monitor you closely and help prevent any complications.
Can pregnancy cause new-onset IBS?
Pregnancy can cause new-onset IBS for several reasons.
Pregnancy causes significant hormonal changes, including an increase in progesteronewhich can lead to constipation, says Dr. Kohath.
And its not just the physical changes that can cause IBS-like symptoms.
Other symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain and bloating.
Your doctor can help you figure out the difference.
Fortunately, there are many effective management strategies you’re free to use.
Rather than broad dietary restrictions, Dr. Robbins recommends selectively eliminating the most symptom-provoking foods.
If you cant figure out which foods are triggering, stop your elimination diet and let your doctor know.
Soluble fiber, on the other hand, bulks up stool by pulling water into your GI tract.
Soluble fiberis generally recommended, especially during the third trimester when constipation can become more pronounced, she says.
If youreincreasing your fiber intake, do it slowly to reduce the risk of gas and bloating.
Try adding pieces of fresh mint, slices of cucumber, or a few berries to your glass.
Dr. Kohath recommends eating small, frequent meals throughout the day to avoid overloading your digestive system.
You may find this also keeps blood sugar crashes and hunger pangs at bay when youre pregnant.
All can helplower your stress levels, and possibly improve your IBS symptoms, she adds.
In fact, theyre encouraged for a smoother pregnancy and birth.
But of course, talk with your OB/GYN before starting any new exercise regimen during pregnancy.
You want to confirm its a safe and healthy fit.
Let them know when you are feeling GI issues like morning sickness, diarrhea, constipation, etc.
They were able to get her a meal that was nutritious and IBS-friendly.
Of course, ask your OB/GYN first about whether pelvic floor therapy is right for you.
That said, distinguishing between normal pregnancy issues and IBS requires the expertise of a doctor.
Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure both maternal and fetal health throughout the pregnancy, she adds.
If you have IBS, its understandable you might be worried about it getting worse during pregnancy.
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