IBS and Pregnancy

On this page I would like to discuss IBS and pregnancy issues with you, but first of all I must say......

Congratulations, your pregnant or at least considering pregnancy. Its mean't to be such a happy time, but is it good for your Irritable Bowel Syndrome in pregnancy?

We know IBS can be influenced by hormones and there are certainly a lot of hormones floating around in your blood stream when you are pregnant. During a woman’s normal menstrual cycle there are often changes in symptoms, particularly nearing or during your period as I am sure you have noticed. With IBS in pregnancy this is also true, particularly as we know in a normal pregnant state bowel symptoms are common.

We all know about constipation in pregnancy and also problems with piles or haemorrhoids. This makes IBS-C sufferers even more prone to their symptoms, where as IBS-D sufferers might actually notice an improvement.

Fatigue is common and bloating goes without saying really along with nausea. This is particularly noticeable in the first trimester or first 14 weeks of pregnancy. Mood changes are common along with frequent urination (and they say pregnancy is wonderful?). 

So, if you are affected in pregnancy, what can you do about it? Well, drugs should be avoided if at all possible in pregnancy and IBS, so a more natural approach is the best way forward.

Dealing With Pregnancy and IBS Related Issues

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1) Make sure that you keep active. Constipation can be helped by keeping active.

2 Make sure you have an excellent fluid intake, particularly fresh water and juices which will help with constipation symptoms.

3) Pay attention to diet during pregnancy. This is a natural way of helping IBS symptoms, without need for medications.

4) Ginger is a natural treatment for nausea and may help with your symptoms during your pregnancy.

Ginger biscuits or chewing a ginger root is probably the best option along with Ginger tea which you can purchase by clicking here

5) In IBS-C, try to follow a IBS diet with a high fibre diet or if this makes symptoms worse, a low residue diet (go to the IBS diet for more information).

6) Iron tablets should be avoided if possible in IBS-C as they are constipating. Certainly discussion with your doctor would be advisable as to whether you really need to be taking them or not.

Pregnancy Signals Improvement in IBS-D

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Diarrhea is often improved in IBS and pregnancy, which makes sense as we know constipation is almost a normal feature. Taking Iron tablets, if advised by your doctor, may also improve diarrhea symptoms as they are constipating.

Natural Herbal Medicines

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Herbal medicines can sometimes help with symptoms of pregnancy in IBS. I have already mentioned to you about the qualities of ginger as an antisickness medication, but there are other options that may help with your symptoms and be used as part of your IBS diet in pregnancy:

Peppermint tea

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This tea can be used in both IBS and pregnancy. It has both abdominal pain and wind relieving qualities which makes it an ideal option. It also helps with indigestion and nausea too. We have discussed elsewhere it use as a Mintec or Colpermin, but the tea is probably your best option with your pregnancy. You can purchase your traditional peppermint tea here.

Fennel tea

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Fennel is a tea or seed that tastes of aniseed. It has pain relieving qualities if you have wind or colicky cramps. You can purchase your Fennel tea by clicking here.

Chamomile tea

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A nice and relaxing tea, this is ideal at bedtime as it aids sleep and also eases abdominal aches and pains. It is also quite good if you feel bloated. An ideal product for pregnancy is Chamomile herbal tea which you can purchase here.

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