Gastrointestinal issues are one of the most common problems faced by women during pregnancy. Many women deal with gastrointestinal issues after they become pregnant, for which they consult a Gynaecologist in ludhiana. The gastrointestinal tract is affected due to gastrointestinal issues that impact the esophagus, small intestine, large intestine, stomach, and rectum, but it may also impact some other digestive organs such as the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
For women who are already dealing with chronic gastrointestinal issues, pregnancy leads to worsening of the condition and might need to seek help from the best gynae doctor in ludhiana. Some women may often be diagnosed before pregnancy with gastrointestinal issues such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. There is also a possibility that they might have been showing symptoms of gastrointestinal disorder; however, the condition was not identified until pregnancy.
Symptoms of gastrointestinal issues
The symptoms of gastrointestinal issues vary as the conditions occur in a wide range. Symptoms of some of the most common types of gastrointestinal issues are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Gallstones
- Hyperemesis gravidarum
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as (GERD)
- Colitis and irritable bowel syndrome, also known as (IBS)
What are the causes of gastrointestinal issues?
You may not have dealt with any gastrointestinal issues before pregnancy despite it being very common. The causes of GI can vary as the range of the condition varies. Some of the common causes or risk factors that impact Gastrointestinal issues during pregnancy include:
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications
- Poor diet
- GI motility disorders
- Obesity
- Thyroid disorder
- Internal physical changes due to the growth of the uterus
- Stress
- Lack of exercise or physical activity
- History of excessive use of laxatives
- Allergy or food intolerance
- Taking calcium or aluminium-based antacid medications
- Viral or bacterial infection.
What measures can you take to treat gastrointestinal issues during pregnancy?
During the phase of pregnancy, experiencing gastrointestinal issues is very common, and moreover, they do not cause any serious health issues. However, it is essential to consult a gynaecologist in ludhiana in case you experience any symptoms of GI. Consulting a doctor would help you manage and prevent the situation from worsening, and in addition to this, they might also recommend a few treatments based on the requirements as the range of gastrointestinal disorders varies, which asks for precise treatment.
Some of the lifestyle changes can help you manage the symptoms of GI. These lifestyle changes include:
Healthy diet
Keeping track of your diet by taking care of what you eat, when you eat, and how much you eat can help you alleviate the symptoms of GI. You may need to avoid processed or sugary food, increase the amount of fibre in your diet as well as control the intake of caffeine and dairy products, depending on the type of Gastrointestinal disorder you are experiencing.
Increase the intake of fluids.
Drink lots of fluids every day. Increase the amount of fluids by adding them into your diet in the form of water, different types of juices and soups. Drinking lots of fluids can ensure regular movement of your GI tract and also help in digestion. Certain Gastrointestinal issues can also cause dehydration; therefore, adding lots of fluids to your diet may also prevent any other health issue that might develop due to dehydration.
Exercise
Exercising on a daily basis helps the organs to get more oxygen as the body’s movement boosts blood circulation, which also ensures a smooth and efficient movement of the bowels. Make an aim to exercise regularly and set a target of working out for at least 2 and a half hours a week or 30 minutes per day for 5 days. Before working out, be sure to consult the best gynae doctor in ludhiana who would suggest the exercise suitable for you.
Medication
In case your symptoms of GI do not show any relief from these lifestyle changes, your doctor may recommend some medications that may help to manage them, such as antacids, GI stimulants, digestive enzymes, antidiarrheals, antiemetics, etc.
