Gastrointestinal issues are common during pregnancy. This may be due in part to several factors such as an increase in hormones or the limited amount of abdominal space available for digestive organs to function normally.
As your baby grows, your organs will rearrange themselves to accommodate uterine growth. The enlarged uterus displaces the stomach, esophagus and intestines which can contribute to reflux of gastric contents or other digestive problems.
Hormonal changes can also contribute to digestive problems. Pregnant women produce high levels of the hormone progesterone. This hormone causes bowel muscles to relax and can affect their ability to work efficiently.
These changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy may cause the following symptoms to develop:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Acid Reflux
- Diarrhea
If you are experiencing these symptoms, speak with your doctor right away. Your doctor will determine if they are pregnancy-related and recommended the best treatment options for your health.
To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.