If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, pregnancy may be more difficult than normal to deal with. Hormone changes are known to be a trigger for irritable bowel syndrome and when you are pregnant, hormone changes are the order of the day.
Your pregnancy and preparing for the new baby should be a happy time. Learning how to deal with irritable bowel syndrome early on is the best way to ensure your pregnancy stays enjoyable.
If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome before you get pregnant you probably already know what you can and cannot eat to control your symptoms. Talk to your doctor and find out how the hormonal changes you will experience during your pregnancy are going to affect you because hormonal fluctuations can make your symptoms much worse and you should be prepared.
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can trigger irritable bowel syndrome symptoms in women who have never experienced any symptoms before and the symptoms may or may not subside after the baby is born.
You may experience different symptoms during each trimester of your pregnancy and will have to make changes as you get further along. The most common symptom being constipation. The best way to relive constipation during pregnancy is to increase you fluid intake. Carry a water bottle with you at all times and drink as much as you can during each day. This may mean you will be spending what seems like an eternity in the bathroom but if it helps control the other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome pregnancy won’t be so stressful.
Getting regular exercise can benefit your pregnancy as well, not only in relieving your constipation related to irritable bowel syndrome symptoms but staying in shape will make your delivery easier too.
Changing your diet during pregnancy may be necessary to make sure you get enough fiber which will also relieve constipation due to irritable bowel syndrome. If you are concerned about the amount of fiber you are getting, then talk to your doctor about a good fiber supplement you can take. Your doctor may recommend a stool softener also to make it easier for you to have a bowel movement during your pregnancy.
If you find that your symptoms are not controlled by diet and exercise then you will need to discuss other treatment options with your doctor. Do not ever take any medication without the consent of your doctor. There are medications your doctor can prescribe but because the health of your baby is important your doctor may choose not to prescribe them and encourage you to deal with the symptoms as best you can until the pregnancy is done.
Who knows, maybe you will get lucky and your irritable bowel syndrome symptoms will not be adversely affected by your changing hormones and your pregnancy will proceed normally. Talking to your doctor is a smart thing to do to be prepared either way your pregnancy goes, with irritable bowel syndrome pregnancy symptoms or without.
