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Want To Know About The Link Between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Pregnancy?
If you ask the majority of people who have IBS when they get pregnant, they will tell you that there is definitely a link between irritable bowel syndrome and pregnancy.
For some people the symptoms alleviate, but unfortunately, for many the symptoms get worse, especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimester.
The cause seems to be linked to the hormonal changes that a woman is going through during pregnancy. The knowledge of the link between hormones and IBS has been around for a while, and it is self evident in those whose IBS symptoms deteriorate on or around menstruation.
Up to 20% of people are thought to have irritable bowel syndrome, with about 3 out of 4 of the number being women. This again could point to hormonal link to IBS as hormone levels in women fluctuate considerably during the month, where as men’s remains relatively level in comparison.
There are however no hard and fast rules about whether IBS symptoms will get worse during pregnancy or they may actually improve. However, there does seem to be a trend that follows the pattern below.
1st Trimester – In this trimester, symptoms can often be alleviated.
2nd Trimester – As the changes promoted by the increase in hormonal activity taking place in the body become more apparent it is not unusual to see IBS symptoms return and sometimes get worse.
3rd Trimester – As with the second trimester, it seems the IBS symptoms can be aggravated by the hormonal activity, and also the physical discomfort the women is feeling. Also, during this period, as there is more progesterone released, which is a muscle relaxant, the symptoms of IBS are more likely to be constipation related as the muscles that push the waste through the system are weakened.
If a person want to avoid taking medication during pregnancy after talking with their doctor there are some simple lifestyle methods that can be introduced that help to alleviate the symptoms.
Ensure the diet is rich in fiber, especially soluble fiber. Both insoluble and soluble fibers have a place in the diet, bulking, softening and lubricating the passages.
Make sure that sufficient water is drunk, at least 8 glasses per day, and if possible more than 10, especially if you’re active or it is hot.
Reduce the levels of gassy foods like cabbage and broccoli in the diet. This can help reduce bloating.
Help your body digest food better by fully chewing foods and eating little and often. The digestion process actually starts in the mouth, and food should be well chewed before swallowing. This will also reduce the levels of air being swallowed and reduce bloating and trapped wind.
There is a connection between irritable bowel syndrome and pregnancy, although as the symptoms can be varied from person to person, all that a woman can do is know the methods to alleviate symptoms in case they strike.
Don’t forget, if you haven’t joined already, to sign up for the free IBS newsletter that has proven methods for managing IBS naturally. In the newsletter you’ll also find more information on other irritable bowel syndrome and pregnancy.