Pregnancy Digestion Discomfort Tips

Throughout the duration of your pregnancy, your body will continually go through many changes. Common digestion discomforts due to pregnancy are unique for each woman and each mom-to-be may experience symptoms differently and at different times or not at all.

The digestion discomforts described below are a normal part of pregnancy. However, if you notice any changes that concern you, mention them to your health care provider.

Some of the most common digestive discomforts and ways The Women’s Center of Orlando recommends to relieve them are described below.

Nausea:

• Eat crackers, toast or cereal
• Eat five or six meals a day
• Drink lots of water between meals
• Avoid strong food smells
• Avoid greasy or spicy foods

Heartburn:

• Elevate the head of the bead
• Do not lie down after eating
• Eat smaller meals but eat more often
• Avoid greasy or spicy foods

Constipation:

• Eat raw fruits, vegetables, prunes, and whole grain/bran cereal
• Exercise helps; walking is very good
• Drink at least two quarts of water a day
• A cup of hot water three times a day might help

Hemorrhoids:

• Try to keep bowel movements regular
• Take short rests with hips lifted on a pillow
• Sit on firm chairs
• Practice Kegel exercises

If at any time you are having a problem or have any concerns, please feel free to call The Women’s Center of Orlando at 407‐857‐2502 and ask to speak with a nurse, or schedule an appointment to come in that day.