Coping with digestive problems during pregnancy
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Digestive problems are quite common in pregnancy, can to some extent be alleviated. Read our advice to avoid, relieve or eliminate them.
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common ailments in the first trimester of many pregnancies. You’ll need to eat smaller food portions throughout the day, every two hours or so. However, you should avoid falling into the habit of nibbling and eating ton many sweets, as doing so could soon result in dietary imbalance.
Cravings or disgust
In pregnancy, intense cravings often go hand in hand with total disgust for certain foods. You can give in to the most coveted foods while keeping away from those that make you sick, on the condition that you maintain dietary balance and avoid deficiencies.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a digestive problem commonly faced by pregnant women. The following tips will help you avoid it:
- Never have an empty stomach: you can for instance eat smaller portions more regularly;
- Stay away from acid foods;
- Avoid vegetable fibres such as those in leeks, asparagus, dry vegetables and fruits;
- Avoid coffee, tea, pepper, mustard and spices.
Sluggish intestinal transit
Constipation is a frequent problem in pregnant women. Here is some advice on how to avoid it:
- Consume large amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, applesauce and prunes;
- Eat mildly laxative foods for breakfast (puffed wheat, orange juice);
- Drink lots of water.
Dr Béatrice Sénemaud
More information:
The foods you need in pregnancy
Common complaints of normal pregnancy
The best foods to eat during pregnancy
