Pregnancy is already a nerve-wracking experience that leaves you vulnerable to all sorts of sicknesses, but having an upset stomach during pregnancy is not uncommon. These uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms can affect what you choose to (or what you are able to) eat throughout the day.
If you catch a stomach infection while you’re pregnant, don’t worry; it won’t hurt your baby. Here’s what to know about the stomach flu during pregnancy and what to do:
In This Article:
- What Are The Symptoms Of An Upset Stomach?
- What Can I Do To Ease An Upset Stomach?
- What Can I Eat With An Upset Stomach?
- What Are Some Home Remedies I Can Try Out?
- What Precautions Should I Take In The Future?
What Are The Symptoms Of An Upset Stomach?
There can be several unconnected causes of stomach aches during pregnancy, the most common being “Morning sickness” or nausea. 70-80% of pregnant women struggle with nausea and vomiting, and it can be absolutely miserable to deal with. Eating bland, salty foods can actually help alleviate nausea during pregnancy, such as crackers or toast. Avoiding fried or spicy foods is a must, as they increase feelings of queasiness.
Constipation could be another symptom of an upset stomach since your body changes a little bit every day while you are pregnant, and your growing uterus crowds your digestive system, slowing things down. In addition to that, changes in hormone levels including rising progesterone levels and reduced motilin levels can lead to constipation in expecting women.
In addition to this, the immunity of the expecting woman is greatly reduced, so the chances of falling sick are high.
What Can I Do To Ease An Upset Stomach?
Whether your stomach is overreacting to pregnancy hormones or eating something that’s been left out for too long, the treatment is the same: by getting the rest your body is aching for, and focus on fluids when you can keep them down — especially if you’re losing them through vomiting or diarrhoea. It is more important to keep consuming fluids. The fluids you should try to include are water (obviously), diluted juice (white grape is the easiest on the digestive system), clear broth, decaffeinated and diluted tea or hot water with a bit lemon would boost your immunity as well as reduce nausea. If you can not keep your fluids down easily, sucking on ice (or even popsicles) is an alternate.
What Can I Eat With An Upset Stomach?
A healthful diet is important, but it isn’t possible to get all of the nutrients you require for a healthy pregnancy. This is especially difficult when you have an upset stomach during pregnancy. It is best to eat a high-protein snack such as lean meat or cheese before going to bed (as protein takes longer to digest). If you are hungry but extremely nauseated, try the BRAT (bananas, rice and tea) diet as well as bland foods. Bland foods are the best for pregnant women; these include toast without butter, oatmeal, crackers and soups (not too spicy or too heavy). Eating foods rich in probiotics (such as yogurt and buttermilk), the bacteria that are good for your gut, may reduce symptoms of gas, bloating or irregular bowel movements. Drinking chamomile tea is also ideal for reducing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Ginger is great for easing upset stomachs.
What Are Some Home Remedies I Can Try Out?
There are several things you can do to ease the symptoms of an upset stomach, such as the following:
Stay Hydrated
The body needs enough water to digest and absorb nutrients from foods and other consumables efficiently. Being dehydrated makes digestion more difficult and less effective, which increases the likelihood of an upset stomach and terrible symptoms.
Ginger, Cloves and Cinnamon
Ginger is a common natural remedy for an upset stomach and indigestion. This may move foods that are causing indigestion through the stomach more quickly. The chemicals in ginger may also help to reduce nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Cloves contain substances that help to reduce gas buildup in the stomach and increase gastric secretions. This can speed up slow digestion, which ultimately may reduce pressure and cramping. Cloves may also help to reduce nausea and vomiting. Cinnamon contains several antioxidants that may help ease digestion and reduce the risk of irritation and damage in the digestive tract.
A healthy consumption of any of these will alleviate symptoms.
Chew on Mint or Such Mint Candies
The menthol in mint may help with preventing vomiting and diarrhoea, reducing muscle spasms in the intestines and relieving pain in the gut.
Drinking Coconut water
Coconut water contains high levels of potassium and magnesium. These nutrients help to reduce pain, muscle spasms, and cramps. Coconut water is also useful for rehydrating and is a better option than most sports drinks as it is also low in calories, sugar and acidity. Slowly sipping on up to 2 glasses of coconut water every 4–6 hours can help ease upset stomach symptoms.
Taking A Warm Bath Or Using A Heating Bag
Heat may relax tense muscles and ease indigestion issues, so taking a warm bath may help to ease the symptoms of an upset stomach. It could also be beneficial to apply a heated bag or pad to the stomach for 20 minutes or until it cools down.
Drinking Aloe Juice
Aloe juice can provide relief by reducing excess stomach acid, encouraging healthy bowel movements and toxin removal, improving protein digestion, promoting the balance of digestive bacteria and reducing inflammation in the gut.
Avoid Consuming Difficult-To-Digest Foods And Keep It Simple
Some foods are harder to digest than others, which increases the risk of an upset stomach. Anyone with an upset stomach should avoid foods that are fried, fatty, rich or creamy, salty or heavily preserved. As I mentioned earlier, stick to plain, bland and filling foods like bananas, rice and bread.
What Precautions Should I Take In The Future?
Watch What You Eat
Fatty, fried, or spicy foods could be behind your stomach issues. They can wreak havoc on your gut as your body digests them. They also can slow down the process and make you more likely to get constipated. If you eat more nutritious foods, with a focus on veggies and fibre, you’ll digest things at a healthy speed.
Wash Your Hands
A common cause of stomach pain is gastroenteritis, sometimes called a stomach bug or a stomach virus. It can cause diarrhoea, nausea, fever, or a headache, too. The best way to prevent the spread of germs is to wash your hands often, especially before you eat, after you go to the bathroom, and when you’ve been in public places.
Pay Attention to Your Body
If you notice your stomach always cramps up after you drink a glass of milk or eat a certain thing, see your doctor. You might have a problem with dairy products ( lactose intolerance) or other kinds of food. If your doctor finds an issue in your diet, they can help remake a diet plan that best suits you.
In the end, you should take what measures that best suit you and are easy to consume instead of forcing yourself to take remedies that make you nauseous.
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