| During pregnancy, it is hard to predict whether | | | | symptoms naturally. In the 1st trimester, it is not |
| irritable bowel syndrome is going to ease or become | | | | unusual to see the symptoms of IBS reduce, or even |
| more "aggressive". The hormonal changes that | | | | disappear. This can be useful, as there may be |
| women go through, as well as the physical pressure | | | | feelings of "morning sickness" and nausea. In the 2nd |
| on the gut from the growing foetus can impact the | | | | trimester the changes that are happening to the |
| symptoms of IBS. So, how are irritable bowel | | | | women are more apparent, and IBS symptoms will |
| syndrome and pregnancy related? Irritable bowel | | | | often be present. Unfortunately, symptoms may |
| syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder of the intestines. | | | | even be stronger than they would normally feel. In |
| It is considered as a functional disorder, as the | | | | the 3rd trimester the IBS symptoms are likely to |
| bowels do not function or work, as they should in | | | | continue if they are present in the 2nd trimester, |
| relation to digestion and stimuli. The most common | | | | although the predominant symptom tends to be |
| symptoms are adbominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, | | | | constipation during this period. The risk of |
| constipation and bloating (gas). It is believed that | | | | constipation increases as the levels of progesterone |
| around 1 in 5 people are effected by IBS and two | | | | has been increased in the body, and progesterone is |
| thirds of the cases diagnosed with IBS are women, | | | | a muscle relaxant, causing the contractions that |
| which has led to the belief that hormones can | | | | evacuate waste to be weaker. That being said, |
| influence IBS symptoms, as women go through a | | | | women who do not have IBS are also prone to |
| larger range of hormone levels during a monthly cycle. | | | | suffer with constipation during this period also. Some |
| The symptoms of IBS can be both physically and | | | | women chose to take medication during this period, |
| psychologically trying. It can interfere with the quality | | | | or laxatives. However, discuss this option with your |
| of life and influence many eating habits and lifestyle | | | | doctor before progressing to make sure they are |
| choices. However, IBS is not a disease, and it does | | | | safe for you and your unborn baby. Some natural |
| not damage the gastrointestinal (GI) tract at all. In | | | | ways to alleviate constipation include: - Increasing the |
| fact, the bowels show no signs of any changes other | | | | intake of water to help soften the stool and ease |
| than an increased sensitivity to stimuli and greater | | | | passage - Increase the volume of fiber, particularly |
| motility. Also, IBS does not seem to effect nutrient | | | | soluble fiber, to help bulk and soften the stool. - |
| absorption, with children who are diagnosed growing | | | | Carry out exercises that are safe during pregnancy. |
| and developing at a normal rate. IBS does not impact | | | | Exercise stimulates the digestion and reduces stress |
| on a woman's chance of getting pregnant, nor effect | | | | Although there is a link between irritable bowel |
| the health of the baby during pregnancy. Although | | | | syndrome and pregnancy the symptoms can often |
| IBS symptoms can either get better or worsen | | | | be relieved with the adoption of a good diet, regular |
| during pregnancy, for the majority of sufferer's the | | | | gentle exercise and a little knowledge. |
| symptoms do seem to worsen due to the hormonal | | | | Sign up for Susan Reynolds' free IBS newsletter - |
| changes that are occurring in the body. Continue | | | | Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help |
| reading to discover how to sign up for our free | | | | you discover more about irritable bowel syndrome |
| newsletter and find out how to relieve IBS | | | | and pregnancy. |