How to Handle Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Pregnancy

Irritable bowel syndrome is a health disorder that more than 1/3 of the population will deal with. It is usually characterized by bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and cramping. Most irritable bowel syndrome cases are mild and are easily controlled with stress management, a healthy diet. In some cases, there is a need for the person suffering from the disorder to take prescribed medications from his/her doctor.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Pregnancy

When a woman is pregnant, irritable bowel syndrome becomes a very common issue to deal with. The condition, however, does not affect a woman's chance of getting pregnant. During the pregnancy, the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are usually much more severe, which makes the pregnancy that much more stressful. The hormonal changes that a woman experiences during his pregnancy, especially if she was already suffering from irritable bowel syndrome before she got pregnant, vary during each trimester.

Usually during the first trimester, women do not feel any of the hormonal changes that are going on because they are too busy dealing with morning sickness. At this point, most cases of irritable bowel syndrome go away. Once the second trimester hits, the hormonal changes that the woman is experiencing become much more apparent and the symptoms due to irritable bowel syndrome will continue because of all of the changes that are taking place internally.

In the third trimester, the symptoms continue on and they generally increase. The most noticeable symptom in a pregnant woman is constipation. This is because the levels of progesterone during pregnancy are elevated, so the muscles throughout the body begin to relax. This causes a slow down of the digestive system. Lack of a healthy diet and exercise regime are also factors in the case of constipation.

Irritable bowel syndrome during a pregnancy can at times become very troublesome. Because of this, all women, especially those who are pregnant or looking to get pregnant should learn about all of the different treatment methods that are available today. These treatments are used to help relieve the symptoms brought about by irritable bowel syndrome in pregnancy. Pregnant women should find ways to do safe and regular pregnancy exercises as well as drink lots of water daily to help relieve these symptoms.

Pregnant women suffering from irritable bowel syndrome should also consider taking soluble fiber supplements. It is also important to get a lot of sleep and rest. If your symptoms are extremely severe, there are medications that can help you. Diclectin is known to help with morning sickness. Bentyl also helps to prevent muscle spasms that occur within the stomach as well as in the bladder. With relaxed muscles, your symptoms won't be as severe and you can focus on other things during your pregnancy.

In any case, the best way to cure these symptoms is to visit your doctor. Here, your doctor can assess your condition and determine what kind of treatment is best for you and the condition you are dealing with.