[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#a2d4e9″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px||||false|false” border_color_right=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Home<\/a> \/ Blog<\/a> \/Gastrointestinal (GI) Issues<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#e31c61″ header_font_size_tablet=”32px” header_font_size_phone=”20px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_line_height_tablet=”” header_line_height_phone=”1.4em” header_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” sticky_limit_bottom=”section” sticky_position_tablet=”top” sticky_position_phone=”none” sticky_position_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/shenoyhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Gastrointestinal-issues-during-pregnancy.webp” alt=”Gastrointestinal-issues-during-pregnancy” title_text=”Gastrointestinal-issues-during-pregnancy” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”Overview” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.6em” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Pregnancy is an extraordinary time in a woman\u2019s life. Your body is doing the amazing work of growing a tiny human, but it also brings along some less-than-amazing changes, especially in your digestive system. <\/span><\/p>\n If you’re dealing with heartburn, constipation, or nausea during pregnancy, you’re not alone. These issues are common, and they happen because your body undergoes big changes to support your baby. Let’s explore these changes and how to tackle some of the most frequent GI issues you might face, step by step.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”one” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#e31c61″ header_4_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||30px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To understand why your stomach might feel more sensitive or why digestion slows, it\u2019s helpful to know that pregnancy hormones love to shake things up. One key hormone, called <\/span>progesterone<\/b>, rises significantly during pregnancy. Progesterone helps relax muscles to make space for your growing baby. But it also relaxes muscles in your digestive system, like the one controlling the opening between your stomach and esophagus (leading to acid reflux) or the muscles that push food through your intestines (causing slower digestion and constipation).<\/span><\/p>\n On top of that, your growing uterus adds pressure to nearby organs like your stomach and intestines, creating even more discomfort. These changes are normal, but they can leave you feeling queasy, bloated, or uncomfortable after meals.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” locked=”off”][et_pb_section global_module=\"761\"][\/et_pb_section][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”one” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#e31c61″ header_4_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||30px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Now, let’s break down the most common GI problems during pregnancy, what causes them, and tips to manage them safely.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n Why does acid reflux happen during pregnancy?<\/b> Acid reflux feels like a burning sensation in your chest, often after eating. It happens because <\/span>progesterone<\/b> relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (a valve that acts like a gate between your stomach and esophagus). When this valve doesn’t close tightly, stomach acid escapes into the esophagus, causing that unpleasant burning feeling.<\/span><\/p>\n Common symptoms:<\/b><\/p>\n Safe remedies for relief:<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n What causes it?<\/b> Morning sickness, which can happen anytime during the day despite its name, is caused by high levels of hormones, especially <\/span>HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)<\/b> and <\/span>estrogen<\/b>. These hormonal surges can make your stomach more sensitive, especially in the first trimester.<\/span><\/p>\n When to worry?:<\/b> Safe remedies:<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n Why does it happen?<\/b> Constipation is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy. Progesterone slows down your digestive system to help absorb more nutrients for your baby, but this also means your stool can become harder and more difficult to pass. Iron in prenatal vitamins can also contribute to constipation.<\/span><\/p>\n How to find relief:<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n Why does it happen?<\/b> Tips to reduce bloating:<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n Why does it happen?<\/b><\/p>\n While constipation is more common, some women experience diarrhea during pregnancy. Changes in diet, prenatal vitamins, or heightened sensitivity to certain foods can lead to loose stools.<\/span><\/p>\n When to seek help:<\/b> If diarrhea lasts longer than two days or you notice symptoms like dizziness, dry mouth, or dark urine (signs of dehydration), call your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n How to manage diarrhea:<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n What are hemorrhoids?<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b>Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the rectum and anus. They often develop during pregnancy due to constipation and the extra pressure from your growing uterus.<\/span><\/p>\n Symptoms:<\/b><\/p>\n How to ease the discomfort:<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”Consult a Pregnancy Specialist in Secunderabad” icon_placement=”left” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”25px” header_line_height=”1.5em” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”106deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(22,119,188,0.53) 65%|rgba(227,28,97,0.14) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/shenoyhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/thank-u.webp” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” custom_padding=”40px|20px|40px|20px|false|true” header_font_size_tablet=”25px” header_font_size_phone=”16px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nGastrointestinal (GI) Issues During Pregnancy<\/h1>\n
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Why Do Digestive Problems Worsen During Pregnancy?<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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Common Gastrointestinal Problems During Pregnancy<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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1. Acid Reflux (Heartburn)<\/b><\/h3>\n
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2. Nausea & Vomiting (Morning Sickness)<\/b><\/h3>\n
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<\/b>For most women, nausea fades after the first trimester. However, if you\u2019re vomiting frequently and unable to keep anything down, talk to your doctor about <\/span>Hyperemesis Gravidarum<\/b> (a severe form of morning sickness).<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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3. Constipation<\/b><\/h3>\n
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4. Bloating & Gas<\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/b>Progesterone slows down digestion, making gas more likely to build up in your intestines. Plus, as your baby grows, your uterus puts extra pressure on your stomach and intestines, trapping gas and making bloating more uncomfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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5. Diarrhea<\/b><\/h3>\n
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6. Hemorrhoids<\/b><\/h3>\n
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