It’s common during pregnancy to experience symptoms and pains that apparently don’t seem related to pregnancy. However, when we check the reasons closely, we discover that they actually have a lot to do with it. One of these symptoms is stomach pain during pregnancy, which is generally associated with poor digestion and is much more common during this phase of life than you might imagine.
Not all women feel this discomfort and, usually, it is those who already suffer from stomach problems such as gastritis, reflux, and even ulcers who end up developing issues during this period. Stomach pain usually occurs due to the increased production of digestive enzymes and acids, as well as the growth of the uterus, on average 4 cm per month, compressing the other organs and leaving the mom with a burning sensation and very strong heartburn.
Stomach Pain in the First Trimester
During the first 4 months it is common for pains to be stronger, causing a greater burning discomfort than in other months. It’s normal not only to feel stomach pain and nausea, but also bowel dysfunctions1, which tend to slow down. In fact, this is the reason why so many pregnant women suffer from hemorrhoids during this period.
IMPORTANT: extra care with medications is needed at this stage, since not everything that was used before pregnancy can continue to be taken during pregnancy.
How to Relieve the Discomfort of Stomach Pain During Pregnancy?
There is no definitive treatment for stomach pain in pregnancy, but changes in eating habits2 and in the mom’s daily routine can help. For example, eating small meals more often throughout the day helps the digestion process, which is slower at this time.
Remember that proper chewing is slow chewing, because it helps food to be digested better. Try to drink more fluids throughout the day. In addition to promoting hydration, consuming juices, water, and teas is great for digestion and helps prevent fluid retention, which causes so much swelling in pregnancy. However, avoid drinking liquids during meals, as this hinders digestion and creates a false sense of fullness.
Appropriate Diet
Cut fatty foods, fried foods, and heavy foods from your menu, at least during the first trimester of pregnancy, when stomach pain and heartburn are more intense and evident than ever. Another important tip is to include foods rich in fiber3 such as passion fruit, sesame, guava, peas, cereals, pear, grape, strawberry, and peach, for example.
If the discomfort persists even after improving your diet and daily habits, consult your OB-GYN and let them know what’s happening. Most likely, they will prescribe a suitable medication for pregnant women to help ease the discomfort. No medication can completely eliminate the discomfort, but it can provide significant immediate relief.
Home Remedy Tip
Make a tea with lemon balm and fennel, as it helps prevent stomach gas, avoiding discomfort, stomach pain, and nausea during pregnancy. Try to drink it without sweetener or sugar, as this is one of the causes of gas, and you’ll notice immediate relief. You can find both lemon balm and fennel at herbal shops, pharmacies, and markets.
Readers’ Questions:
How can you prevent stomach pain during pregnancy?
The best thing you can do to avoid discomfort is to look after your diet. Try to eat small meals made up of easy-to-digest, lighter, and more natural foods. And don’t forget to always drink plenty of water!
Important Tip: stomach pain during pregnancy can cause a woman to eat less than necessary, so it is recommended to use multivitamins suitable for this stage. We recommend FamiGesta, specially made for pregnant women that contains Methylfolate, the active form of folic acid, in its formula. We also recommend FamiBand, a bracelet that helps reduce nausea and sickness during pregnancy. You can find these products here.
See Also: Pains During Pregnancy – What Is Normal?
