Indigestion in pregnancy
The term indigestion, is defined as "lack of digestion" and may manifest as a burning sensation or heartburn after meals, or as the perception of fullness and heaviness of stomach that appears shortly after time to start the food intake or once it is finished. These symptoms are very frequent in pre
The term indigestion, is defined as "lack of digestion" and may manifest as a burning sensation or heartburn after meals, or as the perception of fullness and heaviness of stomachthat appears shortly after time to start the food intake or once it is finished.
These symptoms are very frequent in pregnant women, although not all appear at the same time of pregnancy, it is estimated that, throughout pregnancy, between 70-80% of women will have been afflicted in more or lesser extent by this type of gastric affections.
Causes of indigestion in pregnant women
- Hormonal factors, such as the decrease in motilin secretion and the increase in progesterone, which slow down gastric emptying and favor constipation from the first months of pregnancy.
- Anatomical factors, because with the increase in size of the uterus the stomach is compressed and displaced from its usual position.
3 ways to treat indigestion in pregnancy Medidas 1. Hygienic-dietetic measures:
Sometimes, simply changing certain habits, we can significantly improve the annoying symptoms of indigestion, and even get rid of them. The most accepted basic recommendations are: - Make little copious meals and distribute them in five takes throughout the day.
- Avoid fats, spicy food, soft drinks, alcohol and stimulants such as caffeine or chocolate.
- Stop eating before completely satisfying the appetite, especially when foods are high in carbohydrates.
- Maintain an upright posture, avoiding lying down or reclining, right after meals.
- Promote the frequent intake of water or other liquids in small amounts throughout the day.
- Eat slowly, ensuring correct chewing and swallowing of food.
- Flee both excessively sedentary life and stress.
- Suppress the consumption of snuff, then, among other harmful effects for both the embryo and / or the fetus as for the pregnant woman, has also been shown to worsen this type of gastrointestinal discomfort.
2. Pharmacological treatment:
Although physicians are quite reluctant to prescribe medication to pregnant women, there are some pharmacological compounds whose safety is guaranteed by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration, for its acronym in English, US agency responsible for evaluating the safety for human and / or veterinary use of various products of pharmacological, food, cosmetic ...) anti Some antacids such as ranitidine, or combinations of antihistamines and antiemetics such as doxylamine-pyridoxine, are relatively common in pregnant women. Despite the extensive experience of use that may exist, it is worth remembering that self-medication is a totally inadvisable practice, even more so in this delicate stage of life, in which the correct embryonic and fetal development could be compromised by an error in the dosage or in the choice of medication. Given the importance of individual characteristics and peculiarities, it is always advisable to consult a professional.
3. Alternative therapies:
since time immemorial, in some countries other techniques such as acupuncture have been used to try to alleviate this type of discomfort. However, to date, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these millenary practices.
Undoubtedly the symptoms of indigestion in pregnancy are unpleasant disorders, but we must not forget that in most cases these manifest themselves in a mild and, fortunately, transient. Ana Rodríguez
Pediatrician
