Ibs Point World Article
Pregnancy and IBS
When you get pregnant, your body will undergo many physical and hormonal changes, not all entirely pleasant. If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from IBS, you can expect some changes brought on by your pregnancy. You most likely already know that women are more likely to have IBS and more severe symptoms than men, due in part to their hormones. You probably experience really painful periods, which cause your IBS to get out of control as well. Everyone knows about morning sickness and constipation that comes with pregnancy, however, for the woman who also suffers from IBS, this can be very bad news.
In some cases, pregnancy actually lessens a woman’s IBS symptoms, while worsening them in others. No one can really predict what your hormones will do during pregnancy, so no one can determine how your IBS will be affected by the changes, if at all. The woman that suffers from IBS could have several children, and her IBS symptoms be different with each pregnancy.
Of course, when you are pregnant, you have to be extra careful with the treatment methods you use for controlling your IBS. Over the counter laxatives and anti-diarrheal medications may not be recommended, especially not early on in your pregnancy. You will have to find some other way to control your symptoms, a way that is safe for both you, and your unborn babe.
Some physicians believe that IBS can be controlled by modifying the diet, taking fiber supplements as needed, and regular exercise. If you weren’t physically active before your pregnancy, your doctor may limit what you can do at first, and gradually increase it over time, once he sees how both you and the baby tolerate it. You should learn how to modify your diet to control your symptoms, for example if you have problems with constipation, as many pregnant women who don’t have IBS often do, then you should eat more foods that are high in fiber, or with your doctor’s permission, add a fiber supplement as needed. If you suffer from frequent diarrhea, try to choose foods that are known to help combat diarrhea. It will take some time to learn exactly what foods to eat and what foods not to eat, depending on your IBS symptoms. These are things that all IBS sufferers should be aware of, not just those who are expecting a new bundle of joy!
There is no evidence that indicates any pregnancy problems or danger to the fetus from IBS, so really all you have to do is learn how to control the symptoms, so that they don’t impact your life. You should enjoy every minute of your pregnancy, and take the time to pamper yourself, because you will likely miss being pregnant once the baby is born, and you definitely won’t have the time that you do now to devote to taking care of yourself. Use this time to learn all you can about IBS and how to treat the symptoms, so that you will have things under control, and feel like caring for your newborn once he/she arrives!
