Indigestion during pregnancy

Indigestion during pregnancy: An overview of the problem

Indigestion (dyspepsia) is not a separate disease, but a general term describing a whole set of uncomfortable sensations in the upper abdomen. During pregnancy it is one of the most common complaints, which may include heartburn, a feeling of heaviness, bloating and belching. The causes of this condition are a combination of hormonal and physical changes.

How does pregnancy affect digestion?

Your digestive system undergoes significant changes from the first weeks of pregnancy:

• Slowed activity: The hormone progesterone relaxes the muscles of the whole body, including the stomach and intestinal muscles. This leads to food being digested more slowly, staying longer in the stomach, which can cause a feeling of heaviness and fullness.
• Sphincter relaxation: The same progesterone relaxes the muscular valve between the esophagus and stomach, allowing stomach acid to flow back and cause heartburn.
• Mechanical pressure: In the second half of pregnancy the enlarged uterus begins to press on the stomach from below, further complicating its function and promoting reflux.

Combating indigestion involves changing eating habits: eat small portions but frequently; avoid fatty, spicy and acidic foods; do not lie down immediately after a meal. These and other tips are described in detail in our articles about balanced nutrition and physical changes of the body.