Digestive Issues During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Causes and Relief

How do digestive issues manifest during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

From the very first day of pregnancy, the body begins to adapt in order to provide the best possible care for the growing baby. Not only does the belly grow, but many other physical changes also take place: the cardiovascular system works at full capacity, the immune system and metabolism adapt, skin and hair change, and teeth require special attention. Nearly all of these processes are influenced by hormonal changes, which can also lead to digestive issues, which we will explore in more detail below.

The most common complaints include:

• Constipation
• Bloating
• Heartburn

Preventing constipation in the long term

Constipation during pregnancy is generally not a cause for concern, but it can still be uncomfortable. The right diet can help prevent it.

A sufficient intake of dietary fiber is essential for smooth digestion. Fiber can help prevent constipation and positively affect stool consistency and frequency. To function properly, fiber requires enough fluid intake, so pregnant women should drink two to three liters of fluids per day.

High-fiber foods include:

• Whole grain products
• Fruits (e.g., apples, pears, dried plums)
• Vegetables (e.g., broccoli, spinach, carrots)
• Oatmeal and flaxseeds
• Dried fruits such as dates or figs

Getting enough physical activity is another effective way to prevent constipation. It stimulates digestion and metabolism. Ideal activities for pregnant women include walking or special yoga classes.

Laxatives should only be used during pregnancy in consultation with a healthcare professional, as they may trigger premature labor in some cases.

Tip: The Fiber Vital Complex from BioProphyl® is ideal for pregnant women looking to supplement their diet in a targeted way.

Tips for managing heartburn during pregnancy and breastfeeding

The easiest way to relieve heartburn is to adjust your diet. Avoid carbonated beverages, very fatty or sugary foods, spicy seasonings, and very acidic foods. It’s better to eat several smaller meals rather than a few large ones, and chew them thoroughly. If heartburn mainly occurs at night, avoid late meals and sleep with your upper body slightly elevated.

Sitting upright or taking a short walk after eating can also reduce pressure on the stomach. When lying on your side, choose the left side, as this position makes it more difficult for stomach acid to rise into the esophagus.

Home remedies like drinking tea (e.g., peppermint, fennel, or sage) or slowly chewing oats or a piece of dry bread have proven effective. If these do not help, certain medications can be taken during pregnancy to neutralize excess acid. Please consult your healthcare provider.

Tip: For targeted support, BioProphyl® offers the Buffer – a combination of alkaline minerals that can help regulate acid-base balance.

How can bloating be relieved?

Hot tea (e.g., peppermint, fennel, or anise), consumed about 30 minutes after a meal, can help relieve bloating. Abdominal massages, heating pads, or a hot bath can relax and soothe the body. Regular physical activity also helps release trapped gas.

Suitable, easily digestible foods include:

• Steamed vegetables instead of raw
• Bananas, rice, potatoes
• Zucchini, pumpkin, or carrots

Chewing slowly and mindfully also helps reduce the load on the stomach and prevents unnecessary air swallowing. Carbonated drinks should be avoided when possible.

Tip: For balanced nutrient intake, BioProphyl® offers the product Shield.

Constipation: one of the most common complaints

Medically, constipation is defined as having bowel movements less than every three days, with stools that are small, hard, and dry, and/or accompanied by pain or discomfort.

During pregnancy, nearly 50 % of women suffer from constipation. One reason is the hormonal changes. The body produces more progesterone, which helps relax the uterus – but it also relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract, slowing down bowel movements and causing food to move more slowly through the intestines. This allows more water to be absorbed from the stool, making it harder and less frequent.

The second reason is the growth of the uterus. As the uterus expands, it displaces other organs and presses on the intestines. This slows down the movement of food waste, causing it to stay in the intestines longer and become even more compact. This is why constipation often becomes more severe as pregnancy progresses.

When pressure on the stomach increases: heartburn during pregnancy

Heartburn occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. It causes a burning sensation in the throat, esophagus, upper abdomen, and chest, a salty taste in the mouth, acid reflux, and sometimes difficulty swallowing. These symptoms, while unpleasant, are generally harmless. During pregnancy, hormones help loosen the mother’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments to create space for the baby. This also affects the muscle ring between the stomach and esophagus, causing it to remain open and allowing stomach acid to flow back more easily. As the uterus grows, it puts additional pressure on the stomach, which further encourages this backflow. As a result, by the third trimester, around 70 % of women experience heartburn.

Bloating during breastfeeding: a problem for mother and child

Especially in early pregnancy, most mothers experience uncomfortable bloating. Like constipation, it is caused by the hormone progesterone. Slower bowel movements lead to more gas formation, which cannot escape. In late pregnancy, the baby puts pressure on the intestines, which can also lead to bloating.

Another cause of bloating is diet. Many pregnant women switch to a more wholesome, high-fiber diet. If this change is made too quickly, it can lead to bloating. Additionally, pregnant women often consume more dairy products. If there’s not enough lactase – the enzyme that breaks down lactose – this can also lead to digestive discomfort.

In the first three months of life, babies also often suffer from bloating. This is usually not due to digestive problems but because they swallow a lot of air during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. However, if breastfeeding mothers notice that their baby reacts to certain vegetables like cabbage, they can try switching to milder options like cauliflower or broccoli. Sometimes, it’s enough to simply avoid the suspected food for a week or two. The baby’s digestive system develops and adapts daily and will eventually learn to handle such substances.

Note: Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet and do not replace medical treatment. When in doubt, please consult your doctor or healthcare provider.