Pregnancy comes with a whole host of changes in your body, some more welcome than others. One big change that many pregnant women experience is gas and diarrhea. While this may not sound like much fun, it's actually quite normal for expectant mothers (and their partners) to experience these symptoms during early pregnancy.
Understanding Gas and Diarrhea During Early Pregnancy
Gas is simply air that gets trapped inside your digestive system. It can build up from eating certain foods or swallowing too much air when you eat or drink. When it comes out the other end, it's often accompanied by diarrhea, which is loose or watery stool.
During early pregnancy, hormones cause changes in your digestion that can lead to increased gas production and slower peristalsis (the movement of food through your intestines). These changes can also result in softer stools which are easier to pass- but often take you by surprise!
How Common are Gas and Diarrhoea Symptoms in Pregnancy?
While most people talk about morning sickness as being one of the first signs or symptoms of pregnancy, few discuss one: gas (farting)! In fact,it’s very common: As many as 50% – 90% of all pregnant females report having gastrointestinal issues at some point within their pregnancies; either coming on suddenly or gradually increasing without warning.
As odd as this subject might seem now -it has been known throughout history how significant flatulence can be during gestation; especially if we look towards our ancestors who believed if a woman was gassy while she stood over her lover they were guaranteed conception… I will leave you with that awkward thought before moving onto explanations for such natural phenomena…
What Causes Increased Flatulence And Bowel Movement During Early Pregnancy?
There isn't an exact science behind why gas tends to be more common during early pregnancy, but there are a few theories out there. One popular theory is that it's due to an increase in the hormone progesterone, which relaxes your muscles throughout your body, including those in your digestive system.
Less muscle tension can lead to slower digestion and food passing more slowly through the gastrointestinal tract. This might result in constipation or increased bowel movement – depending on individual circumstances.
Another possible explanation for increased gas symptoms could relate back to morning sickness itself: For many females experiencing nausea/vomiting while pregnant it stimulates activity within intestinal tracts -thus increasing evacuation of bowels- contributing towards an erratic rhythm of stools after eating regularly/differing foods than usual
Early Pregnancy Symptoms at Every Stage
While every woman experiences pregnancy differently (and some don't experience any digestive symptoms at all), here's what you might expect during each stage:
1st Trimester:
During this time period,gas and diarrhea often make their initial appearances as one of the first signs that indicate conception has taken place! Something that women who never wanted children will quickly realize when running towards nearest pharmacist or health store for medication…
Other typical symptoms seen include tenderness/swelling breasts; dizziness or tiredness without exertion; irregular periods combined with minor cramps from hormonal changes overall--
Oh yeah- Don’t forget about cravings too!!
2nd Trimester:
By the midpoint of pregnancy, most people start feeling better as far as gas-related issues go, thanks perhaps again to stabilization caused by hormones.
Usually around halfway through fetal development fatigue decreases slightly while cravings may become even stronger now compared previously observed during previous stages (-eek!) Other possibilities either appear subtly (or not so much) such as stretch marks persist over skin areas expanding “behind” baby bump!
3rd Trimester:
Runny stool can come back in early third trimester along with a good deal more discomfort constipation starts recurring while pressure can be felt in the lower abdomen; sometimes a sensation that baby's head is pressing down on your pelvic bones -making even walking few feet impossible!
Postpartum period:
After delivering, females will experience their uterus gradually returning to original size. Gas and diarrhea are relatively uncommon during postpartum recovery – at least until you start eating normal food again after hospital Jell-O (notably containing lots of gelatin without fiber).
How To Reduce Gastrointestinal Issues During Early Pregnancy
While it may not be possible to eliminate gas and digestive symptoms entirely during pregnancy, there are things you can try to reduce the severity of these symptoms:
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Eat small meals frequently throughout the day instead of three large ones. This limits how much work your stomach has to do all at once!
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Avoid consuming late-night kidney beans (and other legumes) before bed; as gas build-up within intestinal tracts tends happening from excess fermentation rather than digestion.
And… we’ve ran out options! Really wish there were stronger ways for this kind “emergency” problems arising spontaneously like passing wind proudly or rushing over public toilets fearful giving birth itself though none are really designed for such occasion but alas life must go on right?
Final Thoughts:
Ultimately, if gas and diarrhea persist during early pregnancy; fear not because sisterhood undergoes same battle every single one: even our ancestors suffered centuries ago when papaya enzymes weren’t available quickly enough! What’s truly important however most importantly taking care yourself through nutritious foods according tastes desire coupled extra water intake appropriate rest whenever possible balancing between cravings needs opting healthier options where feasible... And hopefully getting some laughs too about subjects nobody wants discussing openly 🙂