I'm currently 6 weeks pregnant and an IBS sufferer. Have had a couple of flare ups this week. Can any other IBS sufferers share any info or tips for early pregnancy?
Im 14 weeks pregnant and was diagnosed with IBS at 18 so Ive had it 20 years now! In my experience I was getting an attack once every couple of months normally triggered by foods (tomatoes, pineapple and mangos being the worse) and if I didnt eat lunch then had a big dinner that would also trigger it. Since being pregnant Ive not had an attack, if anything I've gone the opposite way with awful constipation and have said to my fiancee several times now that I would love an ibs attack right now
My friend who had IBS didnt suffer a single episode throughout her pregnancy and hasn't had one since, sometimes I think the process of having a baby re programs your body.
When I do get that IBS 'feeling', the cramps, terrible trapped wind especially at bedtime, etc I am sipping peppermint tea, sucking extra strong mints and drinking lots of water.Ive also been taught to go from lying on your back to moving from one side then the other to help dislodge painful gas, it works (and I have a very understanding partner if I get this in bed!) Pregnancy can be so undignified!!!
I used to take Buscopan and Colpermin but staying away from these during pregnancy.
Talk to your midwife as trapped gas is a problem for lots of people in early pregnancy and when you have IBS it accentuates it but they are really good at advice.
I will chat to my midwife when i eventually hear from them!!!
i have managed my ibs for the last 8 years without medication and have noticed the last few weeks that i'm not as regular as usual which is good in someways but when you're used to it it feels odd!!!! I usually have to avoid too much fibre but has gone the other way now! i'm an avid water drinker anyway so all good there!
I found it initially worse whilst the hormones were settling but since about 8-10 weeks its been much better.
For the constipation I really recommend drinking lots of fluids and eating more soothing fruits and veg such as cucumber etc. Avoid anyting too acidic if it sets you off.
I've had IBS since I was 16 years old and have had to adapt diet around it. As others have said it can flare up and settle down with the hormone levels during pregnancy but generally drink plenty of fluids avoiding acidic fruit juices and fizz if you're feeling 'loose' as this will only add to the trapped wind and constipated feeling. Eating fruit on a daily basis will help regulate things (bananas and melon are favourites with me). Aromatherapy tip, rubbing cocoa butter on your bump for stretch marks rub clockwise to increase bowel movements or anti=clockwise to slow them down. Hope this gives some help, talking to MW/GP about pregnancy diet and IBS can also be useful.
i was going to ask if IBS affects getting pregnant in the first place but i'm hoping by this it doesn't? i suffer with it too and i am trying to concieve
I'm not aware of any reason why it would prevent pregnancy although we were ttc for almost 3 years I put it down to my age and stress at work. Once I gave my job up I was pg within 8 or 9 months.
My IBS disappeared during pregnancy and now I have the very occasional attack but it's virtually non existent. I can eat things now that used to set me off!!!
Sammie1990, I got diagnosed with IBS at 16yrs old although I now know it's part of a more complex condition (I actually have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome/Hypermobility Syndrome). I have successfully had 2 daughters now & both were conceived within 3-4mths of TTC. Largely it comes down to you & your OH enjoying your time together & finding your 'ideal position' to make it work. Best wishes & good luck.
I have ibs and I'm 6 weeks pregnant. It's been awful (extremely loose and too often). I went the doctors last insight as my medication 'calofac' and peppermint capsules both say not in pregnancy. Dr tried lots but all medication said the same. Not only have I had the loose problem im also bloating and uncomfortable. Any advice. Dr has given my peptac to help indegestionfeeling full but think more to say he'd tried something. Any ideas? I'm hoping theres a natural thing I can take. When first diagnosed after my first child, still testing before my mideication, I had linseed(small seeds from health shop) as natural and specialist said help with both styles ibs, but that was 4 years ago. I've no idea if they'll help now as much worse and also if should take them?
Replies
Im 14 weeks pregnant and was diagnosed with IBS at 18 so Ive had it 20 years now! In my experience I was getting an attack once every couple of months normally triggered by foods (tomatoes, pineapple and mangos being the worse) and if I didnt eat lunch then had a big dinner that would also trigger it. Since being pregnant Ive not had an attack, if anything I've gone the opposite way with awful constipation and have said to my fiancee several times now that I would love an ibs attack right now
My friend who had IBS didnt suffer a single episode throughout her pregnancy and hasn't had one since, sometimes I think the process of having a baby re programs your body.
When I do get that IBS 'feeling', the cramps, terrible trapped wind especially at bedtime, etc I am sipping peppermint tea, sucking extra strong mints and drinking lots of water.Ive also been taught to go from lying on your back to moving from one side then the other to help dislodge painful gas, it works (and I have a very understanding partner if I get this in bed!) Pregnancy can be so undignified!!!
I used to take Buscopan and Colpermin but staying away from these during pregnancy.
Talk to your midwife as trapped gas is a problem for lots of people in early pregnancy and when you have IBS it accentuates it but they are really good at advice.
Best of luck xx
i have managed my ibs for the last 8 years without medication and have noticed the last few weeks that i'm not as regular as usual which is good in someways but when you're used to it it feels odd!!!! I usually have to avoid too much fibre but has gone the other way now! i'm an avid water drinker anyway so all good there!
I found it initially worse whilst the hormones were settling but since about 8-10 weeks its been much better.
For the constipation I really recommend drinking lots of fluids and eating more soothing fruits and veg such as cucumber etc. Avoid anyting too acidic if it sets you off.
does having ibs affect getting pregnant to start with??
i was going to ask if IBS affects getting pregnant in the first place but i'm hoping by this it doesn't?
i suffer with it too and i am trying to concieve
I'm not aware of any reason why it would prevent pregnancy although we were ttc for almost 3 years I put it down to my age and stress at work. Once I gave my job up I was pg within 8 or 9 months.
My IBS disappeared during pregnancy and now I have the very occasional attack but it's virtually non existent. I can eat things now that used to set me off!!!
Good luck ttc sammie
thank you! xx
Sammie1990, I got diagnosed with IBS at 16yrs old although I now know it's part of a more complex condition (I actually have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome/Hypermobility Syndrome). I have successfully had 2 daughters now & both were conceived within 3-4mths of TTC. Largely it comes down to you & your OH enjoying your time together & finding your 'ideal position' to make it work. Best wishes & good luck.
I have ibs and I'm 6 weeks pregnant. It's been awful (extremely loose and too often). I went the doctors last insight as my medication 'calofac' and peppermint capsules both say not in pregnancy. Dr tried lots but all medication said the same. Not only have I had the loose problem im also bloating and uncomfortable. Any advice. Dr has given my peptac to help indegestionfeeling full but think more to say he'd tried something. Any ideas? I'm hoping theres a natural thing I can take. When first diagnosed after my first child, still testing before my mideication, I had linseed(small seeds from health shop) as natural and specialist said help with both styles ibs, but that was 4 years ago. I've no idea if they'll help now as much worse and also if should take them?
Hello,
My doctor just recommended me for a trial with a Vida health coach, has anyone heard of this?