Pregnancy is a unique time in the life of a woman and a couple, but it can be accompanied by various daily aches and pains, especially stomach aches, which can occur at any time. To help you get the most out of your pregnancy, discover how to identify the different types of stomach aches and our solutions to help you relieve them.
Causes of stomach aches during pregnancy
Hormonal fluctuations
As we all know, during pregnancy, hormones are in turmoil and the body changes.
The main culprit behind these stomach aches is progesterone, a hormone secreted from the first day of pregnancy. It can cause mood swings, water retention , and slow bowel movements, which can lead to bloated intestines and stomach aches. The ongoing hormonal and physiological changes can also affect intestinal motility, increasing water absorption in stools, making them harder and more difficult to pass.
However, it doesn't only bring drawbacks! Despite the stomach aches it can cause, progesterone plays a crucial role in maintaining uterine tranquility and promoting a sense of fulfillment.
The baby's movements in your belly
To conceive a human being in your womb, you have to make room, which is not without consequences for your digestive system: stomach aches, bloating , constipation , nausea, acid reflux, etc. The increase in the size of the uterus puts pressure on the intestines, making the passage of stools more difficult and thus leading to constipation .
An imbalance of the intestinal microbiota
The gut microbiota evolves throughout our lives, particularly during pregnancy and primarily under the influence of hormones. Rising estrogen levels lead to a loss of microbial diversity within our intestinal flora. When combined with a low-fiber diet, the stress of motherhood, a sedentary lifestyle, and antibiotic use, this leads to an imbalance between the beneficial and harmful bacteria in the microbiota. Hence the importance of giving your microbiota a little boost during pregnancy to avoid stomach aches and maintain its balance by stocking up on good bacteria through food, for your well-being and that of your baby.
The different stomach aches during pregnancy
During pregnancy, various stomach aches can occur, encompassing all the pain and discomfort in the abdominal region. These pains can have multiple origins: digestive, urinary, ligamentous, or even muscular. Above all, it is crucial to properly identify the source of these stomach aches.
Digestive pain
As the uterus increases in size and the baby grows over the next 9 months, the digestive organs become compressed, causing some digestive disruptions. In addition, the high progesterone levels during this period also slow down bowel movements . Many pregnant women complain of constipation, bloating , or heartburn.
Urinary pain
Stomach aches can be linked to urinary pain. These are usually caused by urinary tract infections.
Indeed, during pregnancy, hormones play havoc and can disrupt the balance of the intimate (or vaginal) flora. Usually dominated by Lactobacilli , the microbial community that populates the vaginal flora varies during pregnancy. These changes weaken the intimate flora and can make it more vulnerable to infections, mycoses or even cystitis . These infections are also more difficult to detect in pregnant women. They can cause pain when urinating as well as persistent pain in the bladder and kidneys.
Ligament pain
Abdominal pain related to ligament pain is a more specific type of pain that can quickly worry the expectant mother, especially early in pregnancy. It feels like a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen, groin, and pelvis, and is caused by the release of hormones like relaxin. The ligaments relax to allow the baby to push through, especially during delivery.
Muscle pain
The uterine muscles are put under strain during this period. The uterus enlarges, relaxes, contracts, and painful spasms may occur.
Solutions for stomach aches
But how can you combat these stomach aches during pregnancy ? We're sharing our tips to relieve these discomforts and improve your well-being throughout this unique period.
Adopt a balanced diet
During pregnancy, it's common to experience overwhelming sugar cravings or the desire to eat enough for six people. But despite these cravings, it's important to maintain a balanced diet. A diet rich in fiber will help prevent common digestive issues, such as bloating and constipation . By choosing fiber-rich meals, drinking enough water, and avoiding overly fatty or spicy foods, you can ease stomach aches and promote healthy digestion throughout your pregnancy.
Ensure good hydration
To prevent digestive and urinary pain, it is essential to maintain optimal hydration . Dehydration can cause stools to harden due to excessive absorption of water from the stool in the large intestine, making them more difficult to evacuate. Drinking 1.5L of water per day helps prevent constipation and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, which are very common during pregnancy. And for even greater effectiveness and better taste, you can opt for an infusion like our Mega Draining Infusion . This tasty, relaxing blend of 6 organic plants promotes body drainage and facilitates the digestion of large meals.
Move regularly
It's true that staying active throughout your pregnancy isn't easy due to the extra weight on your body. But exercise stimulates intestinal transit by promoting muscle contractions in the intestine and ensures good digestion.
So choose activities that suit your health and comfort level, such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga. If necessary, don't hesitate to seek the advice of your doctor or gynecologist to ensure that the practice is compatible with your situation.
