Pregnancy is a special period in a woman's life, the body changes and small ailments can appear during these 9 months. Certain pains, particularly in the stomach, can worry the mother-to-be. So, so that you can experience this pregnancy with peace of mind, we explain everything about the causes of pregnant stomach pain and give you some tips to feel better.
What is the intestinal microbiota?
Each individual harbors colonies of microorganisms: microbiota of the intestine, mouth, vagina, lungs or skin. The most important of these is the intestinal microbiota with 100 trillion bacteria belonging to more than 200 different species ! Since 2006, scientific discoveries have proven that the intestinal microbiota plays a major role in health (immune system, metabolic functions, digestion, mental health, etc.). The stomach is also called the second brain. Probiotics are the good bacteria that colonize the intestines and are essential for their proper functioning. During pregnancy, this microbiota can be weakened and cause pain, which is why it is important to take care of it.
What are the different types of stomach aches during pregnancy?
1 - Stomach ache linked to digestion
With the increase in the size of the uterus and the baby growing over the course of 9 months, the digestive organs become compressed, which causes certain upheavals in digestion. In addition, the high progesterone level during this period also slows down transit. Many pregnant women complain of constipation, bloating or heartburn.
2 - Ligament pain linked to hormonal change
These pains are specific but can worry the mother-to-be, especially at the start of pregnancy. They result in tightness in the lower abdomen, groin and pelvis and are caused by hormonal changes. The ligaments relax to allow the baby to make its way through.
3 - Muscle pain linked to contractions
The uterine muscles are put under strain during this period. The uterus enlarges, relaxes, contracts and painful spasms may then appear.
Natural solutions against pregnant stomach ache
1 - Good food hygiene against pregnant stomach ache 🍓
If you are prone to bloating , you will need to avoid carbonated drinks and foods that ferment, such as cabbage and dairy products. In case of constipation, you will need to consume more fiber, such as whole grains, prunes and fresh vegetables. If it is heartburn and acid reflux that concerns you, we recommend that you split meals and avoid fatty and spicy foods.
2 - Good hydration to prevent pregnant stomach ache 💧
Drinking at least 1.5L of water per day helps fight against constipation but also against urinary problems, such as cystitis, which can occur during pregnancy. By drinking a lot, we urinate more and germs stagnate less in the bladder.
3 - Stay active to prevent pregnant stomach ache 🧘🏼♀️
If your condition allows it, with the agreement of your doctor, it is important to remain active during this period to ensure good digestion. Walking, swimming or yoga are good physical activities to practice when you are pregnant.
4 - Probiotics to relieve pregnant stomach pain 🧫
Taking a course of quality probiotics helps avoid digestive disorders during pregnancy. Probiotics allow the intestines to function better and limit these disorders, a source of fatigue and stress for the mother-to-be.
Other benefits of probiotics during pregnancy
1 - Transmit to the child a capital of good bacteria which will promote the development of his own microbiota
In the mother's womb, the baby's digestive tract is sterile and in the hours and days following birth, it finds itself colonized by billions of bacteria. It is during the first three years of his life that the child builds his intestinal microbiota. The development of the intestinal flora will depend on the baby's diet, but also on the mother's flora. Taking probiotics during pregnancy and more particularly during the last trimester will have a beneficial impact on the mother's intestinal flora, as well as on the development of the child's intestinal flora.
2 - Prevent the appearance of allergies in children
Taking probiotics for a future mother during her pregnancy and for infants limits the risk of atopic eczema until the age of 4. Eczema is a major issue since we know that it is a precursor to asthma and food allergies!
3 - Limit mycoses and cystitis
During pregnancy, some women develop yeast infections and cystitis on a regular basis. Probiotics for the intimate flora help strengthen the vaginal flora and contribute to its barrier action against vaginal infections. Find our probiotics against mycoses and cystitis here .
4 – Reduce the risk of gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women and is the stage where the body becomes more resistant to insulin, making it more difficult to remove excess glucose from the blood. Gestational diabetes affects 1 in 10 pregnancies and can cause a range of health problems for the mother and newborn. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed that taking probiotics during pregnancy would prevent the risk of gestational diabetes in 2/3 of women : 6.5% of women who took the placebo contracted gestational diabetes, compared to 2.1% of future mothers who took the probiotic, or 68% fewer women. For what ? Probiotic supplementation in women with gestational diabetes can significantly reduce insulin resistance. Generally speaking, taking probiotics during pregnancy improves blood sugar control . According to a Norwegian study published in the medical journal BMJ Open, which followed 70,149 healthy women between 1999 and 2008, including 37,050 who gave birth to their first child, women who took probiotics during pregnancy have better glucose tolerance. and have better control of their blood sugar levels.
What probiotics during pregnancy?
Essential probioticsFor women prone to mycoses and cystitis during pregnancy , we recommend the Intimate Flora pack which combines the Vaginal Flora treatment with probiotics. with essential probiotics. This duo of probiotics aims to maintain the balance of the vaginal ecosystem and strengthen its barrier effect on the surface of the vagina. Several factors can unbalance the vaginal microbiota, such as: antibiotics and antifungals, imbalance of the intestinal microbiota, weakened immune system, variation in estrogen secretion over the course of life (pregnancy, menopause, certain contraceptive pills, etc.), sexual intercourse, tobacco, stress, excess or lack of hygiene… An imbalance in the vaginal microbiota thus contributes to the appearance of vaginal infections.
The pregnant women's pack combines these two probiotic cures with the Mega Draining Infusion , a tasty, relaxing blend of 6 organic plants that promote the drainage of your body and help you better digest hearty meals.
