Help for IBS During Pregnancy

IBS can be an extremely frustrating and debilitating condition. IBS during pregnancy can be even more frustrating and debilitating. While pregnancy is often a time of struggling with bowel problems such as diarrhea or constipation, the woman with Irritable Bowel Syndrome is doubly cursed. Compounding this problem is the fact that many of the medications that are used to control the symptoms of IBS have not sufficiently been tested as to their affect on a pregnant woman or on her baby.

One of the most important natural aids for IBS during pregnancy is getting enough dietary fiber. A woman who is pregnant should get between 10 and 15 grams of dietary fiber each day. The best way to get this fiber is by eating vegetables, fresh and dried fruits, whole grain cereals and breads.

Exercise in general can often aid the woman with IBS, and this is no less true during pregnancy. Some women find that Yoga in particular helps to relieve the symptoms of IBS. In addition, yoga may help to ease other symptoms of pregnancy, such as backache, and will help the woman prepare her body for the experience of labor and delivery.

Fennel has helped some women with IBS as well. The fennel seeds and fruit can both be used in small amounts during pregnancy. Many women appreciate the taste of fennel tea, and some studies suggest that fennel tea may help the production of milk in women who are nursing.

Generally seen as a tool to combat morning sickness, Ginger may help with IBS as well. Ginger can be taken in a variety of forms, including supplement capsules or ginger tea.

For some women with IBS, hypnosis can help to relieve the pain associated with their IBS symptoms. Here again, this natural aid is safe for use during pregnancy. Obviously, results can vary from one person to the next. Some women even choose to use hypnosis to help deal with the pain during labor and delivery.