Treatment of stomach diseases in pregnant women

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Hoang Thi Anh Tuyet - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Stomach pain during pregnancy not only affects the health of the mother but will most likely affect the fetus. Especially when the pain occurs during the first or third trimester of pregnancy.

There are many causes of gastritis in pregnant women such as:
As the fetus grows larger, the pregnant woman's uterus will change, the position of the uterus will be higher, causing pressure on the stomach, food down Stomach stagnation causes indigestion affecting the gastric mucosa. In the first 3 months, frequent vomiting will affect the stomach. Stress, anxiety, staying up late are also one of the causes of gastritis in pregnant women.

2.1 Characteristics of pregnant women The first trimester of pregnancy is a very important period, if not careful, there may be signs of threatened miscarriage. Because this is the stage of formation of organs (heart, central nervous system, hands, feet...). The use of the drug requires the consent of the doctor, otherwise during this period it is easy to cause malformations. In the second trimester of pregnancy, during this period, the fetus is less sensitive to the drug, but you should not be subjective, still need the consent of the doctor to use the drug. The last three months of pregnancy is the period when the parts of the fetus are almost fully formed but not yet completed. If a pregnant woman takes the drug during this period, it also affects the fetus.

2.2 Some principles when taking medicine for pregnant women It is best not to take medicine when it is not necessary. When it is necessary to use drugs, even those that are not on the list of drugs that must be prescribed, must also be prescribed and monitored by a doctor, should not be used arbitrarily. Because this safety is relative and can only be obtained when used strictly according to the instructions of the doctor. Do not take high doses of the drug. Specifically:
Do not use pain relievers. Do not take the antiemetic drug domperidone. Although the drug does not cause fetal malformations, it is highly likely to cause ventricular tachycardia, which can affect the life of the pregnant woman. For safety reasons, pregnant women should not take the drug during the first 3 months of pregnancy. In the later stages of pregnancy also use only when and absolutely necessary. The drug belongs to the antacid group that does not cause increased acid secretion and has a protective effect on the lining of the esophagus and stomach (aluminum). These properties reduce stomach pain, do not cause birth defects. Therefore, if really necessary, this group of drugs can be used for pregnant women. Do not arbitrarily use proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), only use with the consent of the doctor. Ideally, pregnant women should use some natural herbs, which have the effect of clearing heat, reducing acid secretion in the stomach, helping to reduce pain and heal ulcers in the stomach lining.

Avoid certain foods. If you have a stomach ulcer during pregnancy, avoid foods that make it worse, such as: High-fat foods, chocolate, citrus juices, caffeine, silver river. Avoid using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Avoid drinking alcohol because it greatly affects the fetus. In particular, in case you have a stomach ulcer, it is extremely necessary to quit drinking alcohol, because alcohol in alcohol causes the digestive system to change badly. Secondhand smoke harms the lungs and the developing fetus. If someone in your family uses tobacco, advise them to quit smoking immediately if it affects the unborn baby in the womb as well as protects the health of the pregnant woman and your family. If you have unusual symptoms, you should be examined and consulted with a specialist.

SEE ALSO:
What to eat with stomach ache to heal quickly? What to do when stomach pain? Heartburn, stomach pain during pregnancy: Things to keep in mind