Stomach Ulcers During Pregnancy

What Are The Causes Of Stomach Ulcers During Pregnancy?

A bacterial infection may occur in the stomach causing an imbalance in the digestive juices causing ulcers in your stomach. The digestive juices perform the function of protecting your stomach lining, which is now disturbed by the infection. According to a research study published in the Journal of Springer nature,  such an imbalance is caused either by Helicobacter Pylori or due to a regular dosage of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibufren and Aspirin. Referred to as H. Pylori and NSAIDS(2,3) respectively.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition of stomach ulcer, there can be instances of re-occurrence of it during pregnancy. The increase in Progesterone levels may also contribute towards lowering gastric acid outputs and help the increase of protective mucus production[4]. These factors offer protection at some level for expectant mothers with stomach ulcers.

Signs & Symptoms Of Stomach Ulcer During Pregnancy?

Normally, you may experience heartburn, nausea, vomiting and severe pain in the upper part or middle part of your abdomen. You may also have an intolerance to foods that contain fats. A feeling of fullness and belching is forever persistent. Let us look at more symptoms of stomach ulcers listed below:-

• Bloating
• Indigestion
• Weight loss
• Appearance of black colored stools or dark stools because of the resulting bleeding

Seek medical attention whenever you experience sharp pain in your stomach region or you may even vomit blood because this may be a serious condition giving rise to complications like an internal bleeding or a gastrointestinal bleeding. If you are pregnant and there already exists a history of ulcer, then you will experience the warning signals during your second or third trimester of pregnancy. The symptoms of ulcer during pregnancy is like that of any other individual with stomach ulcer.

Diagnosis Of Stomach Ulcer During Pregnancy

A diagnosis of stomach ulcer is carried out by an upper endoscopy or typically by Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) (5). The procedure initiates a tube to be inserted through the stomach to check the stomach. This method of detecting ulcers is preferred as it can detect even the smallest ulcer.

Treatment Options For Stomach Ulcers During Pregnancy

On identifying the stomach ulcer, your doctor will prescribe safe antacids to breeze through your pregnancy. To avoid fluid build-up, you will not be prescribed antacids that contain Bicarbonate. Instead, the prescribed antacid or sucralfate will be administered which contain Aluminium or magnesium in normal doses [6]. Omeprazole is also recommended by physicians since they treat ulcers without any noticeable side-effects[7]

How Can Stomach Ulcer Be Prevented During Pregnancy?

Follow your Doctor’s advice with regard to a healthy way of living and make it a point to avoid certain foods, medication and habits that may affect your health, especially during your pregnancy.

1. Foods to avoid

Certain foods may trigger your existing stomach ulcers and thus physicians often recommend to choose healthy food options instead of fast food items. Below mentioned are few items which must not be consumed if you are suffering from stomach ulcers during pregnancy.Try to find something as an alternative for foods you may crave but need to stay away from.

• Citrus foods
• Fried foods
• Refined carbohydrates
• Sodas
• Chocolate
• Caffeine

2. Medicine

Curb the consumption of the high dosage of NSAIDS since they can easily damage the lining of your stomach thereby causing ulcers.

3. Avoid Consumption of Alcohol

Remember that consuming alcohol is harmful to you and your developing baby and furthermore if you are diagnosed with stomach ulcers, it is absolutely essential, to avoid alcohol since it will affect your digestive system resulting in serious ailments.

4. Stop Smoking

In case you are a smoker, quit smoking. It is not only harmful to you but also to your baby in the womb. If you have an ulcer, then it will have serious complications which will eventually harm your fetus.

It is natural for some pregnant women to be diagnosed with stomach ulcer which occurs due to a bacterial infection or the prolonged use of NSAIDS. Doctors prescribe safe medications which help you manage ulcers and ease through your pregnancy. Having gastrointestinal issues like ulcer during pregnancy may cause you discomfort and pain. Consult your doctor as soon as your experience the warning signals and reach for medical attention to avoid complications for both you and your baby. 

FAQ’s

1. Can Ulcers Affect Babies?

Stomach ulcers may affect the growth of the developing baby, like babies being born small for their gestational age or having low birth weight. Though rare, peptic ulcers can seriously affect the life of the expectant mother and also the developing baby.

2. Does Stress During Pregnancy Cause Stomach Ulcers?

Stress factor does not directly cause stomach ulcers, but stress can increase the acid produced in the stomach thereby contributing to the formation of ulcers. In fact, medication taken to alleviate stress may be a cause for your stomach ulcer.

References

1. Gastric And Duodenal Ulcers During Pregnancy – [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889855305703526]
2. Peptic Ulcer Disease – [https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/peptic-ulcer-disease]
3. Gastric and duodenal ulcers during pregnancy – [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9546089/]
4. Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3676933/]
5. Gastrointestinal endoscopy in pregnancy – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4223257/]
6. Gastric and duodenal ulcers during pregnancy – [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12635419/]
7. Omeprazole for peptic ulcer disease in pregnancy – [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9813388/]