Constipation and Heartburn During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can change the way your body digests food:

Some people get constipated (hard to poop) while others may poop more often.
You may also have heartburn, or throw up.

These problems are very common during pregnancy but they can still make you feel uncomfortable. These tips may help you feel better. Let your healthcare provider know if you are having stomach or digestion problems.

Constipation

Constipation can be uncomfortable, and you may have pain when you are able to go. Symptoms include:

Pooping less than three times per week
Poop that is hard, lumpy, or dry
Pushing hard or needing to use a finger to poop
Feeling like you aren’t empty after going

What Can I Do if I Am Constipated?

A registered dietitian can help guide your food choices.

Eat more fiber. The goal is to eat more than 28 grams of fiber every day, or at least five grams at each meal and snack.
Drink at least 8 cups (64 oz) of water every day.
Exercise for at least 20 minutes each day—yoga, stretching, or walking can help.

What Foods Can Help with Constipation?

Foods with fiber include whole fruits, dried fruits, whole vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds. Try:

Three dried dates with one spoon of peanut butter
A handful of raisins with handful of nuts
Salads or stir-fried, roasted, or steamed vegetables
Juicy fruits like apples, berries, cherries, kiwi, melons, oranges, pears, peaches, or plums
Black beans cooked with onion and peppers
Oatmeal with a handful of dried fruit or berries
Greek-style yogurt with berries and fiber-rich granola

What Medicines Can Help with Constipation?

Probiotics (good bacteria) from food or as a dietary supplement
- From food: yogurt, pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and miso
- Supplements: bifidobacterium and lactobacillus
Fiber: Metamucil, Benefiber, Citrucel, or a store-brand fiber supplement
Stool (poop) softener: Colace, Dulcolax, or store-brand stool softener
Laxatives: Prescribed by your healthcare provider

Heartburn or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, but many people just call it “heartburn” because it feels like a burning in your chest. It happens when food or liquid from your stomach comes back up into your throat. This can feel uncomfortable or even painful. More than half of pregnant people have heartburn.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have heartburn more than two times a week, or if it is very bad more than one day a week. Treatment may help.

Common symptoms include:

Burning in your chest or throat
Bad taste in your mouth
Sore throat
Throwing up, or “wet burps”
Trouble swallowing

What Can I Do if I Have Heartburn?

Use pillows to raise your head and chest when resting or sleeping.
Wait three hours after eating to lay down.
Eat until satisfied, not overly full.
Limit or avoid these foods if they make your symptoms worse:
- Spicy foods
- Mint (peppermint, spearmint)
- Tomatoes or tomato drinks
- Chocolate
- Coffee or black tea
- Citrus fruits (orange, lemon, lime)
- Fizzy drinks (soda, seltzer)
- Greasy or high-fat foods (fried foods, creamy sauces, cheesy meals, potato chips)
Avoid smoking of any kind.

What Medicines Can Help with Heartburn?

If you have heartburn, you can take antacids like Tums (or a store brand). You can buy these at the pharmacy without a prescription.

If these do not help, your healthcare provider can give you another medicine for heartburn.

When Should I Get Help for Digestive Issues?

You may experience discomfort from constipation or heartburn for just a little while, or through your entire pregnancy. Your OB/GYN team and registered dietitians are available to help you. Please try to be comfortable talking about any bathroom troubles with your team—we’ve heard it all.

If you are losing weight, losing blood, vomiting frequently, can’t swallow, or have very bad chest pain, seek emergency help or call your clinic.