Pregnancy Gastritis – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Overview

Are you going through a beautiful phase of pregnancy with specific difficulties? During pregnancy, woman face changes in their body that leads to symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. However, you must have the necessary knowledge of pregnancy-related issues to manage the causes and take the essential steps to prevent the occurrence.

Expectant mothers should have a positive attitude, a healthy diet, and regular exercise to ease gastrointestinal problems. While it is expected to cause gastritis and bloating during pregnancy, do you know the treatment for it?

This article will answer a few of your questions and provide valuable insights into the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods of pregnancy gastritis.

Gastritis: An In-Depth Look

Gastritis is a group of conditions that occur due to inflammation, erosion, or irritation of the stomach’s protective lining. Generally, it results from an infection by the bacterium that triggers stomach ulcers. It can be either acute or chronic, depending on the duration of the condition and severity of the inflammation. 

Chronic Gastritis vs Acute Gastritis

Acute gastritis is developed all of a sudden and caused by allergies or infections. Chronic gastritis evolves over a long period and is caused by several factors, such as heavy alcohol consumption and smoking. 

Acute gastritis in pregnancy can cause symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain. It also leads to dehydration, which can be risky for the developing fetus and the mother. Acute gastritis in pregnancy can be treated with changes in diet, rest, and medications.

Chronic gastritis in pregnancy does not cause any symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as stomach ulcers and stomach cancer. Chronic gastritis in pregnancy can be treated with medication to minimise acid production in the stomach and inflammation and lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking.

Acute gastritis occurs as a severe and sudden pain for a temporary duration. On the other hand, chronic gastritis is a dull, aching pain for a longer duration. 

Both will have similar symptoms, like vomiting, recurrent nausea, a feeling of bloating mainly after a meal, loss of appetite, and indigestion. If the symptoms are left untreated, it leads to the risk of stomach cancers and ulcers. 

Pregnant women generally develop acute gastritis due to the hormonal changes in their bodies and increased stress levels.

Understanding Gastritis During Pregnancy

The stomach’s inner layer secretes mucus to safeguard it against harm caused by corrosive digestive juices. Gastritis commonly occurs due to the inflammation of this protective layer of tissue. The main reason for this condition is a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, which can lead to stomach ulcers eventually. When left untreated, it becomes severe and leads to stomach cancer. This infection is generally passed from interpersonal contact. In some cases, it may be transmitted through contaminated beverages or food. Other causes of gastritis are:

• Alcohol consumption
• Overproduction of gastric juices
• Extended vomiting
• Immune and allergic conditions like pernicious anemia
• Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Aspirin
• Radiation exposure
• Backflow of bile from the duodenum (small intestine)
• Extreme stress
• Previous history of gastritis (it can get aggravated during pregnancy)

Women who already have gastritis will suffer an aggravation of the disease during pregnancy. This is due to hormone fluctuation levels and a growing foetus’s combined pressure on the body. With the typical symptoms, expectant mothers may experience toxicosis, heartburn, severe vomiting, flatulence, stomach pain, and diarrhoea.

Symptoms of Pregnancy Gastritis

Pregnant women develop non-chronic gastritis, and the reasons are not fully understood. The common symptoms of pregnancy gastritis are: 

• Pain in the upper abdomen 
• Feeling of fullness in the tummy 
• Feeling sick
• Indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating and heartburn
• Nausea and diarrhoea
• Blood vomit
• Blood in the stools (occurs when the stomach lining gets ulcerated)
• Weight loss

In mild cases, a diet change will help alleviate the symptoms. The risk of gastritis is high if you consume certain foods that are hot, acidic, processed, spicy, or packaged. Hence, it is advisable to avoid foods that worsen gastritis.

How to treat pregnancy gastritis?

To manage gastritis during pregnancy, healthcare professionals advise the use of pregnancy-safe treatments and medications if dietary changes are not effective. Additionally, lifestyle and dietary modifications may be suggested to alleviate symptoms. 

Pregnant women with gastritis need to consult with their doctor before taking any medication, as certain drugs may pose a risk to the health of the baby. The doctor may recommend an alternative medication or allow the current medication to continue if it is deemed safe for the baby.

Diagnosis of Gastritis in Pregnancy

Diagnosis of gastritis is carried out based on the presentation of clinical symptoms, and many tests are done to confirm it. The tests include: 

1. Endoscopy – An elongated thin tube is inserted into the stomach through the oral cavity during the procedure. This tube has a compact camera at its tip, facilitating healthcare professionals to obtain a clear view of the internal organs. If the stomach lining appears inflamed and reddish, it indicates gastritis. Nevertheless, a biopsy is required to receive additional confirmation.
2. Biopsy – A tissue sample is collected during the endoscopy procedure if the mucosa is inflamed and red. The sample is sent to the laboratory for further investigation. The pathologist will look for abnormalities, such as damage to the inflammatory and epithelium cells.

Home remedies for gastritis during pregnancy

It is impossible to eliminate gastrointestinal issues during pregnancy, but the following tips may help you feel better:

• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid sugar and its substitutes
• Avoid carbonated, gassy, and soda drinks
• Take food rich in fibre and add fibre supplements to the diet
• Exercise regularly to reduce constipation and speed up digestion 
• Practice relaxation techniques
• Track the daily consumption of food to understand digestion issues
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Wear loose-fitting maternity clothes to make yourself comfortable 

Foods to avoid for pregnancy gastritis

It is advisable to make adjustments to your dietary habits. Eliminate spicy, fried, acidic, high-fat foods from your diet, which can trigger gastritis flare-ups. Additionally, caffeinated drinks should be avoided, so consider replacing your coffees and sodas with herbal teas and flavoured water. 

While certain dishes like red meat, pork, and refined foods may not cause immediate reactions, they can worsen pain in the long run. Instead of consuming three large meals, it is recommended to spread out four to six smaller portions throughout the day.

Ensure your plate consists of easily digestible foods, such as low-fat dairy products, porridge, soup, steamed or boiled lean meat, and fish. To complement your meal, include fresh juice from fruits and vegetables.

These are the foods that are likely to cause gas problems in pregnancy:

1. Vegetables containing the sugar raffinose (has complex carbohydrates and insoluble nature)

• Beans 
• Cabbage 
• Cauliflower
• Brussels 
• Broccoli 
• Asparagus
• Sprouts

2. Starchy and gluten-rich foods (take longer time to digest in pregnancy)

• Potatoes 
• Pasta 
• Oat Bran 
• White rice 
• Bread 
• High fibre fruits

3. Fried fatty or greasy items (takes time to break down)

• Artificial sweeteners 
• Dairy products 
• Caffeine 
• Sugary fizzy drinks 
• Alcohol 
• Chewing gum

When to see a doctor?

It is essential to visit your doctor for gastrointestinal issues, even if they do not seem severe when you are a pregnant mom. Your doctor can prescribe treatment to alleviate the symptoms and monitor your condition to ensure you stay healthy throughout pregnancy. 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience chronic or severe symptoms such as:

• Severe pain or discomfort that interrupts your daily activities 
• Blood in stools 
• Continuous constipation 
• Blood vomits
• Extreme weight loss 
• Pain or difficulty swallowing 
• Frequent choking episodes 
• Extreme tiredness or fatigue 

Gastritis during pregnancy can be disgusting. If you are pregnant and experience gastrointestinal symptoms, do not hesitate to make an appointment with your healthcare provider.

Importance of Regular Prenatal Checkups 

Pregnant women with gastritis must attend regular prenatal checkups as it enables healthcare professionals to monitor and address the condition effectively. These checkups allow healthcare professionals to prescribe medication, recommend dietary modifications, and track the condition’s progress. 

Moreover, regular prenatal checkups also serve as a platform for pregnant women to openly discuss any worries or inquiries they may have regarding their condition. This facilitates the reduction of anxiety or stress associated with the condition and guarantees that the woman receives the necessary support throughout her pregnancy.

Potential Complications of Untreated Gastritis During Pregnancy

Poorly managed or untreated gastritis leads to different complications, such as anaemia, bleeding in the stomach lining, dehydration, and stomach ulcers. During pregnancy, you will face severe symptoms that will need immediate medical attention, such as blood in stool or, blood vomits or breathing difficulties.

Pregnancy gastritis can be complex and challenging. With the correct preventative and management strategies, gastritis during pregnancy can be controlled. It is essential to visit a healthcare professional if symptoms prevail or worsen during pregnancy. Expectant mothers can enjoy a comfortable and healthy pregnancy with proper care and attention.

Final Thoughts

Adopting preventive measures is crucial to manage gastritis during pregnancy effectively. One such strategy involves steering clear of specific foods that may trigger symptoms. Spicy, acidic, or fatty foods should be avoided as they can irritate the stomach lining and exacerbate symptoms. Another helpful approach is consuming smaller, more frequent meals, which can reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups. In addition to making dietary adjustments, incorporating stress management techniques into one’s routine can also prove beneficial in managing gastritis during pregnancy. 

Meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help alleviate stress and promote relaxation. Prioritizing self-care and dedicating time to relaxation during this period is essential for reducing stress levels and enhancing overall health and well-being.

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