How To Treat Stomach Ulcer During Pregnancy? 

How to Know if You Have a Stomach Ulcer?

Don’t know if you’ve had stomach ulcer during pregnancy? To know at home, it is very important to understand and pay attention to its symptoms. For instance, the most common symptom of stomach ulcer during pregnancy is burning pain in the stomach. However, remember some people don’t have any symptoms, while some severe signs caused are:

• Black or red vomiting or vomit with blood.
• Black or tarry stools or stools with dark blood.
• A feeling of faintness.
• Having trouble breathing.
• Nausea.
• Changes in appetite.
• Unexpected weight loss.

If you face anything unusual or have any such symptoms or signs during pregnancy, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.

How to Diagnose Stomach Ulcer During Pregnancy?

Wondering if stomach ulcers can be treated during pregnancy? Well, yes it is done by a process called EGD test or Esophagogastroduodenoscopy. It is done using a thin, lighted, flexible tube. This tube goes into the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum through the mouth and throat to examine the inside. This procedure is done by doctors, allowing them to diagnose the inside of the body.

How Does Stomach Ulcer Affect During Pregnancy?

Even though stomach ulcers are rare during pregnancy, they can cause pain and discomfort to the mother-to-be. It can also trigger other symptoms such as stress, discomfort, stomach acid production, increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight babies, etc. If severe, it can lead to other long-term complications too such as perforation, internal bleeding, gastrointestinal obstruction, etc.

How to Treat Stomach Ulcer During Pregnancy?

The best method to treat stomach ulcers is using antacids. It is a medically proven effective method and is easily available at medical equipment suppliers or pharmaceuticals. However, keep in mind that antacids aren’t the best option when it comes to consuming them during pregnancy as they contain bicarbonate.

The major reason is that they can harm both the mother and the fetus. Doctors suggest an alternative option during pregnancy: antacids that contain calcium, aluminum, or Magnesium in small quantities. Consuming these in small quantities is an extra precaution to prevent harm to the fetus’s health. 

Some Other Ways to Treat Stomach Ulcer During Pregnancy

Here are some other ways of treating stomach ulcers during pregnancy:

1. Take Medications

Medications are the first thing people run to when any disease occurs. And during pregnancy, certain medicines can help them instead of causing any harm. In the case of stomach ulcers during pregnancy, antacids are helpful but in small quantities and the one that contains calcium. Another helpful medicine is omeprazole.

It helps reduce stomach acids, thereby treating stomach ulcers. However, remember to consult with your doctor or specialist before consuming it. Similarly, avoid medicines such as NSAIDS—non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—as they have side effects on women during pregnancy.

2. Avoid Alcohol and Smoke

During pregnancy, consuming alcohol can cause harm to your fetus and the growth of your baby. When suffering from a stomach ulcer, one must completely avoid it as it can deteriorate the entire digestive system.

Similarly, smoking is also harmful to your growing fetus and lungs. If neglected, it will lead to unwanted complications and might end up harming your baby.

3. Avoid Harmful Foods

Relying on a healthy diet is very important, especially during pregnancy. Because now you’re feeding two, it is very important to avoid harmful foods. And if you’re suffering from stomach ulcers, then here are the foods that you must surely avoid during pregnancy:

• Fatty foods
• Chocolate
• Citrus juice
• Fried foods
• Sadas
• Foods that contain caffeine

What Happens if Stomach Ulcer is Neglected?

Not paying attention to your health’s changing patterns is the worst thing you can do, especially when it is about stomach ulcers during pregnancy. Wondering what the complications can be? Here is what can happen if left untreated:

• It can lead to internal bleeding that as a result may cause anemia or result in hospitalization/blood transfusion.
• It can cause a hole through your stomach wall or small intestine, which can lead to a serious infection of your peritonitis.
• It can also lead to passage blockage of food, causing weight loss through swelling due to inflammation/scarring. 
• If severe or neglected, it can also lead to a higher chance of gastric cancer.

Some Preventions to Follow for Stomach Ulcer during Pregnancy

In addition to medications and other lifestyle changes, there are some home remedies or daily life precautions too. So, to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers during pregnancy, here are some recommended strategies to follow :

• It is very important to protect yourself from infections. Opt for hygiene products such as household rubber gloves to keep yourself safe. Remember also to wash your hands with soap or quality hand wash in moments like eating foods, cooking, etc.
• Also, to keep your food and leftovers safe, you can use hygiene products such as Case Food-safe antibacterial sanitizer.
• Eat your meals on time and 3-4 hours before bedtime.
• Use caution when taking painkillers or seek advice from your healthcare professional.

Protect Yourself and Let Your Baby Grow

Medical supplies for treatment can be obtained from common medical suppliers or local pharmacy stores. We are your best partner when it comes to health. As the leading professional healthcare Information provider, you can rely on us for guidance in your pregnancy journey. 

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