The treatment for gastritis in pregnancy is done mainly through dietary changes, preferring a diet rich in vegetables and avoiding caffeinated foods, fried foods and soft drinks, and with the help of natural remedies like chamomile tea. Your doctor may also prescribe medications that decrease stomach acidity, such as Ranitidine, to help control symptoms.
The chances of having gastritis during gestation increase due to hormonal changes and the increase in stress and anxiety that are normal at this stage. In addition, the enlarged uterus can compress the abdominal organs, which can cause reflux, intestinal changes and worsening gastric symptoms. Also see the symptoms and treatment of reflux in pregnancy.
It is important to note that gastritis does not harm the baby, but one should only take medications to combat this problem according to medical advice.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of gastritis during pregnancy are the same as other phases of life, and may appear:
- Heartburn and pain in the stomach;
- Constant hiccups;
- Vomiting;
- Indigestion;
- Dark stools.
These symptoms appear mainly after meals or when you stay for a long time without eating, and may get worse at times of stress or anxiety.
How is the treatment done?
Treatment options for gastritis in pregnancy include:
1. Treatment with medicines
The use of medicines should only be done if indicated by the doctor and should be preferred, whenever possible, changes in diet and natural remedies.
In the cases indicated, some options include antacids like Magnésia Bisurada, Milk of magnesia or Milanta plus. Ranitidine can also be used safely in pregnancy, and works by decreasing the production of acidity in the stomach. See how this medication works in Ranitidine Bull.
2. What to eat
It is important to increase the intake of dry and easily digested foods, such as steamed salad, white meats, fish, fruits, wholemeal bread and crackers without filling.
In addition, remember to chew food well and eat every 3 hours, as skipping meals or overeating in the following meals can make the gastritis worse.
See also tips on eating to combat heartburn in pregnancy in the following video:
3. What not to eat
To control gastritis, foods such as fried foods, fatty and processed meats such as sausage and sausage, pepper, very seasoned preparations, sweets, white bread and acidic foods like pineapple, tomato and orange should be removed from the diet.
Also, it is important to avoid soft drinks, caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea mate because they cause irritation in the stomach and make the problem worse. See how the diet should be to combat gastritis and ulcers.
4. Natural Remedies
Some medicinal plants can be used during pregnancy to improve digestion and to decrease nausea, such as ginger, chamomile, peppermint and dandelion. However, it is important to remember that women who take diabetes medications can not consume dandelion tea.
These teas should be taken about 2 times a day, preferably upon waking and between meals. Check out other home remedy tips to end your stomach ache.