Abdominal bloating during preconception period
Jun 01, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Abdominal bloating during the preconception period may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic gastritis, etc., and appropriate management should be based on the specific situation. The preconception period generally refers to the preparation phase before pregnancy, during which both partners should maintain regular作息 (lifestyle routines), avoid exposure to radioactive substances, and thereby improve sperm and egg quality.
Abdominal bloating during the preconception period may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic gastritis. Appropriate management should be based on specific circumstances. The details are as follows:
I. Physiological Factors
The preconception period refers to the preparation phase before pregnancy. During this time, both partners should maintain regular作息 (daily routines), avoid exposure to radiation, and improve sperm and egg quality. If food is eaten too quickly, excessive air may be swallowed, leading to changes in gastrointestinal pressure. When this trapped gas expands, it can cause abdominal bloating. This is a normal phenomenon and usually resolves spontaneously.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a common clinical condition with an unclear pathogenesis, likely resulting from multiple factors. Persistent stress, anxiety, or irregular作息 can impair intestinal function, lower the body's pain threshold, and increase gut sensitivity. After eating, insufficient gastric motility may cause food to remain in the stomach for prolonged periods, leading to bloating. It is recommended to adjust dietary habits by reducing intake of gas-producing foods. Under medical guidance, medications such as lactulose oral solution or enteric-coated compound glutamine capsules may be used.
2. Chronic Gastritis
In patients with chronic gastritis, sudden environmental changes or psychological stress related to preconception concerns may disrupt adaptation, causing autonomic nervous system dysfunction and uncoordinated gastric motility, thereby exacerbating chronic gastritis. Damage to the gastric mucosa and slowed peristalsis contribute to the aforementioned symptoms. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions and take medications such as bismuth potassium citrate tablets or ilaprazole enteric-coated tablets.
In addition, other conditions such as functional dyspepsia, pyloric obstruction, or intussusception may also cause similar symptoms. It is recommended to reduce consumption of gas-producing foods, increase fluid intake, eat smaller meals more frequently, and avoid eating before bedtime. Self-medication should be avoided to prevent interference with the preconception process.
