During pregnancy, it is hard to predict whether irritable bowel syndrome is going to ease or become more "aggressive". The hormonal changes that women go through, as well as the physical pressure on the gut from the growing foetus can impact the symptoms of IBS. So, how are irritable bowel syndrome and pregnancy related?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder of the intestines. It is considered as a functional disorder, as the bowels do not function or work, as they should in relation to digestion and stimuli.

The most common symptoms are adbominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, constipation and bloating (gas).

It is believed that around 1 in 5 people are effected by IBS and two thirds of the cases diagnosed with IBS are women, which has led to the belief that hormones can influence IBS symptoms, as women go through a larger range of hormone levels during a monthly cycle.

The symptoms of IBS can be both physically and psychologically trying. It can interfere with the quality of life and influence many eating habits and lifestyle choices.

However, IBS is not a disease, and it does not damage the gastrointestinal (GI) tract at all. In fact, the bowels show no signs of any changes other than an increased sensitivity to stimuli and greater motility.

Also, IBS does not seem to effect nutrient absorption, with children who are diagnosed growing and developing at a normal rate.

IBS does not impact on a woman's chance of getting pregnant, nor effect the health of the baby during pregnancy.

Although IBS symptoms can either get better or worsen during pregnancy, for the majority of sufferer's the symptoms do seem to worsen due to the hormonal changes that are occurring in the body.

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In the 1st trimester, it is not unusual to see the symptoms of IBS reduce, or even disappear. This can be useful, as there may be feelings of "morning sickness" and nausea.

In the 2nd trimester the changes that are happening to the women are more apparent, and IBS symptoms will often be present. Unfortunately, symptoms may even be stronger than they would normally feel.

In the 3rd trimester the IBS symptoms are likely to continue if they are present in the 2nd trimester, although the predominant symptom tends to be constipation during this period.

The risk of constipation increases as the levels of progesterone has been increased in the body, and progesterone is a muscle relaxant, causing the contractions that evacuate waste to be weaker.

That being said, women who do not have IBS are also prone to suffer with constipation during this period also.

Some women chose to take medication during this period, or laxatives. However, discuss this option with your doctor before progressing to make sure they are safe for you and your unborn baby.

Some natural ways to alleviate constipation include:

- Increasing the intake of water to help soften the stool and ease passage - Increase the volume of fiber, particularly soluble fiber, to help bulk and soften the stool. - Carry out exercises that are safe during pregnancy. Exercise stimulates the digestion and reduces stress

Although there is a link between irritable bowel syndrome and pregnancy the symptoms can often be relieved with the adoption of a good diet, regular gentle exercise and a little knowledge.