title: Digestive health in pregnancy.
abstract: Women experience the physiological changes of pregnancy in a variety of ways. Changes in pregnancy are associated with changing hormone levels. These hormonal changes have an impact on all body systems. Midwives need to have an understanding of the changes so that they can enable women to manage their digestive health effectively. The midwife needs to be vigilant in history taking to understand the woman's experiences and to be able to offer appropriate support and advice. There are a number of conventional and alternative treatments that can help to prevent and alleviate symptoms. This article will consider the impact on the gastro-intestinal system and how changes can be managed.
authors.affiliation: University of Huddersfield.
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kenyon
mesh_terms: D004066:Digestive System Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004068:Digestive System Physiological Phenomena; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008880:Midwifery / Q000379:methods*; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods*