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Gastrointestinal Care in Pregnancy

Procedure

Gastrointestinal Care in Pregnancy

Specialist evaluation and management of digestive symptoms during pregnancy, including reflux and heartburn, constipation, gallstones, cholestasis of pregnancy, and inflammatory bowel disease care, with endoscopy available when clearly indicated.

What is it?

Digestive symptoms are common in pregnancy. Most are part of normal pregnancy and settle with simple measures. A smaller number need a more detailed look, and a few need a focused intervention.

Care in pregnancy needs to balance the safety of the mother and the unborn baby. We assess, treat conservatively where possible, and only escalate to investigations or procedures (including endoscopy) when the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. All care is coordinated with your obstetrician.

Who needs it?

  • Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy that is severe or persistent.
  • Heartburn or reflux that is not controlled by simple measures.
  • Constipation in pregnancy not responding to fibre and fluids.
  • Itching with abnormal liver tests (possible cholestasis of pregnancy).
  • Known gallstones with symptoms during pregnancy.
  • Pre-existing inflammatory bowel disease, planned or active pregnancy.

How it works

Initial consultation reviews the symptoms, the stage of pregnancy, and any other medical conditions.

Lifestyle and dietary measures are tried first.

Pregnancy-safe medications are added if needed.

Endoscopic procedures are reserved for situations where they meaningfully change the plan, performed with anaesthesia and obstetric input.

Preparation

  • Bring your obstetric records and a list of current medications.

Recovery

  • Most consultations are completed in a single visit with a written plan.

Risks

Standard outpatient consultation carries no risk to mother or baby. Any tests or procedures with their own risks are discussed individually in advance.

Common questions

Things patients ask us.

Is endoscopy safe in pregnancy?

It can be done safely when clearly needed, with the right precautions. We avoid it where simpler approaches will give the answer.

Are reflux medicines safe in pregnancy?

Several reflux medicines have been used in pregnancy for decades and are considered safe. We choose the one best matched to your stage of pregnancy.

Next step

Speak with a consultant about GI Care in Pregnancy.

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