Coping with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be difficult at the best of times and pregnancy may have an impact on the symptoms. Some sufferers find their IBS symptoms improve whereas others may find they worsen.

It's therefore vital that particular attention is given to ensuring the diet provides proper pregnancy nutrition for meeting the growing needs of the baby while minimizing IBS symptoms in the expectant mother.


Irritable bowel syndrome is a digestive-related problem displaying symptoms such as bloating, excess wind, painful cramps or diarrhea. IBS is commonly triggered by stress or hormones but symptoms are often aggravated by eating certain types of food whereby relief is only found once these foods are restricted. 

Likewise, pregnancy can also cause digestive problems such as morning sickness, heartburn, indigestion and constipation. For many, these symptoms gradually disappear after the first few months while others will suffer with them for the entire pregnancy. As with IBS, some of these symptoms are worsened by eating certain foods, although some food can bring relief for problems like heartburn and indigestion.

Common trigger foods for sufferers of IBS include onions, pulses, prunes and vegetables such as cabbage or broccoli, those containing caffeine and wheat based products. Heartburn and indigestion in pregnancy can be caused by foods that may irritate the stomach. For instance, acidic fruits such as oranges and other citrus fruits, spicy or high fat foods, tomato products and caffeine.

If symptoms of IBS are currently being managed through diet, it's best to continue doing this throughout the pregnancy so as not to worsen the condition. As far as possible try avoiding all foods which trigger IBS, particularly if symptoms include diarrhea. It is important though, to ensure that where an important food group cannot be tolerated, an alternative substitute is eaten instead so vital nutrients aren't excluded from the diet.

For example, some women find their IBS symptoms worsen when they consume dairy products. However, pregnant women need to eat plenty of calcium of which dairy is a valuable source. Good alternative sources of calcium include lactose free milk, soya milk, calcium fortified drinks and some foods such as fortified cereals, broccoli, spinach, tofu, sweet potatoes and lentils. Obviously, if any of these foods trigger IBS, they should be avoided and it would be advisable to take a calcium supplement.

In some cases, pregnancy can improve IBS symptoms. For example, pregnant women often experience constipation as a result of taking iron tablets, but also due to the digestive system becoming sluggish as the pregnancy progresses. IBS sufferers who tend to suffer loose stools as a symptom sometimes find they can now tolerate certain foods during their pregnancy that would otherwise cause adverse reactions.

Those suffering from more severe IBS may find their diet becomes quite limited throughout the pregnancy, making mealtimes somewhat tedious. In these cases it can be useful to buy a new cookbook for expectant mothers as these often provide recipes offering suitable substitutes for ingredients which the IBS sufferer can't easily eat.

Coping with irritable bowel syndrome in pregnancy can be managed through careful monitoring of the diet. Avoiding foods which worsen symptoms while making some dietary substitutions should help to maintain a healthy diet throughout the pregnancy. Always consult regularly with the doctor or a nutritionist and make sure they’re fully aware of the extent of the IBS symptoms so they can provide suitable dietary advice for a healthy pregnancy.

Further sources:

NHS Healthy Eating in Pregnancy