I think I've developed IBS as a pregnancy symptom - advice please

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TMI warning!

I'm 13 or 14 weeks pregnant and ever since I've found out I've had a few bouts of absolutely agonising trips to the toilet, every two weeks or so. Stomach cramps and backache, wanting to throw up (I did a couple of times). It hurt so much I thought I was miscarrying, but after I'd finished each time I felt fine again.

I thought it might be a tummy bug or dodgy food but it's been too frequent for that, so I was wondering about Irritable Bowel Syndrome? I've never had it before. I'll keep a record of all the food I eat prior to it happening (last night was v. mild curry ).

Any advice would be brilliant, plus do you know when I should go back to to start recording my food? (i.e. how long to go through my system?)

Thank you!

I would visit doctor to confirm ibs it could be a number of other things.If it is ibs, avoid spicy foods and greasy foods, and you need a diet high in soluable fibre you can google it as unsoluble fibre can actually make it worse, also i would eat little and often, and keeping a diary, as you are. this will help as there are different triggers for different people.

Also how long digestion takes varies but you could eat some sweetcorn and well see how long it takes, if you now what i mean discusting but very effective.

Oh I did too . Food diary only way to go. Don't pay too much attention to how long since you ate it - if it's IBS it'll only take 1/2 an hour once you've eaten something you really react to IME. For me it was creamy food was the worst - ice cream, full fat milk. Other than that, sometimes it was just random .

Thank you! Ugh.

Lidenlass, did your symptoms go once you had given birth?

ilikeshoes, nice idea re:sweetcorn

I've had episodes of IBS throughout this pregnancy - I do get it very occassionally when not up the duff but only when I'm really stressed.

I too find that anything too rich or creamy sets it off now and the last time it went on for 24 hours and was hideous.

I find a hot water bottle (not too hot!), peppermint tea, paracetamol and not eating until it's passed usually works.

I got IBS during my pregnancy (had maybe had mild reactions to food before then). I did a search on here and was very disappointed that most people find their IBS improves when they are pregnant .

where is the pain when you have it? Have you noticed if its spasms of pain?

Thanks everyone for your replies.

countrylover, will try your tips, thanks. Fortunately my longest bout has only been an hour.

Pollyanna, I'm gutted to have it (if it is IBS), this is 3rd pregnancy and first time for this symptom. But would much rather have it in pregnancy than normal life, than the other way round, IYSWIM!

nnn, I have stomach cramps which are like period pains, but the worst is lower back ache which is horrendous, which I think comes and goes a little bit. I generally feel a bit under the weather beforehand, then in the bathroom it's awful, and then after I feel as right as rain again. Bizzare!

At first I was really worried that it was the baby, but have had it every couple of weeks since I found out I was pregnant, and everything was ok at the 12 week scan. Think will try and see the dr next week, but am worried that I will not get an 'IBS sympathetic' one. But at least s/he could rule out other things.

Thanks again