digestive enzymes in pregnancy

By chopraacupuncture in 14 Oct 2021 | 01:38

chopraacupuncture

Student

Posts: 54

Member since: 21 Jul 2020

Hi David, I know it’s not herbs or your area of expertise but I can’t seem to find any definitive statement, which often seems the case with pregnancy, but I was wondering if you know if taking digestive enzymes is safe in the first trimester of pregnancy? The patient is ultra bloated with eating, and has tried fennel, ginger, eating endive before a meal, but still very bloated. She’s had success with digestive enzymes in the past (pre pregnancy). Thanks for any thoughts! If relevant, she only has one kidney and is pregnant with an egg donor so it’s a highly medicalized and monitored pregnancy so far.

14 Oct 2021 | 01:38

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David Winston

Instructor

Posts: 858

Member since: 22 Sep 2020

As far as I know, no digestive enzymes would be contraindicated during pregnancy and taking them during pregnancy is probably ok. Still have they been tested and found safe? probably not. Perhaps she should speak with her obstetrician this is from a ND who specializes in women health website Take a digestive enzyme with meals - this helps the food move from the stomach into the small intestine with greater speed. I always carried some papaya enzymes in my purse. They are chewable and sweet so it was like a little treat with each meal.

25 Oct 2021 | 16:39

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chopraacupuncture

Student

Posts: 54

Member since: 21 Jul 2020

thank you! I find it challenging to recommend things to pregnant and lactating women b/c of the lack of evidence... so it does seem for many things it's relying on trusted sources, midwife-herbalists, naturopaths who have a lot of experience, etc. Thanks so much.

27 Oct 2021 | 01:57

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