During pregnancy, which change in gastrointestinal function is expected as the term approaches?

As pregnancy progresses toward term, it is expected that gastrointestinal motility decreases. This decrease is primarily due to the influence of hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, such as increased levels of progesterone. These hormonal fluctuations lead to relaxation of smooth muscle, which results in slower movement through the gastrointestinal tract. This slowing down can lead to common pregnancy-related issues such as constipation and gastroesophageal reflux.

While some dietary factors can influence gastrointestinal motility, the overall trend during the later stages of pregnancy is a decrease in motility rather than increased, stabilized, or variable motility. Understanding this physiological change helps in managing and anticipating the common gastrointestinal discomforts that pregnant individuals may experience as their due date approaches.