Pregnancy and constipation

Nearly half of pregnant women have constipation at some point, which is a typical condition throughout pregnancy. Constipation is characterised by discomfort or soreness in the lower abdomen, irregular and difficult bowel movements, and the passage of firm stools.

What results in constipation while pregnant?

Constipation is typically brought on by worry, anxiety, little activity, and a low-fiber diet. The increase in progesterone hormones that slow down the passage of food and waste through your system during pregnancy is what causes constipation.

Tablets containing iron can occasionally cause constipation. If you take iron supplements, be sure to drink lots of water.

It might be necessary for you to convert to a new kind of iron tablet, but it’s crucial to consult your doctor first.

How can pregnancy-related constipation be avoided or treated?

Many of the steps involved in treating and preventing constipation are the same.

Here are a few things you can do to treat constipation if you currently have it or to help prevent it from happening:

Include fiber: Consume 25 to 30 g of dietary fibre per day, ideally coming from fruits, vegetables, morning cereals, whole-grain bread, prunes, and bran. This makes for easier-to-poop stools that are thicker.

Drink a lot of fluids: Water consumption is crucial, especially when fibre intake rises and softer stools are ensured. Each day, consume 10 to 12 glasses of liquids. The greatest way to aid with waste elimination is to combine a high fibre diet with lots of fluids. Exercise, hot and humid weather, and sweating can all make you thirstier.

Regularly engage in physical activity: Constipation is more likely in inactive people. By stimulating your bowels, moderate exercise like walking, swimming, and other sports will assist your intestines function. Set aside 20 to 30 minutes for exercise three times a week.

Complications

Constipation during pregnancy typically lasts a short time and goes away on its own or with very little help. Occasionally, though, chronic constipation might result in faecal impaction, which may require surgical removal.

When certain laxatives are used regularly, the colon may “forget” how to move stool through the intestines.

Some persons may develop electrolyte or fluid imbalances as a result of these medications. People with additional health difficulties, including diabetes or kidney illness, are frequently affected by similar complications.

It is important to consult a doctor about the finest laxatives to use and how frequently to take them.

Whenever to visit a doctor

Before using any medication, including laxatives or other therapies for constipation, pregnant women must consult their doctor.

It is also advised to see a doctor if any further symptoms develop, such as

Constipation that persists for more than two weeks and causes more than one or two weeks of bleeding from the rectum

Always tell your doctor about any additional symptoms or worries to get more detailed information and guidance.