Constipation during pregnancy

Constipation is typical during pregnancy. In particular, many changes in the body occur in the 5th week of pregnancy. This includes hormonal changes that affect the digestive system, resulting in constipation. As many as 50% of women suffer from constipation and have less than three bowel movements per week^[1].

Contents 1 Causes of constipation in pregnant women 2 Constipation symptoms during pregnancy 3 Dangers/risks posed by constipation during pregnancy 4 Relief and remedies for constipation during pregnancy 5 References

[edit] Causes of constipation in pregnant women

Irregular bowel movements play a big role in causing this problem. Women with low liquid intake are more prone to this problem. Lack of regular exercise is another contributing factor. When the baby is growing rapidly, it pushes against the intestines, and this can cause constipation due to relaxation of the intestines which cease to function properly^{[Clarification Needed]}.

The hormone progesterone can also cause muscles to relax. This leads to intestines functioning improperly, which then leads to constipation.

Women who are anemic are prone to constipation during pregnancy. Some women take prenatal vitamin on a regular basis to get iron. Most of these women during eighth week of their pregnancy feel constipated due to the extra iron in the body. When switched to children’s vitamin, constipation is remedied in some cases^{[Clarification Needed]}. During second trimester, a doctor may put her back on prenatal vitamins.

Pregnancy is not always the cause of constipation in pregnant women. Other factors may be involved, such as long-term neurological problems or constant use of strong medicines being used on regular basis. Women who have been diagnosed with diseases such as cancer and thyroid may often feel constipated due to their conditions.

[edit] Constipation symptoms during pregnancy

If a woman has not been able to pass stools for a few days, they should contact their doctor immediately. Pregnant women who find passing stool too painful should visit their gynecologist. If the stool is very dry and hard, and hurting your skin, these indicate serious constipation symptoms. For pregnant women who are feeling pain along with constipation anywhere near the abdominal region, they must get medical advice. Pain accompanied with diarrhea should also be addressed. If a pregnant women is passing blood or mucus and facing rectal bleeding, then a medical doctor should be contacted right away.

[edit] Dangers/risks posed by constipation during pregnancy

Constipation during any stage of pregnancy can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.

If waste in the body does not come out on time, toxins can accumulate in the body. From the colon these toxins can get into the bloodstream; this can poison the whole body and endanger life of both mother and child. Sickness and other diseases can come up in the body as a result of constipation.

[edit] Relief and remedies for constipation during pregnancy

A lot of fiber rich food is recommended by doctors to help in proper formation of stool and its movement down the colon and rectum.

Water and juicy fruits provide necessary liquid to colon and bulky stool. This helps in softer passage movements of the stool.

Proper exercises allow for good bowel movements. According to Dr. Bewtra, Kegel exercises provide strength to pelvic region, this helps in regular bowel movements. Persistent problem might require medical attention. Proper medicines help in free passage of stool. Iron and calcium should be consumed in right quantities.

For more tips on food choices, see this list of foods to eat while pregnant. There are also ways to avoid heartburn while pregnant.

While trying to pass stool, extra undesired effort should not be put on the bowels.

[edit] References

• http://symptomsonline.org/symptoms-of-pregnancy/constipation-during-pregnancy/ – Morro William and Company, Inc., Mayo Clinic Book of Pregnancy and Baby’s First Year, 1994
• http://pregnancy-pilates.com/search/5-weeks-pregnant-no-constipation – Agarwal Abhishek, 23rd January, 2009
• http://www.babycenter.com/0_constipation-during-pregnancy_836.bc – retrieved online May 3, 2011
• http://www.pregnancytoday.com/articles/signs-symptoms/constipation-during-pregnancy-4750/3/ -retrieved online 11/5/2011



1. ↑ Dr. Ken Troffater, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Carolina

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