Constipation during pregnancy is common, with studies showing that it affects between 11% and 38% of pregnant women. It usually occurs in early pregnancy, mainly during the second or third month of your first trimester or in the second trimester.
So, when your body goes through different changes, it’s common for your digestive system to slow down, leading to hard, painful bowel movements.
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Is it normal to have constipation during pregnancy?
Yes, it’s normal to experience constipation during pregnancy. But pregnant women can feel uncomfortable, feel bloated and experience abdominal pain in their lower abdomen due to constipation.
There are many reasons for constipation during pregnancy, including hormonal changes, pressure from the growing uterus, and prenatal vitamins with iron, which can all contribute to this issue.
Symptoms of constipation during pregnancy
Constipation is quite common in pregnant women. Some common symptoms to look out for are:
- You find it very difficult to poop
- The poop is strangely small or large
- Your poop is firm and lumpy
- You are only having a bowel movement a few times per week.
- You feel all bloated.
Causes of constipation during pregnancy
Uterus expands: When the fetus grows and the uterus is expanding, it puts pressure on the intestines, affecting bowel movements and resulting in constipation.
Hormonal changes: Progesterone, a hormone that increases during pregnancy, plays a key role in causing constipation. Though it helps relax the muscles in the digestive tract, it can slow down bowel movements. As a result, the body absorbs more water from the food, leading to harder stools and making it more difficult to pass them, which can cause constipation.
Dietary changes: Changes in your diet, like reduced fibre intake, less water consumption or eating less due to morning sickness, can cause constipation during pregnancy.
Dehydration: If you don’t drink enough water, it can lead to waste buildup in your bowels and cause constipation while pregnant.
Decreased physical activity: During pregnancy, most pregnant women tend to reduce their physical activity. This makes it difficult for the digestive system to exit the waste from their body. Please consult with your gynecologist before starting an exercise routine.
Iron supplements: Iron in prenatal vitamins helps your body produce more blood, but again, it can also slow down digestion.
How do you manage constipation during pregnancy?
Some pregnancy constipation relief measures you can take are:
- Drink at least 10 glasses of water or about 2.3 litres per day. This helps you soften your poop and reduces constipation problems.
- Eat more fibre. Try having at least 25 to 30 grams of foods that are rich in fibre.
- Staying inactive can increase the chances of constipation. So, try gentle activities such as walking and exercises for 20 to 30 minutes thrice a week.
- If you have the urge to poop, go to the toilet immediately and take deep breaths to relax your pelvic floor muscles. This helps you poop easily.
- If iron supplements are something that is causing the constipation issue, discuss it with your gynecologist. They might prescribe a lesser dosage of iron or give you other medications to relieve constipation.
Can you take constipation medicine while pregnant?
Yes, you can take constipation medicine during pregnancy if your gynecologist prescribes. Constipation is a common concern in pregnancy, and doctors often suggest laxatives specific to your concerns and health conditions.
Hence it is recommended to only use a laxative or any other medicine for that matter under the guidance of your healthcare professional. Do not opt for over the counter medicine.
When should I consult a doctor?
Constipation during pregnancy is a common thing that most women experience. But if you have been dealing with constipation for more than a few weeks and have any of these symptoms, contact your gynecologist immediately.
If constipation lasts for more than few days, consult your gynecologist
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Alternating diarrhea
- No relief after taking a laxative
- mucus or blood while pooping
Conclusion
If you are dealing with constipation during pregnancy, it’s normal, and many women go through this. Hormonal shifts, your expanding uterus, and iron-packed prenatal vitamins can make bowel movements worse.
But take a deep breath. It can be handled by making some changes to your lifestyle. Talk to your gynecologist immediately if the symptoms are getting severe. For consultations and appointments with the best gynecologist in Chennai, Dr. Deepthi Jammi, contact Jammi Scans at 7338771733.
Chennai Women’s Clinic and scan center is now Jammi Scans
FAQs
1. Can you take constipation medicine while pregnant?
Yes, you can take constipation medicine while pregnant if your gynecologist prescribes it.
2. Does constipation affect baby movement?
No constipation doesn’t usually affect your baby’s movement. But you can feel bloated and uncomfortable.
3. Why am I unable to empty my bowels while pregnant?
You are not able to empty your bowels when pregnant due to different factors such as hormonal changes, a lack of fibre intake, and your uterus expanding with fetus growth, among others.
If you are unable to empty your bowels while pregnant, it can be due to factors such as hormonal changes, reduced fibre intake, and the expansion of the uterus.
4. Is it okay to push hard to poop when pregnant?
Although straining to poop doesn’t usually harm the baby, there are chances of getting anal fissures and hemorrhoids leading to discomfort for the mother. Also, there are no medical studies that claim straining while trying to poop leads to miscarriage.
5. What is the best position for constipation during pregnancy?
If you are having constipation during pregnancy, finding the right pooping position might help ease the discomfort.
If you are using a western toilet, follow the given steps:
- Place a footstool under your feet.
- Sit comfortably on the toilet seat with your knees and feet apart.
- Keep your back straight while leaning forward with your baby bump.
- Slowly take breaths using your mouth, as it helps relax your tummy muscles.
- This position helps you poop properly when you are suffering from constipation during pregnancy.
If you are using an Indian toilet, follow the given steps:
- Keep your back straight while you squat to sit to use an Indian toilet. This position helps maintain balance and can prevent falls or discomfort.
- Avoid straining while passing stool. This movement can add excessive pressure to your colon and pelvic area and might cause prolapse.
- It’s recommended to have handles installed on each side of the bathroom to add extra support and grip for pregnant women while squatting on the Indian toilet.
- To avoid slipping on the floor and for increased grip, wear bathroom footwear.
