During pregnancy, many women have difficulty defecation. The constant discomfort associated with stool retention can seriously overshadow the happy waiting time for the baby. Often, the expectant mother does not attach much importance to recurrent constipation or considers them a natural phenomenon that you just need to endure. And some women are forced to put up with discomfort, because they are sure that there are no safe laxatives for pregnant women. However, this is fundamentally wrong. When constipation occurs, it is important to inform the doctor about this problem in a timely manner. The specialist will select a comprehensive treatment and prescribe modern preparations for bowel cleansing with an optimal safety profile, for example, MICROLAX ^® .

Back to content

The main symptoms of constipation during pregnancy

Constipation in a pregnant woman is indicated by a decrease in the number of bowel movements: bowel cleansing occurs less than 3 times a week. A deviation from the norm is considered to be a delay in feces for more than 2 days. Violation of the frequency of bowel movements is often accompanied by other symptoms. The feces that accumulate in the intestines become hard and dry. Going to the toilet requires a lot of straining. Dense feces can injure the anus, then defecation will be accompanied by pain. In addition, with constipation, a pregnant woman may be disturbed by a feeling of fullness and blockage in the rectum. Often, even going to the toilet does not bring relief: after a bowel movement, there is a feeling that the intestines have not been completely cleansed. Often, constipation is accompanied by flatulence, bloating.

Up to content

Causes of constipation during pregnancy

Hormonal changes. In the early stages of pregnancy, the balance of hormones in a woman's body actively changes, in particular, the level of progesterone increases. It reduces the tone of the muscles of the small pelvis: this is important so that the fertilized egg can gain a foothold in the uterus. This action of progesterone also gives a side effect. The hormone slows down the digestive tract and reduces intestinal motility. Very often because of this, constipation occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Decreased physical activity. Many women, having learned that they are expecting a child, give up an active lifestyle and sports. To a certain extent, this is justified, since serious physical exertion can be the cause of miscarriage. As the fetus develops, the outlines of the figure and body weight of the woman change, and for natural reasons it becomes difficult for her to actively move. Hypodynamia leads to a decrease in intestinal tone, which contributes to the development of constipation.

Taking certain drugs. For normal development, the fetus needs vitamins and microelements, so pregnant women are often prescribed medications containing these beneficial substances. Some of these drugs have a fixing property. First of all, these are products with a high content of calcium and iron.

Fluid deficiency in the body. In late pregnancy, many women experience swelling of the face, legs and arms. Because of this, expectant mothers try to drink less during the day and reduce the consumption of juicy fruits and vegetables. Lack of fluid and fiber leads to compaction of feces and difficulty in emptying the intestines.

Pressure from an enlarged uterus. During pregnancy, there is a displacement of the abdominal organs. The uterus takes up more and more space and compresses the surrounding tissues. This can lead to decreased sensitivity and intestinal motility. As a result, constipation occurs. In the later stages, shortly before childbirth, the lowered head of the fetus can also squeeze the intestines.

Back to Contents

Why is it so important to use laxatives during pregnancy?

Constipation can adversely affect the health of the expectant mother and her baby. Violation of the frequency of bowel movements in some cases can cause inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs and an imbalance in the intestinal microflora. The consequences of constipation in the later stages are especially undesirable. A rectum full of feces can increase the tone of the uterus. This, like straining too much during a bowel movement, can provoke premature birth. That is why it is important for a pregnant woman to cleanse the intestines in a timely manner, if necessary, using laxatives approved by the doctor for use.

Back to content

Is MICROLAX

According to the instructions for medical use, it is allowed to use MICROLAX ^® during pregnancy ¹ . This modern laxative in the format of a disposable microclyster softens dense fecal masses in the rectum and does not affect other organs of the digestive system and small pelvis. The active components of the drug are practically not absorbed into the systemic circulation and do not cause uterine contractions. MICROLAX ^® can be used in any trimester of pregnancy, after consulting a doctor.

Back to content

Benefits of using MICROLAX

Effect of the drug. The effect of MICROLAX ^® can begin as early as 5-15 minutes ² after application, unlike oral medications, which can take effect at the most inopportune moment.

Hygienic packaging. Micro enema MICROLAX ^® is intended for single use. It is completely ready for use and does not require preliminary antiseptic treatment.

Easy application. When using MICROLAX ^® , a pregnant woman does not need to individually select the dosage. Microclyster contains the optimal amount of the drug for a single use. The flexible applicator tip allows you to safely and conveniently inject the laxative into the rectum.

Top of page

How to use MICROLAX

• Take the tube and break off the seal on the applicator tip.
• Press down on the container so that a drop of the drug lubricates the tip of the microclyster - this will facilitate its introduction.
• Insert the applicator tip into the entire rectum.
• Squeeze the tube and squeeze out the contents.
• Continuing to lightly squeeze the container, remove the tip.

If you have any questions about using the product, you will find all the necessary information on how to use it in the instructions.

Back to Contents

The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, contact a qualified specialist.

¹ There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Since this drug is likely to be absorbed into the systemic circulation to a small extent, no adverse effects to the fetus are expected when it is used as recommended during pregnancy.

² In accordance with the instructions for medical use of the laxative MICROLAX ^® .

Manifestations of constipation in pregnant women - signs and symptoms

Co-author, editor and medical expert - Klimovich Elina Valerievna.

Number of views: 53 112

Last updated: 10/21/2022

Average read time: 4 minutes

Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy. About 75% of women complain of problems with bowel movements during pregnancy. At the same time, these difficulties remain in about a third of women after childbirth.

Contents:

Detailed description of symptoms
What constipation can cause in a pregnant woman

Our body constantly produces substances that stimulate bowel movements. During pregnancy, the susceptibility of the intestinal muscles to various kinds of irritants is significantly reduced. The change in the intensity of intestinal reactions is due to the fact that it has a common innervation * with the uterus, because of this, any excessive activation of peristalsis can provoke contractile activity of the uterus. This can be a threat to the child. Unfortunately, this defensive reaction has unpleasant consequences - constipation. Often they occur between 17 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Clinically, constipation in pregnant women is manifested by several main symptoms:

• stool retention for more than 3 days and problems with passing gases, flatulence;
• unpleasant feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels;
• the need to strain during bowel movements;
• painful stools;
• "sheep feces" (hard, dry, fragmented feces).

In the event of constipation, you should always seek medical advice, especially if you notice deterioration and pain.

Back to top

Detailed description of symptoms

Constipation is characterized by decreased stool frequency. It happens that a pregnant woman manages to empty her intestines only once a week or less. The consistency of feces changes, discomfort and pain in the abdomen (often in its left half), there is a feeling of dissatisfaction after the stool.

Atonic constipation is characterized by very painful defecation, which occurs with great difficulty. Due to microscopic tears of the mucous membrane of the anus, streaks of blood may appear on the surface of the feces. Spasmodic constipation is characterized by fragmented stools ("sheep feces"). This condition is often accompanied by flatulence, a feeling of pressure, expansion, spasmodic pains in the abdomen. With prolonged constipation, there may be a feeling of lethargy, fatigue, a significant decrease in efficiency.

Pain in a pregnant woman occurs for no apparent reason or may be the result of excitement or physical exertion. Attacks of acute pain or exacerbation of constant discomfort, as a rule, are associated with negative emotions. The pain can be of varying strength, for example, in some cases it radiates to the lower back, leg, anus, and even the genitals. In some pregnant women, along with abdominal pain, there is a burning sensation in the rectum and itching in the anus. Nausea, bitterness in the mouth are often noted; passing gases is difficult.

Back to contents

What can cause constipation in a pregnant woman

Feces in the rectum, which a pregnant woman cannot get rid of for a long time, bring her considerable discomfort. However, these are not the only consequences of constipation.

• The large intestine mucosa has an absorptive capacity; in case of constipation, not only water is absorbed into the blood, but also various toxic metabolic products. Intoxication of the woman and the fetus can lead to negative consequences and disrupt the development of the child in the future.

  ---

  Learn more

  • 
    Ovulation how do you know
  • 
    Milk residue or thrush
  • 
    How often should a child see their grandparents
  • 
    How to get a new ss card for my child
  • 
    How to make my child more independent
  • 
    Earliest delivery of baby
  • 
    How to report a missing child
  • 
    How much does raising a child cost in canada
  • 
    Newborn right after birth
  • 
    What does ovulate mean in pregnancy
  • 
    Baby delivery steps