Constipation and pregnancy what can i take

Constipation During Pregnancy | American Pregnancy Association

Constipation during pregnancy is a common problem and nearly half of all pregnant women get constipated at some point. Constipation occurs when there is abdominal pain or discomfort, difficult and infrequent bowel movements, and the passage of hard stools.

What causes constipation during pregnancy?

In general, worry, anxiety, minimal physical exercise, and a low-fiber diet may cause constipation. Constipation during pregnancy is due to the increase in progesterone hormones that relax the intestinal muscle causing food and waste to move slower through your system.

Sometimes iron tablets may contribute to constipation. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water if you are taking iron supplements. You may need to switch to a different type of iron tablet, but it is important to talk to your health care provider first.

How can I prevent or treat constipation during pregnancy?

Prevention and treatment of constipation involve many of the same steps.

Here are a few things that you can do to help prevent constipation from occurring or treat it if you are already experiencing it:

Eat a high fiber diet: Ideally, you will consume 25 to 30 grams per day of dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, breakfast cereals, whole-grain bread, prunes, and bran. This helps ensure bulkier stools that are easier to poop.
Drink a lot of fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids is important, particularly when increasing fiber intake helps ensure softer stools. Drink 10 to 12 cups of fluids each day. It is the combination of a high fiber diet and plenty of liquids that best help you eliminate your waste. Sweat, hot/humid climates, and exercise may increase your need for additional fluids.
Exercise routinely: If you are inactive, you have a greater chance of constipation. Walking, swimming and other moderate exercises will help the intestines work by stimulating your bowels. Schedule exercise three times a week for 20-30 minutes each.
Over-the-counter remedies: There are over-the-counter products such as Metamucil (Category B) which may help soften your bowel movements and reduce constipation. Always speak to your health care provider before using over-the-counter medications.
Reduce or eliminate iron supplements: Iron supplements may contribute to constipation. Good nutrition can often meet your iron needs during pregnancy. Taking smaller doses of iron throughout the day rather than taking it all at once can reduce constipation. Talk to your health care provider about checking your iron levels and recommendations to manage iron intake during pregnancy. Find natural ways to get iron here.

What remedies should not be used for constipation during pregnancy?

Laxative pills are NOT recommended for the treatment of constipation during pregnancy because they might stimulate uterine contractions and cause dehydration. Talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter fiber supplement or a laxative or stool softener.

Mineral oils should NOT be used during pregnancy because they reduce nutrient absorption.

Is constipation during pregnancy ever serious?

Usually not, but occasionally constipation during pregnancy can be a symptom of another problem. If you have severe constipation that’s accompanied by abdominal pain, alternates with diarrhea, or you pass mucus or blood, call your doctor or midwife immediately.

Also, straining during a bowel movement or passing a hard stool can lead to or worsen hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the rectal area. Hemorrhoids can be extremely uncomfortable, though they rarely cause serious problems. In most cases, they go away fairly soon after your baby is born. However, if the pain is severe, or if you have rectal bleeding, call your doctor.

Want to Know More?

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Compiled using information from the following sources:
Mayo Clinic Guide To A Healthy Pregnancy Harms, Roger W. , M.D., et al, Part 3.
William’s Obstetrics Twenty-Second Ed. Cunningham, F. Gary, et al, Ch. 8.

Constipation in Pregnancy: 5 Fool-Proof Remedies

Infrequent bowel movements. Abdominal pain. The passage of hard stools.

If you’re pregnant, you’ve probably experienced these three familiar signs of constipation. Hormonal changes, pressure on the womb, and the iron in prenatal vitamins are to blame.

Why Am I Constipated?

An increase in the progesterone hormone during pregnancy causes the relaxation of your body’s muscles. That includes your intestines. And slower moving intestines means slower digestion. This can lead to constipation.

Constipation is common during pregnancy. Almost three out of four pregnant women will experience constipation and other bowel issues at some point, according to a study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica.

From over-the-counter pills to natural cures, there are a whole host of remedies available for relieving constipation.

But when pregnancy’s involved, the number of solutions shrinks.

These five remedies are pregnancy-safe.

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A diet high in fiber helps prevention constipation. It also supplies pregnant women with vitamins and antioxidants.

Pregnant women should try to consume 25 to 30 grams of dietary fiber each day to stay regular and healthy.

Good choices include fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, lentils, bran cereals, prunes, and whole-grain bread.

Try cutting up some raspberries, apples, bananas, figs, and strawberries for a refreshing fruit salad. Or roast some sweet corn, Brussels sprouts, and carrots for a delightful side dish.

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It’s important to stay hydrated during pregnancy. That might mean doubling your water intake.

Pregnant women should drink at least eight 12-ounce glasses of water a day. This will help keep your bowels soft and moving smoothly through your digestive tract.

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Try breaking up your daily food intake into five or six smaller meals to help with constipation relief. This will allow the stomach to digest food without having to work overtime, and allow it to transfer food to the intestine and colon smoothly.

Eating large meals can overload your stomach and make it harder for your digestive system to process what you’ve consumed.

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Regular physical activity can help reduce constipation. Exercise stimulates your bowels. Pregnant women should try to exercise three times a week for 20 to 30 minutes each.

The options for exercise are endless. Try walking down your favorite hiking path, swimming at your local gym, or practicing prenatal yoga on a relaxing afternoon.

Check with your doctor about what exercises are safe for you and your baby.

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If other natural options have failed, doctors will sometimes prescribe stool softeners like Colace on a short-term basis to help pregnant women with constipation. Colace stool softeners are available online. However, long-term use can lead to dehydration or change your electrolyte balance.

Stool softeners help moisten your bowels so they are easier to pass. They are especially useful for pregnant women taking constipation-causing iron supplements. Doctors will often prescribe softeners along with iron pills. You can find a variety of iron supplements here.

Stool softeners are medications, so it’s best to check with your doctor if they are safe for you.

Takeaway

Constipation relief during pregnancy is common, and it can be remedied.

Just follow the steps above to help ease the discomfort of backed up bowels while you wait for your little one to arrive.

Tips for a Healthy and Happy Pregnancy

Treatment of constipation in pregnant women in a private clinic

This is one of the most common, but at the same time the most delicate problems that occur in at least 50% of pregnant women. In a normal state, bowel movements should be daily and in sufficient volume. Any deviations in this process require attention and adjustment of the diet, lifestyle and even psychological attitude. From a physiological point of view, problems in the work of the gastrointestinal tract are explained by hormonal changes and the physiological characteristics of the body of a pregnant woman (under the influence of various processes in different phases of pregnancy, the contraction of the smooth muscles of the intestine is weakened, in addition, the enlarged uterus compresses the intestines, etc.).

Among other - non-medical reasons - the most common are the features of a woman's lifestyle: systematic stress; lack of mobility; lack of fiber; low water intake (not liquids!) and/or high intake of refined foods and foods with a high composition of sugar, homogenized fats and salt (fast food). “Refined foods are refined oils, polished rice, white flour and all the familiar white refined sugar, plus fast food with a high composition of sugar, homogenized fats and salt, which slow down the absorption of nutrients by the body and the passage of food in the intestines” (Laima Lankmane, naturopath, herbalist).

Homeopaths say that constipation is not only a “problem” of the rectum, “it is a problem of the whole organism as a whole and it must be solved in a complex way” (D.V. Arkhipova, Ph.D., homeopath): for example, this may be an allergic reaction to certain foods. Therefore, constipation is, in principle, an individual problem, and an individual approach will be the most effective solution to the problem: “Even equally pregnant women do not have 2 identical constipations: some had them before pregnancy, others did not eat properly, others did not move. All good wishes for real constipation will work only in 10% of cases. The only right decision is a full-fledged visit to a homeopath, who will approach the solution of the disharmony that has arisen, taking into account all the individual characteristics of a woman, looking at her as an integral unique system ”(A.S. Gavrilenko, obstetrician-gynecologist, Ph.D., homeopath , reflexologist).

First, about how NOT to solve the problem of constipation: classic laxatives such as hay, aloe vera and castor oil are contraindicated for pregnant women - they can cause premature contractions.

Now about what is POSSIBLE and NEEDED.

DIET

Need to temporarily eliminate dairy products. “The main milk protein, casein, is one of the most difficult to digest proteins and is also a strong allergen. The fact that cottage cheese itself is capable of causing constipation is probably known to everyone. If you solve the problem with constipation in this way, then carefully introduce natural fermented milk products into the diet (preferably without flavorings and sugar) ”(D.V. Arkhipova, Ph.D., homeopath). It’s not worth worrying that the baby won’t get enough of something - he will take everything he needs from “mother’s reserves”, and the question is not in the amount eaten, but in the amount absorbed by the mother’s body. From the point of view of homeopathy, if you want - eat, no - you don’t need to force yourself, because. food likes and aversions are in accordance with our constitution, and therefore our needs (naturally, this applies to healthy and healthy eating habits).
It is necessary to monitor the fluid used - or rather, drink enough clean water. Volume - from one to three liters per day, if desired, but not less than a liter. “If you don’t feel like drinking water, you need to remove sweet drinks and teas from the diet and compensate for this with clean water (preferably raw, of artesian origin, pleasant to the taste, and even better thawed).” (T.G. Sadovaya, obstetrician, author of the lecture “Nutrition during pregnancy”).
“Dried fruits are required (you can pour prunes with water at night and drink an infusion in the morning), and / or drink a glass of water in the morning on an empty stomach (you can add a little lemon juice there) and a glass of water with honey at night” (I.S. Arefyeva, obstetrician gynecologist).
The diet should have a sufficient amount of fiber: at least 50% of the diet of natural plant foods in raw and processed form (fiber stimulates peristalsis). It can be whole grain cereals, products made from wholemeal flour, fruits before meals or in between, vegetables, berries (the same cranberries help with constipation).
A daily intake of 1 to 3 tablespoons of unrefined oils has a good effect on the body. “Sweet almond oil (food) has a pronounced laxative effect and does not irritate the intestinal wall. Olive and linseed oils, as well as walnut oil, also have a mild laxative effect. Do not forget that unrefined oils should be stored in the refrigerator (with the exception of olive oil), and flaxseed should be eaten within a month after opening the bottle. (O.L. Bannikova, obstetrician).
Add magnesium-rich foods to your diet, such as green leafy vegetables, walnuts and almonds, sunflower seeds (unroasted and preferably pre-soaked for 5-7 hours), green buckwheat and spinach. “You can try this recipe - soak 1 teaspoon of flax seeds in ½ cup of warm water and leave for several hours. Then eat it just like that or add it to porridge, soup” (L. Lankmane, naturopath, phytotherapeutist).
You can try to consume more foods that normalize the balance of intestinal flora - such as kefir (preferably homemade), miso soup, sauerkraut.
You should not get carried away with strong tea, black coffee, cocoa, chocolate, white bread, flour and slimy soups, semolina, blueberries. All these products, like dry food, have a fixing effect. For the time of problems with the gastrointestinal tract, it is better to observe separate fractional meals, drink liquid 15 minutes before meals or some time later, etc. - that is, to facilitate the assimilation of the food consumed as much as possible. Make sure that there are no distortions - the daily diet should be balanced.

HOW TO HELP

Enzymatic preparations can be drunk for a short time. If these are preparations of animal origin - no more than 7 days, plant enzymes can be taken longer. You can take probiotics, beneficial gut bacteria that aid digestion. Long-term use of these biological products not only normalizes the intestinal flora, but also contributes to a less pronounced manifestation of dysbacteriosis in a newborn child. (D.V. Arkhipova, homeopath, PhD, pediatrician)
Check the level of iron with a doctor - against the background of its deficiency, intestinal disorders are also possible. “But keep in mind that some iron-containing dietary supplements, unfortunately, can only worsen this condition (not to mention dosage forms). It is better to add foods rich in iron, such as almonds, pine nuts, apricots, avocados, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, wheat germ ”(L. Lankmane, naturopath, herbalist).
Freshly squeezed juices, diluted 1 to 1 with water 15 minutes before meals, stimulate the production of pancreatic enzymes and aid digestion in the most natural way. (D.V. Arkhipova, homeopath, PhD, pediatrician)
Drink hot - as far as possible - water on an empty stomach, a little later, eat half a banana, chewing it for a long time and macerating it with saliva to a liquid slurry (the banana must be ripe!). (O.L. Bannikova, obstetrician).
Starting from the second trimester, you can use essential oils: exotic basil (Ocimum basilicum in Latin), seaside pine (Pinus Pinaster), saro (Cinnamosma fragrans, Saro), rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora). “Oils should be only edible, of good quality! It is not recommended to use essential oils during the first 3 months of pregnancy. 1st composition - take 1 drop of basil, 2 drops of pine on a small piece of sugar or honey and suck under the tongue in the morning on an empty stomach. 2nd composition - basil 30 drops, rosewood 20 drops, saro 10 drops and 40 drops of apricot kernel oil or any other unrefined food oil. Mix. Take 3 drops of this mixture under the tongue on sugar or honey morning and evening before meals for 5-7 days or as needed. When buying aroma oils, be sure to check whether there is information on the packaging that this oil can be eaten. (O.L. Bannikova, obstetrician)
If this does not help, you can try to use "Duphalac" for a short time.

LIFESTYLE

Enough physical activity, swimming in the pool. Walking for at least one hour. But the load should be increased gradually. To begin with, one lesson should be no more than 30 minutes. The step should be slow, the shoes are comfortable, and the route should be laid away from the roads. Gymnastics for pregnant women for at least 30 minutes daily. As gymnastics, our yoga instructor for pregnant women Svetlana Shnyrova recommends a few simple exercises:

backbends in cat pose (standing on all fours),
alternating leg raises from a sitting position on the floor with support on the hands,
certain types of soft twists of the spine from a sitting or lying position,
Breathing exercises such as a few deep belly breaths can also help.

During class, you should carefully monitor your well-being and, if any discomfort occurs, immediately leave the pose. And watch how your baby reacts to the exercises.

These exercises stimulate the intestines, improve blood circulation in the abdominal cavity, and help to establish a regular bowel movement. In general, the problem of constipation should be approached comprehensively, drink more water in the morning, adjust nutrition, move more, walk, swim, do yoga.

Manifestations of constipation in pregnant women - signs and symptoms

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

Views: 53 112

Last Updated: 10/21/2022

Average Read Time: 4 minutes

Constipation is a common pregnancy problem. 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 can cause constipation in a pregnant woman

Our bodies constantly produce 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.

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.

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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 is characterized by 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.
Due to overflowing with dense feces, the rectum presses on the uterus, which leads to irritation. Despite the fact that the sensitivity of the uterus during pregnancy is reduced, there is a certain risk of increased uterine tone and, as a result, premature birth.
With constipation, the intestines press on the uterus and pelvic vessels, which disrupts the outflow of blood from them. For this reason, hemorrhoids can occur, which is manifested by the appearance of blood in the stool.

Constipation in a pregnant woman is a serious problem. To solve it, contact your doctor.