What to do if you are constipated while pregnant
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?
- Nordic Naturals Probiotic Comfort – Supports regularity and alleviates bloating
- Laxatives During Pregnancy
- 7 Discomforts of Pregnancy
- Gas During Pregnancy
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 During Pregnancy
What are the signs of constipation?
Signs of constipation include many days between bowel movements, small hard stools that are difficult to pass, and lower belly pain.
Why do pregnant women get constipated?
Some of the hormones produced during pregnancy act to slow the movement of the bowel and this can cause you to get constipated. Iron supplements can also make some women get constipated.
What can I do to prevent this?
Eat a diet rich in high-fiber foods such as fresh or dried fruits and vegetables plus high-fiber cereal. If you suddenly eat a lot more fiber, you may get bloating, diarrhea, and gas pressure. If this happens, try increasing the amount slowly over a week or more.
Also, drinking enough water (at least eight glasses per day) and getting regular exercise can all help to prevent constipation.
What can I do if I become constipated?
The first thing to try is to increase the fiber in your diet, drink a lot of water, and exercise regularly. You can also try prunes and prune juice, as these things help to speed up elimination. If these things do not help, see the safe medications page during pregnancy. If you are unable to pass a bowel movement, have severe abdominal pain or rectal bleeding, you should contact your physician.
Chart of Foods and Amount of Fiber
| Food | Portion | Dietary Fiber | Soluble | Insoluble |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | 1 medium | 2.9 | 0.9 | 2.0 |
| Orange | 1 medium | 2.0 | 1.3 | 0.7 |
| Banana | 1 medium | 2.0 | 0.6 | 1.4 |
| Broccoli | 1 stalk | 2.7 | 1.3 | 1.4 |
| Carrots | 1 large | 2.9 | 1. 3 | 1.6 |
| Tomato | 1 small | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.7 |
| Potato | 1 medium | 1.8 | 1.0 | 0.7 |
| Corn | 2/3 cup | 1.6 | 0.2 | 1.4 |
| All-Bran | 1/2 cup | 9.0 | 1.4 | 7.6 |
| Fiber One | 1/2 cup | 14.0 | 1.0 | 13.0 |
| Oat Bran | 1/2 cup | 4.4 | 2.2 | 2.2 |
| Cornflakes | 1 cup | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.5 |
| Rolled Oats | 3/4 cup cooked | 3.0 | 1.3 | 1.7 |
| Whole-wheat Bread | 1 slice | 1.4 | 0.3 | 1.1 |
| White Bread | 1 slice | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 |
| Macaroni | 1 cup cooked | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.3 |
| Green Peas | 2/3 cup cooked | 3. 9 | 0.6 | 3.3 |
| Kidney Beans | 1/2 cup cooked | 6.5 | 1.6 | 4.9 |
| Pinto Beans | 1/2 cup cooked | 5.9 | 1.2 | 4.7 |
| Lentils | 2/3 cup cooked | 4.5 | 0.6 | 3.9 |
Resources
Data from Anderson JW, Bridges SR: Dietary fiber content of selected foods. Am J Clin Nutr;47:440-7, 1988 and Bowes AD: Bowes and Church’s Food values of portions commonly used. 14th ed. New York: Harper & Row, 1985.
Copyright: Advanced Medical Systems Inc. 2003
Constipation during pregnancy: causes, recommendations
In addition, constipation in pregnant women may be caused by changes in the nature of food, the use of smooth muscle-relaxing drugs (lowering uterine activity, progesterone) 3 or mineral supplements containing iron and calcium4.
Sometimes a woman has to lie down all the time, and at least minimal physical activity is necessary to maintain a normal bowel movement 3 . Another reason for the formation of constipation in pregnant women can be a decrease in fluid intake, starting from the earliest dates 4 .
In addition, constipation in pregnant women may be caused by changes in the nature of food, the use of smooth muscle-relaxing drugs (lowering uterine activity, progesterone) 3 or mineral supplements containing iron and calcium4. Sometimes a woman has to lie down all the time, and at least minimal physical activity is necessary to maintain a normal bowel movement 3 . Another reason for the formation of constipation in pregnant women can be a decrease in fluid intake, starting from the earliest dates 4 .
Thus, low bowel tone during pregnancy is generally initially protective, but may result in constipation 1 .
Possible complications of constipation in pregnancy
Gestational constipation can not only drastically reduce the quality of life, but also pose a certain threat to the well-being of the pregnant woman and the fetus.
Prolonged stagnation of feces can lead to a series of disorders, among other things, to the activation of opportunistic microorganisms. The penetration of microbes and their metabolic products through the intestinal wall can be at least a predisposing factor, and sometimes a direct cause of complicated pregnancy, problems in childbirth and the postpartum period 1 .
Disruption of the normal balance of the colonic microbiota during constipation may later cause a change in the composition of the microflora of the cervical canal.
This condition can cause intrauterine ascending infection and the occurrence of various complications of the gestation period.
The course of pregnancy against the background of stagnation in the large intestine can lead to the threat of interruption, untimely discharge of amniotic fluid, inflammation of the uterine mucosa 1 .
The pathological increase in intestinal permeability caused by constipation impairs its barrier function, and even after childbirth it may not fully recover. That is why constipation is a situation that cannot be ignored and must be treated 1 .
Disruption of the normal balance of the colonic microbiota during constipation may later cause a change in the composition of the microflora of the cervical canal. nine0029
This condition can cause intrauterine ascending infection and the occurrence of various complications of the gestation period. The course of pregnancy against the background of stagnation in the large intestine can lead to the threat of termination, untimely discharge of amniotic fluid, inflammation of the uterine mucosa 1 .
The pathological increase in intestinal permeability caused by constipation impairs its barrier function, and even after childbirth it may not fully recover. That's why constipation is a situation that cannot be ignored and must be treated 1 .
Treatment of gestational constipation
The main rules for the prevention and treatment of constipation in pregnant women are primarily diet and recommendations for increasing physical activity 4 . Treatment of constipation, especially in pregnant women, begins with dietary measures 4 .
For a laxative purpose, foods rich in indigestible plant fibers (fiber) are introduced into the menu. There are many such substances in raw fruits and vegetables, wholemeal bread 4 .
In terms of nutritional properties, wheat bran is considered the most acceptable for human consumption, which can be added 2-3 teaspoons to prepared meals 3 .
Prunes, kefir, dried apricots are considered products that help relieve constipation. The menu is recommended to include beets, zucchini, cabbage, lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes. It is recommended to limit the consumption of strong tea and coffee, sweets and cocoa, flour dishes in the diet 3 . nine0009
It may also be necessary to correct the mode of motor activity, the amount of which is discussed with the doctor 3 . Gymnastics, walking or swimming in the pool may be recommended for a pregnant woman, if this is not contraindicated for health reasons 4 .
In some cases, despite following all recommendations, it may be necessary to use laxatives 4 . The choice of a possible drug cannot be made independently, because self-medication with laxatives during pregnancy is especially undesirable 1 .
The use of any medicine during pregnancy carries certain risks that only a doctor can weigh.
Therefore, only with medical permission, laxatives may be recommended. One of the laxatives that can be prescribed by a doctor to pregnant women starting from the 2nd trimester is Guttalax®: in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, the drug is contraindicated, in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy it is used with caution. Guttalax® is available in drops and tablets5,6. In view of the lack of studies, the use of Guttalax® tablets during pregnancy is recommended only in cases where the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the fetus. During pregnancy, the drug can be used only after consultation with a specialist. nine0009
More about the drug
To increase the efficiency of preparation for the study, the individual functional state of the large intestine is also taken into account.
If you have chronic constipation, you need to pay special attention to diet. In preparation for research, Guttalax® Express can be used in suppositories 8 . nine0102 The active substance - bisacodyl - becomes active and acts only in the lumen of the large intestine, therefore it does not affect the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine 8 . The drug Guttalax® Express enhances peristalsis, stimulates the natural process of bowel movement, and softens the stool. The development time of the laxative effect of the drug is 20 minutes (from 10 minutes to 30 minutes, in some cases - 45 minutes) 8 . nine0009
THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS. IT IS NECESSARY TO CONSULT WITH A SPECIALIST.
Manifestations of constipation in pregnant women - signs and symptoms
Co-author, editor and medical expert - Klimovich Elina Valerievna.
Number of Views: 53,923
Last Updated: 11/24/2022
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. nine0009
Contents:
Detailed description of the 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. nine0009
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. nine0009
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.
nine0009
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. nine0009
Back to content
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. nine0145 - 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.
- In case of constipation, the intestine presses 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.
*Innervation - the supply of organs and tissues with nerve fibers, which ensures their connection with the central nervous system (CNS).
Back to Contents
The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice.
