Constipation During Pregnancy - Causes And Management

Introduction

Pregnancy can cause various changes in a woman to support pregnancy. Hormonal changes, increased fluid demand, and expanding uterus are some of them. Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy and nearly half of the women may experience it at some point during pregnancy. It can cause discomfort, difficult bowel movements, and the passing of hard stools. The article speaks about the causes and management of constipation during pregnancy.

How Does Constipation Occur During Pregnancy?

Constipation is called the difficulty of pooping or not having a bowel movement. When the food, after absorption and assimilation, moves to the lower part of the digestive tract and hardens, making it difficult to pass out as stool. Constipation is an unpleasant experience and is even more common during pregnancy. The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy even increase the chance of becoming constipated.

During pregnancy, constipation will start once the hormone levels increase to support pregnancy. It can happen as early as during the second or third month of the first trimester.

About 16 to 39 percent of pregnant women experience constipation during pregnancy. In the third trimester, the fetus is heaviest, putting more pressure on the bowel, which increases the chances of getting constipated. They may experience constipation after three months after childbirth.

What Are the Causes of Constipation During Pregnancy?

The primary two reasons for constipation are hormonal changes during pregnancy and lifestyle.

• Progesterone: The production of the hormone progesterone increases during pregnancy. Progesterone causes the relaxing of the intestine and makes it difficult to remove waste from the body. This can allow the body to absorb nutrients from water and food. The more time the food remains in the bowel, the more time the large intestine can absorb the moisture from it. This results in drying out of the waste and is difficult to pass when trying to poop out.

• Motilin Hormone: Motilin is a gastro-industrial hormone that helps in the movement of food from the small intestine to the large intestine. During pregnancy, the level of motilin decreases in women, and experience constipation which can also cause heartburn.

• Iron From Prenatal Vitamin: Iron from prenatal vitamins helps increase the blood that needs to deliver oxygen to the mother and growing child. But an increased amount of iron can make it harder for the bowel bacteria to break down the food.Not getting enough water to soften the bubble can increase the chance of constipation.

• Growing Fetus: As the fetus grows, it makes the uterus heavier putting more pressure on the bowel. This reduces the bowel movement and results in constipation.

• Lifestyle Changes: The diet, physical activities, and amount of water drinking can affect bowel movements. People not eating enough fiber, drinking less water, and lack of physical activity can make the digestive system difficult to eliminate waste.

What Are the Symptoms of Constipation?

• Not able to poop every day.

• Able to poop a few times a week.

• Strain while pooping.

• Swollen and gassy belly.

• Stools -lumpy, hard, and dry.

• Pain while passing stool can cause anal fissures or worsens hemorrhoids.

How to Diagnose Constipation in Pregnant Women?

The doctor will assess the patient by asking various questions like how many times poop and what the stools look like. The questions asked are related to

• Diet and amount of water drinking.

• Whether doing exercise or not.

• Taking any medications or supplements.

How to Manage Constipation During Pregnancy?

• Consuming Fiber-Rich Food: Constipation can be managed by eating the right food. The increasing fiber content in daily diet can help soften the stool and make it easier to pass out. Fruit, vegetable beans, peas, lentils, and whole grains are good sources of fiber. Try to include 25 to 30 grams of fiber-rich food every day, and it helps to relieve constipation.

• Drinking Enough Water: During pregnancy, the fluid needed for the body increase, and request a minimum of 12 cups of water daily. Increased fluid index supports the pregnancy and also helps soft and the stool. Other good options are low-fat milk, tea, juices, and smoothies with no added sugar.

• Exercise: In pregnancy, carrying extra weight and doing exercise becomes difficult. Pregnant women more around less due to more pelvic area and joint strain. Sitting for a long time also increases the chance of constipation. Talk to the healthcare provider and start doing exercises that are completely safe and will increase bowel movement.

• Prenatal Vitamin: The increased amount of iron in the prenatal vitamin can cause constipation. Talk to the doctor and change the prenatal vitamin with less iron content.

• Medications: If the constipation is not relieved by adopting lifestyle changes, the doctor will prescribe a laxative or fiber supplement. Always take advice from the doctor before starting laxatives because some medications are not allowed during pregnancy.Taking laxatives during pregnancy cause dehydration and electrolytic imbalance. Ensure to take enough fluids to avoid such health issues.Avoid home remedies for constipation until and unless recommended by the doctor.

Which Are Pregnancy-Safe Laxatives?

• Bulk-Forming Agents: Bulk-forming agents are medications that mimic the action of dietary fibers. They work by adding material to the stool, which helps absorb more water and makes the stool larger, softer, and easier to pass. To ensure effectiveness, these medications are usually started with low doses ensuring enough fluid intake. These laxatives can cause cramping or discomfort in some patients.

• Stool Softeners: Doctors commonly prescribe these to make the stool softer and easy to pass out.

• Lubricant Laxatives: These laxatives help the movement of stool inside the intestinal tract by adding a slippery coating to either the stool or the intestinal lining. Consider using lubricant laxatives only with the doctor's advice.

• Osmotic Laxatives: These medications help draw more water to the stool, making it softer and easier to pass bowel movements. Osmotic laxatives may cause cramping and blotting in the abdomen.

What Are the Complications of Constipation During Pregnancy?

• Sometimes constipation can accompany other health problems like irritable bowel syndrome or colorectal cancer.

• Constipation causes abdominal pain, fasting mucus or blood, and may alternate with diarrhea.

• Worsening of hemorrhoids.

• Rectal bleeding.

Conclusion

During pregnancy, constipation is a common issue that can be addressed by simple lifestyle adjustments. Increasing dietary fiber, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular exercise can effectively manage constipation. If these changes do not provide relief, doctors may recommend laxatives or supplements. It is important to manage constipation during pregnancy, but it is typically not a cause for major concern. However, if the symptoms worsen, seeking medical advice promptly is advisable. After childbirth, hormonal levels return to normal, and the body changes that contribute to constipation are generally resolved.