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Signs and symptoms of
pregnancy constipation
Constipation is a common condition for pregnant women. As well as irregular and unsatisfying bowel movements, it can cause bloating, heartburn, gassiness and abdominal pain. Straining while on the toilet also raises the risk of anal tears and hemorrhoids (piles).
Signs and symptoms of pregnancy constipation
Constipation is a common condition for pregnant women. As well as irregular and unsatisfying bowel movements, it can cause bloating, heartburn, gassiness and abdominal pain. Straining while on the toilet also raises the risk of anal tears and hemorrhoids (piles).
Pregnant and Feeling Constipated? It may be due to hormones
Most of us expect morning sickness and fatigue in the first few months of pregnancy. But why can being pregnant also cause constipation? Your body’s hormones (including progesterone and estrogen) support the pregnancy throughout the three trimesters. But this protective function – combined with an expanding uterus – can also slow down the digestive system.
Pregnant and Feeling Constipated? It may be due to hormones
Most of us expect morning sickness and fatigue in the first few months of pregnancy. But why can being pregnant also cause constipation? Your body’s hormones (including progesterone and estrogen) support the pregnancy throughout the three trimesters. But this protective function – combined with an expanding uterus – can also slow down the digestive system.
First Trimester
Progesterone levels rise. And by helping prevent uterine contractions, relax the smooth muscle in the gut. Another hormone called motilin that moves food through the intestines, reduces – increasing the likelihood of feeling heartburn and constipated.
First Trimester
Progesterone levels rise. And by helping prevent uterine contractions, relax the smooth muscle in the gut. Another hormone called motilin that moves food through the intestines, reduces – increasing the likelihood of feeling heartburn and constipated.
Second Trimester
An expanding uterus presses against the lower bowel. Expelling waste from the body may become difficult and possibly painful.
Second Trimester
An expanding uterus presses against the lower bowel. Expelling waste from the body may become difficult and possibly painful.
Third Trimester
The developing fetus puts extra pressure on the bowel. High levels of aldosterone make the colon secrete more liquid and nutrients from food into the bloodstream, potentially resulting in dryer, harder stools.
Third Trimester
The developing fetus puts extra pressure on the bowel. High levels of aldosterone make the colon secrete more liquid and nutrients from food into the bloodstream, potentially resulting in dryer, harder stools.
Common causes of
constipation – and how
to get relief
Apart from hormonal changes, other medical, dietary and lifestyle reasons can increase your chances – or severity – of constipation:
Prenatal vitamins
Too much iron in a prenatal supplement can prevent the bacteria in your digestive tract from breaking down the food you eat.
TIP: Talk to your doctor about prenatal vitamins.
Common causes of constipation – and how to get relief
Apart from hormonal changes, other medical, dietary and lifestyle reasons can increase your chances – or severity – of constipation:
Prenatal vitamins
Too much iron in a prenatal supplement can prevent the bacteria in your digestive tract breaking down the food you eat.
TIP: Talk to your doctor about prenatal vitamins.
Dehydration
Blood volume increases during pregnancy, so if your body doesn't get enough liquid, it draws out water from the stools which makes them difficult to pass.
TIP: Drink more fluids throughout the day – ideally 12 glasses of water – to stay hydrated. Smoothies, low-fat milk, juices and unsweetened tea all count as alternatives.
Dehydration
Blood volume increases during pregnancy, so if your body doesn't get enough liquid, it draws out water from the stools which makes them difficult to pass.
TIP: Drink more fluids throughout the day – ideally 12 glasses of water – to stay hydrated. Smoothies, low-fat milk, juices and unsweetened tea all count as alternatives.
Not enough fiber
A nutritious, high-fiber diet is particularly important to help the stool absorb water and move smoothly through your bowels.
TIP: Eat less low-fiber foods like starchy white bread, high-fat meat, dairy, fried and processed products. Instead, gradually increase the amount of fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole-grain cereals in your diet.
Not enough fiber
A nutritious, high-fiber diet is particularly important to help the stool absorb water and move smoothly through your bowels.
TIP: Eat less low-fiber foods like starchy white bread, high-fat meat, dairy, fried and processed products. Instead, gradually increase the amount of fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole-grain cereals in your diet.
Less physical experience
Pregnancy puts extra strain on the joints and pelvic area, which can put you off exercising. But it’s important to keep on moving, as being stationary for long periods encourages the waste to sit in your bowel.
TIP: Talk to your doctor about suitable exercises.
Less physical experience
Pregnancy puts extra strain on the joints and pelvic area, which can put you off exercising. But it’s important to keep on moving, as being stationary for long periods encourages the waste to sit in your bowel.
TIP: Talk to your doctor about suitable exercises.
Talk to a healthcare
professional
Ask your doctor before using any medication, if you are pregnant or breast feeding. And for pregnancy-related constipation, they can suggest the next-best course of action that’s tailored to your pregnancy.
Talk to a healthcare professional
Ask your doctor before using any medication, if you are pregnant or breast feeding. And for pregnancy-related constipation, they can suggest the next-best course of action that’s tailored to your pregnancy.
