Can Pregnancy Cause Constipation?
Pregnant women often experience constipation during their pregnancies due to the increased amount of hormones circulating through their bodies. However, there are certain lifestyle modifications you can make to relieve constipation and improve digestion. You should consult with your doctor before taking any dietary supplements or herbal remedies for you to fully answer the question can Pregnancy Cause Constipation?
What is constipation?
Having a bowel movement is an important thing to do if you’re having trouble pooping. Constipation can happen during pregnancy because of hormones. You may also get constipation if you eat too much fiber, drink too little water, or take certain medications.
Pregnancy causes constipation for most pregnant women.
Some pregnant woman experience constipation at an early stage of pregnancy, but others don’t until much later on.
We explain why constipation is so common during early stages of pregnant women and discuss safe treatment options and home solutions that they can use to alleviate their discomfort.
LOSE WEIGHT FAST WITH IKARIA JUICE; ORDER HERE WITH DISCOUNT”
What causes constipation during pregnancy and can pregnancy cause constipation?
Once the hormones in your body begin to rise during your first trimester, you may experience some constipation.
Pregnancy is often associated with constipation.
About 16 to 39 percent of women suffer constipation during pregnancy. You’re most likely to experience constipation in the third trimester. During this time, the fetus puts the most pressure on your bowels. Constipation can occur in all three trimester, though. Sometimes, constipation continues until three month postpartum.
Check out this post: Best Tools Make Diet Plan And Exercise Easy
can pregnancy cause constipation?
What are some things that cause constipation during pregnancy? During your first trimester, hormone levels change in your body. Your hormones may cause some digestive issues. Some causes for constipation during your first trimester include:
- Progesterone is made by your body during pregnancy. It helps relax your bowels so that your body can better digest what you’re eating. When you’re not pregnant, your body doesn’t make any progesterone.
- When you’re pregnant, your baby grows inside your belly, which puts added stress on your digestive system.
- Your prenatal vitamin contains iron which helps your body produce red cells (which carry oxygen) and white cells (which fight infection). Iron deficiency causes anaemia, which means having too few red cells and/or white cells. If you don’t get enough iron, your bowel movements may be hard and painful. Drinking plenty of fluids helps loosen up stools so they pass easily. The poop can build up, causing you to become constipated.
- Lifestyle: Eating healthy, having plenty of fluids, and doing regular physical activity helps keep your bowels moving. Most women who are pregnant are not consuming enough dietary fibers, are not adequately hydrated, or are not engaging in sufficient levels of physical activity to keep their bowel movements moving properly.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause the intestines to increase their absorption rate for water, making stools softer and easier to pass.
- Prenatal vitamin supplements contain plenty of iron, which can help prevent constipation and hard, dark stool.
- During late pregnancy, the growing fetus puts pressure on the intestine, which makes it harder for the intestines to push out waste.
Constipation can cause bloatedness, stomach ache, and hard, dry stool that is painful to pass. It can also lead to a feeling that some of the stool hasn’t been expelled.
Pregnancy can cause constipation.
can pregnancy cause constipation with other types of symptoms, including hard stools, diarrhea?
When you release a stool, you feel satisfied. But when you don’t release a stool for several days, you know something is wrong. Your body needs to poop. And if you
- Your body produces fewer than five bowel movements per week.
- Your stomach feels bloated and gassy.
- Your stool is usually soft but sometimes has lumps or clumps. Passing it may be difficult because it feels dry.
Hemorrhoids and anal fissure are both conditions commonly experienced by pregnant women.
Do constipation symptoms indicate that you’re pregnant?
It’s not uncommon for women to feel constipated during pregnancy, but feeling constipated doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve got a bun in the oven. Take a pregnancy testing instead.
What causes constipation during pregnancy?
You may be asked by your healthcare provider if you go to the toilet frequently, what your bowel movements look like, and what your daily routine is like. He or she may also ask you about your lifestyle, including whether you drink alcoholic beverages, take medication, eat particular foods, exercise regularly, and/or take laxative supplements.
- Your daily intake of water and carbohydrates.
- If you’re exercising regularly or doing enough physical activity.
- What medications or supplements you’re currently taking.
Check out this post: Why Fruits Are Good For You?
What do you do when you’re pregnant to relieve constipation?
It’s impossible to prevent pregnancy hormones from making it hard to go to the bathroom; however, you can change some things so they don’t affect your ability to go to the bathroom too badly.
- A healthy diet should include plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, pulses, nuts and seeds, fish, meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products and oils. Aim to consume around 25–30 g (1 oz) of fiber daily. Fiber helps keep your digestive system working smoothly and reduces the risk of bowel cancer. It also helps lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
- Drink eight to twelve cups of fluid per daily: Ignore the common belief that you should drink only eight cups of liquid per daily. Eight cups is the absolute bare minimal when you’re pregnant. You need more water intake than usual to support your baby and to soften your stool. Try drinking low fat milks, smoothies, tea or juice without any added sugars.
- Get 20 to 30 minutes of moderate exercise three days per week: It’ll help ease pregnancy symptoms, boost energy levels, and improve sleep quality.
- If your prenatal vitamins contain too much ferrous sulfate (the form of dietary fiber found in most prenatal vitamins), they could cause constipation. Your doctor can recommend another type of prenatal supplement without too much ferrous sulfates.
Which medications can I use to relieve constipation during pregnancy?
If you’re unable to resolve your constipated symptoms naturally, your healthcare provider might recommend a milder option such as a stool softener or bulk-forming medication. In addition, if you experience severe pain or discomfort, your doctor may suggest an enema or rectal suppository. While these options can help, they aren’t necessarily safe during pregnancy. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your health care provider.
LOSE WEIGHT FAST WITH IKARIA JUICE; ORDER HERE WITH DISCOUNT”
Home Remedy for constipation during pregnancy
Pregnant women can sometimes help alleviate constipation by taking gentle, safe home remedies during pregnancy.
- Fiber: taking fiber pills or increasing the amount of fiber in your diet by consuming more fruit, vegetables, and whole grains can help you go longer without having to use the bathroom. Adults should consume between 28 and 34 grams of fiber per meal.
- Drink plenty of fluids: enough so that you don’t feel thirsty when you’re eating. You may want to add some clear souPS, tea, and naturally sweetened fruit juice to your diet.
- Regular activity, including walking, can help ease constipation. If you don’t feel up for an hour of physical activity, take a gentle stroll instead.
- Probiotic foods include yogurt, sauercraut, and kicchime.
Other treatments
can pregnancy cause constipation and If these home remedies don’t help, it might be worth discussing other options with a doctor.
If women who take prenatal vitamins containing high levels of magnesium are concerned about their risk for developing preeclampsia, they might want to consider trying a prenatal
If you’re pregnant and suffering from constipation, one thing you could do is take a medicine called a laxatives, which makes going to toilet easier and more comfortable for you.
It is safe to take mild laxatives, but it’s better to avoid stimulative laxatives because they could cause uterine contractions.
It is always best to consult a doctor before taking any medication. However, limited knowledge exists regarding some of these medications when used during pregnancy.
Check out this post: What Are Best Way to Treat The Cold?
During pregnancy, women can usually safely take the following laxatives:
Bulk-forming agents
Fiber mimics what happens when we eat fruits and vegetables. It adds bulk to our stools so that they’re bigger, softer, and easier for us to pass.
These types of laxatives usually don’t produce any serious side effects, but people should start with the lowest dose and be sure to keep drinking plenty of fluids.
An example of a bulk forming agent includes psyllium, methyl cellulose, and poly carboph
Stool softeners
Softeners add moisture to the stool so that it’s easier to digest and passes more easily.
The stool softeners that physicians usually recommend for pregnant mothers is docusate.
Lubricant laxatives
This is a types of laxative which is a lubricant adds a slippery coating to either your stools or the inside of your intestinal tracts to help move them through your system.
Glycerine suppositories are one kind of laxative. You need to talk to a doctor before taking them. Especially if you’re pregnant.
Osmotic laxatives
Laxatives increase the flow of fluids into the intestine, which helps loosen up the stools. They also allow the bowels to contract more to push out the loosened stools. Some laxatives may cause cramps and bloats in the abdominal region.
Osmotic laxatives include polyethylene glycerol (PEG).
Iron supplements
Iron supplements can help constipation as well as prevent iron deficiency anemia. If you have anemia, you’ll need to get treatment.
You can find iron supplements at most pharmacies.
Herbal remedies
Many herbal remedies are available over the counter. These products contain natural ingredients that may help relieve constipation.
Some herbs that are commonly recommended for treating constipation include aloe Vera, chamomile,
Check out this post: Causes & Treatments Of Headache Near Temple
Complications
Most often in pregnancy, constipation resolves quickly without treatment. Rarely, however, constipations can become so severe they require medical intervention.
Continued use of laxatives may result in the bowel forgetting how to push stools through the intestins.
Certain medications can lead to electrolyte imbalances in some people. For instance, they might be more common among people who have conditions such as heart failure, high blood pressures, or infections.
You should talk to a doctor before taking any type of laxatives.
If your symptoms persist for longer than 3 weeks.
You must talk to your health care provider before using any medications, including laxatives or other constipating agents.
Seeing a doctor is also advisable if there are any additional signs that appear, including:
- nausea
- rectal bleeding
- stomach pain
- abdominal pain
- regular bowel movements
- vomiting
- sharp pain
- Constipation lasting for longer than 2 weeks
- bleeding from the rectum (or hemorrhoids)
- After taking a laxative for constipation, there was no improvement.
Always tell your doctor if you’re experiencing other symptoms, any other health issues, or any concerns. He/she may be able to offer additional insight into the cause of your problem.
Side effects of the treatment include headaches, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, skin
It’s really important that you choose the correct type of laxatives for the appropriate length of treatment. If you need any advice, speak to your doctor.
What can I do to lessen my risks of developing constipation during pregnancy?
You should try to follow a healthy diet and drink plenty of water during the day. Also try to maintain an appropriate weight. Exercise regularly. Tryto walk at least 30 minutes every day. Yoga, Pilate and Light Aerobaticsare also good choices for maintaining regularity.
You may experience constipation if you’re pregnant.
When you’ve given birth and your hormones start returning to normal, your bowel movement pattern will probably go back to normal too.
Reach out to your health care professional if you’ve been having trouble passing stool for more than 2 weeks. Discuss whether you should try taking a fiber supplement and/or taking an enema. Always check with your doctor before trying these things on yourself. When should I see a doctor?
Pregnancy causes constipation in women because their bodies are trying
As progesterones levels increase during the second trimester, constipation tends to begin around the third month of your first trimester. It often gets worse as your belly grows and your uterus enlarges.
Check out this post: How to Treat Lip Cold Sores?
What can I do for constipation during pregnancy?
There are lots of ways to keep your bowels regular even if you’re suffering from constipation.
- Fight back with fiber! A healthy amount of fiber helps you lose weight, keeps you regular, and may reduce risk of heart disease. Aim for about 25 to 35 g per daily serving. Look out for fiber-rich options such as whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and vegetables. Don’t forget to include greens and berries—they add extra health benefits without too much effort. You could start off small by sprinkling a little fiber into your morning oatmeal or yogurt, or try one of our favorite recipes below. Or keep reading for more ideas.
- Don’t eat white bread, white rice, or refined cereal and pasta if you can help it. They’re likely to be bad for you.
- Drink up. Downing between eight and ten 8-oz glasses of fluids (vegetable or fruit juice and broth), daily helps keep solutes moving through your digestive tract & makes your stool softer and easier to digest. You can also turn towards warm liquids, such as those spas’ favorite, hot tea and honey, to stimulate peristalses, helping you move along.
- Don’t eat too much during one time period. Eating big amounts of food during one time period can lead to indigestion and/or constipation. It may be better to eat smaller portions more frequently throughout the entire 24 hours.
- To keep things regular, you need to go when you have to go. Constipation may result if you hold it in too long.
- While pregnancy does bring certain benefits, it also brings some challenges. One common challenge is constipation. Pregnancy can cause changes in the digestive system, leading to constipation. In addition, many prenatal vitamin products contain ingredients that can worsen constipation, such as caffeine and artificial sweeteners. To combat constipation, talk to your doctor about adjusting your diet to include fiber-rich foods and drink plenty of water throughout the day. You might also consider taking a magnesium supplement if constipation persists. Magnesium helps ease muscle spasms and promote relaxation. Try taking it before bedtime to see if it helps you get a good night’s rest.
- Make sure to get enough probiotics. Probiotic supplements are available in different forms including tablets, powders, and liquid preparations. Ask your doctor for recommendations.
- Make sure you’re doing regular exercises during pregnancy, even if it’s just a short walk, because regular exercise helps with regularity.
- Stimulant laxatives and enemas should be avoided during pregnancy. Some herbal remedies may not be safe during pregnancy include stimulant laxatives.
- If you’re having trouble pooping, strain when you’re constipated, and just be pregnant and give birth! Regular kegels can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which can prevent incontinence later in life.
- If at-home remedies aren’t working for you, talk to your doctor. He might suggest over-the-counter medications like docusates or polyethylene glycol (PEG).
Pregnancy can be harmful for the fetus if constipation occurs?
No. All the pressures that build up in your tummy because of constipation may cause you to worry about whether your child will be alright. However, you shouldn’t worry. Constipation can be uncomfortable for you, but it doesn’t pose any danger to your child.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
You might find yourself suffering from constipation during pregnancy. Though there are no specific signs that indicate you’re experiencing this problem, there are certain steps you can follow to ease symptoms. First, you should eat a balanced diet rich in fiber. Next, drink plenty of water. Finally, try exercising regularly to help keep you moving throughout the day. Taking these steps will ensure that you’ll avoid any discomfort associated with constipation.
Check out this post: Flu Vs Stomach Flu: Is Their A Difference?
Conclusion
Can pregnancy cause constipation? Yes, it can. If you experience constipation while you’re pregnant, make an appointment with your doctor right away. Your doctor can prescribe medication to treat your condition, or he can recommend natural remedies to relieve your symptoms.
LOSE WEIGHT FAST WITH IKARIA JUICE; ORDER HERE WITH DISCOUNT”