Pregnancy

Constipation in Pregnancy

Unfortunately, constipation is one of the most annoying discomforts during pregnancy, when bowel movements are hard in consistency, and even painful to eliminate. Constipation can happen at any time during your pregnancy, and sometimes is associated to iron tablets or excessive dosage of iron or calcium in some Vitamin or Minerals supplements.

This is a common problem caused by hormones which soften and relax all your muscles and ligaments, including those muscles on the intestinal tract that slow down, not moving food through your intestines as quick as they usually do, causing infrequent bowel movements, sometimes less than once daily.

Constipation occurs most often in the last months of pregnancy, when the developing baby puts pressure on your lower intestines causing constipation. Other factors that can cause constipation include stress, irregular eating habits, inactivity or prolonged immobilization, lack of exercise, and the inadequate intake of fiber and fluids.

Softer high fiber foods help soften the stool, so include in your meals applesauce, legumes, bran muffin, oatmeal, barley, prune juice and cooked prunes. You may also try several cups of warm-to-hot liquid, such as tea, every morning, in order to distend your stomach and stimulate the bowels.

Constipation can also be prevented by drinking plenty of water every day, and increasing in your diets foods like unrefined grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Eat several small meals throughout the day and chew foods well.

Additionally, you can try 2 tablespoons of unprocessed bran with meals, and remember never skip drinking at least six 8-oz glasses of liquids per day, including fruit juices.

Because of constipation and the straining that is associated with it, it may lead to hemorrhoids, make sure to exercise daily for at least 30 minutes, or just take a walk after meals, and avoid medications such as Senokot, castor oil, Cascara, Ex-Lax, or Bisacodyl suppositories.

All of them may be too strong during pregnancy, and even risky if they are not prescribed, due to the fact that most laxatives may contain substances that could be harmful to the baby.

If you are not sure if you are suffering from constipation, double check some common signs that confirm you can be constipated. Signs include more than 4 days between each bowel movement, feces are very hard, which makes them difficult to pass, or they may cause bleeding from the rectum.

You can also experience a feeling that not all the feces are being passed, or can cause lower abdominal pain. During pregnancy, besides leading to hemorrhoids, constipation can result in difficulties while giving birth, including the need of an episiotomy.