Constipation During Pregnancy: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Constipation is a common and uncomfortable part of pregnancy. However, simple lifestyle changes can provide relief. Your healthcare provider can also recommend medications to help. Typically, these symptoms resolve after childbirth. If you're experiencing this issue, don't hesitate to visit the best gastroenterologist hospital in Noida for your healthcare needs.

Get relief from constipation during pregnancy by consulting our experts at +91 9667064100.

What is Constipation?

Bowel function varies from person to person, but some individuals find it difficult or painful to pass stools. If you suffer from constipation, your stools may become hard, dry, and difficult or painful to pass. You might need to push or strain, and you may feel as though you haven't fully emptied your bowels even after passing stools.

Constipation is a common issue during pregnancy, affecting nearly half of all pregnant women at some point. It is characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort, difficult and infrequent bowel movements, and the passage of hard stools. Up to 2 out of 5 people experience constipation during pregnancy.

Know the Signs of Constipation During Pregnancy

Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy. Here's how you can identify it:

1. Not Pooping Often: Having a bowel movement less than three times a week.
2. Hard Poop: Stools that are hard, dry, and painful to pass.
3. Straining Too Much: Pushing too hard during bowel movements.
4. Feeling Like You Haven't Fully Emptied: Even after pooping, feeling like your bowels aren't fully empty.
5. Tummy Pain: Experiencing abdominal pain or discomfort.
6. Feeling Bloated: Feeling like your tummy is swollen.
7. Losing Your Appetite: Not feeling like eating due to discomfort.

If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider to get the right treatment and feel better.

Main Causes of Constipation During Pregnancy

Here are some common causes of constipation during pregnancy:

1. Hormonal Changes: The hormone progesterone slows down digestion, leading to constipation.

2. Pressure on the Rectum: The growing uterus puts pressure on the rectum and intestines, causing constipation.

3. Iron Supplements: Iron supplements can cause constipation in some women.

4. Changes in Diet: Pregnancy can lead to changes in eating habits, causing constipation.

5. Decreased Physical Activity: Reduced physical activity during pregnancy can contribute to constipation.

6. Pressure on the Pelvic Floor: The growing uterus puts pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to constipation etc.

It's essential to talk to your healthcare provider if you're experiencing constipation during pregnancy to rule out any underlying conditions and get proper guidance on managing symptoms.
 

Treatments for Constipation During Pregnancy

To alleviate constipation during pregnancy, try the following:

- Dietary Changes:
   - Increase fiber intake through whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts
   - Drink plenty of water daily

- Regular Exercise:
   - Engage in activities like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga to maintain regular bowel movements

- Over-the-Counter Remedies:
   - Bulk-forming laxatives or stool softeners (consult your healthcare provider first)

- Natural Remedies:
   - Warm beverages, especially in the morning
   - Probiotics (consult your healthcare provider first)

- Proper Toilet Positioning:
   - Use a footstool to elevate your feet and aid in easier bowel movements

- Avoid:
   - Excessive caffeine
   - Processed foods (as they can exacerbate constipation)
 

Diagnosis and Management

The diagnosis of constipation during pregnancy is typically based on reported symptoms and the results of the physical examination. Most cases can be managed with lifestyle changes and safe interventions:

Dietary Adjustments: Increasing fiber intake through whole meal breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, and pulses like beans and lentils.

Hydration: Drinking plenty of water to help soften stools.
Exercise: Regular physical activity to keep the digestive system functioning smoothly.
Avoiding Iron Supplements: If iron supplements are contributing to constipation, consult with a healthcare provider to find alternative options or manage without them.

Prevention for Constipation During Pregnancy

Your body undergoes many changes during pregnancy, which can sometimes lead to irritation or discomfort. One common issue is constipation, often caused by hormonal changes early in pregnancy.

To help prevent constipation, consider the following:

1. Diet: Eat high-fiber foods like whole meal breads and cereals, fruits, vegetables, and pulses such as beans and lentils. Learn more about maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy.

2. Exercise: Engage in regular exercise to keep your muscles toned. Discover more about suitable exercises for pregnancy.

3. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

4. Iron Supplements: Iron supplements can contribute to constipation. Consult an Expert gastroenterologist about managing without them or switching to a different type.

Know Your Doctor for Constipation Issues During Pregnancy

Dr. Jagatjot Singh Gill is a skilled and dedicated gastroenterologist with over 11 years of extensive experience. His expertise encompasses diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of gastroenterological conditions and disorders.

Dr. Amrit Yog Datley is a distinguished gastroenterologist and critical care specialist, boasting over 8 years of substantial expertise in various surgical fields.

Are you experiencing constipation during pregnancy? Don't hesitate to seek expert care. Call now  +91 9667064100.

Conclusion

Constipation is a common issue during pregnancy, often caused by hormonal changes and physical pressures. With adjustments in diet, hydration, and exercise, along with guidance from your healthcare provider at Felix Hospital, a renowned gastroenterologist hospital near you, symptoms can be effectively managed. 

FAQs

1) What is constipation? 
Ans. Constipation is a condition where bowel movements become infrequent or difficult, often resulting in hard and dry stools that are painful to pass.

2) Will it affect my baby? 
Ans. Constipation itself typically does not directly affect the baby. However, prolonged constipation or straining could potentially cause discomfort.

3) Will it continue after I’ve had the baby? 
Ans. Constipation usually resolves after childbirth as hormonal changes stabilize and pressure on the intestines decreases.

4) Am I more likely to experience constipation if I had it before pregnancy?
Ans. Yes, if you had constipation before pregnancy, you may be more likely to experience it during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased pressure on the intestines.

5) When does constipation generally start during pregnancy? 
Ans. Constipation can start early in pregnancy due to hormonal changes, particularly progesterone, which slows down digestion.

6) Can I prevent constipation during pregnancy? 
Ans. Yes, constipation during pregnancy can often be prevented or managed through dietary changes (increasing fiber intake), adequate hydration, regular exercise, and avoiding iron supplements if they contribute to constipation.

7) When can I expect constipation to end while I'm pregnant? 
Ans. Constipation may persist throughout pregnancy but tends to improve after childbirth once hormonal levels return to normal and pressure on the intestines decreases.