Constipation in Pregnancy: In early pregnancy, women experience many problems such as constipation, morning sickness, fatigue, nausea, vertigo, and so many other problems. Out of which constipation is a very common symptom that most women experience during pregnancy.
However, symptoms may vary from woman to woman. Now we may discuss the problem and its safe treatment to relieve the discomfort.
What are the causes involved in constipation of pregnancy?
Constipation occurs during pregnancy depending on the condition, eating habits, family atmosphere, working conditions, etc, of individual women. However, some conditions are common; such as
1. Change in Hormones level
Constipation in Pregnancy, During the first trimester, a change in hormones level causes slows down the movement of the bowel in the intestine. Due to the reason of slow movement of the bowel in the intestine, our large intestine absorbs more water from the stool and makes the same solid and difficult to pass.
2. Prenatal vitamins and minerals
During the pregnancy period vitamins and minerals are given to pregnant women. Iron is one of them, which causes constipation and black hard stool.
3. Pressure due to increase of weight of uterus
In the last trimester, due to the full growth of the fetus, the weight, and size of the uterus increase, which puts pressure on the bowel, makes slow the movement of stool through the intestine, makes the stool hard and dry, it may cause bloating and discomfort. Thus constipation is totally uncomfortable during the period of pregnancy.
Home remedies beneficial during pregnancy
During the pregnancy period, we must avoid the intake of laxatives freely because laxatives caused abortion. So we must take such items to prevent constipation which does not harm the fetus. Thus below mentioned home remedies are beneficial to prevent constipation.
1. Fibrous foods and vegetables
During the pregnancy period, a pregnant lady must consume fibrous food such as, whole grains, fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, which may help increase the number of stools, making the same bulky and easily passing through the intestine. They must take approximately 30 gm fiber daily.
2. Liquid fluid
Drinking enough liquid makes the stool soft and prevents constipation. A pregnant lady must drink 2 to 2 ½ liters of water or liquid in the shape of lukewarm milk, fruit juice, and water daily.
3. Daily exercise and activity
Regular physical activity help reduce constipation. Exercise stimulates bowels. Pregnant lady must perform exercise ½ an hour on an alternative day. Perform yoga activity daily and remain stress-free.
4. Remain active during pregnancy
It is necessary to remain active during the pregnancy period. Do daily walk as much as possible, do each and every domestic work. If a pregnant lady remains active during the pregnancy period it will not only prevent constipation but also makes it easier for normal delivery.
5. Intake Probiotic
As you are aware that millions of healthy and good bacteria are live in our gut and help it function properly. Probiotics help the gut bacteria with healthy strains and enhance normal bowel movement. Curd, yogurt, and kimchi, etc are probiotics.
6. Pregnant lady must change her food habit
They must take 4 to 6 small meals daily instead of two large meals. She will easily digest the same and allow to transfer food to the intestine and colon easily and help prevent constipation. Eating a large meal can overload your stomach, causes difficulty indigestion, and further process, leading to constipation. So avoid intake of a large meal.
Other treatments
Constipation in Pregnancy, When home remedies fail or do not work properly, it would be better to take the advice of a doctor.
Iron enhance constipation, we must take such medicine which contains less iron with other vitamins and mineral. But it should be under strict medical advice.
A pregnant lady can also take laxatives as per the advice of a doctor. Isafgoal ki Bhusi (Psyllium) can also be taken with lukewarm milk.
Lubricant laxatives
Lubricant laxatives make a slippery coating to stool or passage inside the intestine to aid the passage of stool out of the body. Glycerin suppositories are falls under the category of lubricant laxatives.
Complications
Mostly constipation of pregnancy is short-lived and relieved with minimum treatment. In rare cases, prolonged constipation can cause fecal impaction, which needs treatment from a doctor. Continuous use of laxatives is also harmful. It can also cause electrolyte imbalance in the case of diabetes and kidney disease. So in such cases, it is necessary to explain to the doctor which type of laxative she has taken and of which disease she is suffering.
Under which circumstances she must consult a doctor in pregnancy
Actually, it is necessary for a pregnant lady to consult a doctor immediately after conception for proper advice. However, in the following condition, she must immediately contact her doctor,
- Nausea
- Pain in stomach
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Bleeding from rectum
- Bleeding from uterus or pain in uterus
- Constipation, bloating even after taking laxatives
Frequently Asked Question About Constipation in Pregnancy
Q. Why it is hard to poop pregnant lady?
Ans. During pregnancy, it occurs due to an increase in the hormone progesterone. Progesterone hormone slows muscle contractions in the intestine, resulting, reduce bowel movement in the intestine, causing hard, dry stool, bloating, and staining.
Q. How to prevent constipation naturally during pregnancy?
Ans. It is necessary for the pregnant lady to consume approximately 30 grams of dietary fiber daily to remain healthy. She must consume fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, whole grain bread.