Constipation During Pregnancy – Parenthood

Constipation during pregnancy is a common symptom that affects many women. In fact, about 50% of pregnant women suffer from this condition. There are a lot of changes that take place in the body during these 9 months and with them comes digestive discomfort.

Just as many women experience nausea and vomiting in the first trimester of pregnancy, it is not uncommon to experience heartburn, gas, and even constipation. Constipation is diagnosed when the frequency of bowel movements is less than 3 bowel movements per week.

Why does constipation occur during pregnancy?

When the gestation period begins, there are a lot of hormonal changes in a woman’s body that affect the whole body. One of them is the increased secretion of progesterone, a fundamental hormone during pregnancy.

First, she prepares the uterus so that it can accommodate the embryo. It also promotes tissue elasticity, prevents contractions of the uterus and protects the fetus by forming the mucous plug. However, progesterone is also responsible for slowing down the digestion process and intestinal transit.

Another aspect that promotes constipation during pregnancy is the pressure exerted by the uterus as it grows on the intestine and rectum. This happens mostly in the last months of gestation. The transit of food is more complicated and slower.

Sometimes constipation is caused by iron supplements that are often prescribed during pregnancy. Anemia is another very common condition during pregnancy due to the increased need for blood and red blood cells to nourish the baby. When it does appear, it should be treated with additional iron intake.

If iron is the cause of constipation during pregnancy, the doctor will consider lowering the dose or taking additional measures. If there is anemia to treat, you should not stop iron intake on your own for fear of constipation. Always consult a specialist, there are other solutions that may be sought.

Consequences of constipation during pregnancy

As we said, constipation during pregnancy is a condition that is advised to look for a solution. Not only is it a nuisance, it can also have serious health consequences.

When we have a constipation disorder, the strain on us when we try to defecate is greater. As a result, the pressure on the intestinal walls increases and normal blood circulation is prevented. This usually causes the veins in the area to dilate and the formation of varicose veins or hemorrhoids, among other problems.

Sometimes constipation is also responsible for the onset of cystitis and vaginitis during pregnancy, due to increased bacteria and stagnation of feces in the intestine. These can migrate to the urinary tract causing infections.

How to fight constipation during pregnancy?

As we have seen, constipation during pregnancy is the result of many processes that we cannot avoid. But there are also effective steps we can take to combat it. One of them is to exercise regularly, always adapted to your possibilities.

Also we can act very effectively at the level of our diet. If you experience constipation during pregnancy, do not hesitate to increase your intake of foods high in fiber. Some foods that can help you are:

• Fruits : for example, oranges, kiwis or grapes
• Vegetables : for example, spinach, Swiss chard, green beans or lettuce
• Legumes

You should also increase your fluid intake. A woman’s body needs more fluids during pregnancy, so that the intestine will absorb more water. If the pregnant woman is not properly hydrated, the stools become harder and defecation becomes more difficult. To combat this phenomenon, drink at least a liter and a half of water a day.

Conclusion

Constipation during pregnancy is a common symptom. Try to eat a diet high in fiber and don’t stop exercising. If you still cannot control it, see your doctor, he will know how to help you.