Relieving constipation during pregnancy

Approximately 11% to 38% of women experience constipation during pregnancy. Pregnancy predisposes women to developing constipation owing to physiologic and anatomic changes in the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition, dietary changes, such as not eating some of the foods you’re used to, or eating less, can also cause constipation – and to top it all off, a growing fetus may slow down the movement of the bowel.

If you are suffering from constipation during your pregnancy, please consult your doctor.

Hormonal changes

“Pregnancy” and “hormonal changes” – now those are two words that go together. During your first trimester, changing hormones may make you feel tired, have nausea and vomiting, and tender breasts. During your second trimester hormone levels even out, any signs of nausea may lessen, and you may feel a heightened sense of well-being. And lastly, during your third trimester, you will become more visibly pregnant. Your baby may push on your lungs, stomach, and bladder, causing shortness of breath, heartburn, gas, and frequent urination.

Physical changes

Pregnancy changes may include backache, nausea and vomiting, heartburn, hemorrhoids, frequent urination, feeling tired, increase in appetite, increased vaginal discharge, tender breasts, and constipation. Towards the end of the pregnancy, the expansion of the uterus can put an increased pressure on the intestines. Due to this, intestines may need more time to process digestion, causing constipation.

Dietary changes

During pregnancy, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Some foods that you may be used to eating, such as dairy products or red meat, may lead to constipation.

Pregnancy should be the time where you focus on you and your little one – not the time to be worrying about constipation.

Seek help from your healthcare professional.

If you are suffering from constipation and are pregnant, please seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.