Constipation and pregnancy
So many changes take place in a woman's body during pregnancy. Some are less favourable than others, like constipation. Let's look at the causes of constipation during pregnancy and what you can do to feel better.
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10 min read
What are the causes of constipation during pregnancy?
For pregnant women, constipation is a very common condition. It affects at least half of all pregnant women at some point, and tends to be more troublesome in women who were already prone to constipation before pregnancy1,2. Let's explore several causes of constipation during pregnancy.
Hormonal changes
During pregnancy, the body is expanding, evolving, and creating increased amounts of hormones. Rising progesterone levels and reduced motilin hormone levels can increase the time it takes for waste to move through the bowel. These hormonal changes can also increase water absorption from the intestines, which leads to hard, dry poo which is difficult to pass. Together, these changes can slow down intestinal transit2,3, making you less regular.
Physical changes
Towards the end of pregnancy, the expansion of the uterus can put increased pressure on the intestines. As a result, the intestines may need more time to process digestion, which can make you feel rather uncomfortable and constipated. Usual signs of constipation during pregnancy include abdominal pain or discomfort, difficult and infrequent bowel movements, and hard poo, which can hurt to pass.
Diet changes
One of the other causes of constipation during pregnancy is diet. Whether you are already pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, a healthy, well-balanced diet is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your future child. Certain foods can exacerbate constipation, including dairy or red meat. The vitamins and supplements you may take during pregnancy, such as iron or calcium, can also trigger constipation2.
It's always best to speak to your doctor about signs of constipation during pregnancy.
How does pregnancy change your body?
Pregnancy creates a lot of change in a woman’s body. This includes hormonal changes and, of course, a growing uterus which can press against the lower bowel in the later trimesters. Let's explore some of these changes, and discover how they can be common causes of constipation during pregnancy:
Increased levels of hormones
Pregnant women produce more hormones than usual, including progesterone, which is a muscle relaxant. Progesterone prevents uterus contractions, but also relaxes the muscles of the nearby digestive system, causing it to slow down. This can lead to dry, hard and infrequent poos. Another hormone, aldosterone, makes the colon absorb more liquid and electrolytes than usual. This can also make poo harder and more difficult to pass2.
Changing eating habits
Pregnancy can make women crave certain foods and actively avoid others. But any sudden change to your diet can cause constipation. Fibre is key to staying regular. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains will all help stimulate the digestive muscles and hydrate hard poo. Some of the supplements taken during pregnancy can, rather annoyingly, cause constipation. Iron-based preparations and antacids can both slow down the intestinal transit.
A few tricks to get things moving
To start feeling better, the first step is to look at your lifestyle. Review your habits, and see if anything in your daily routine could be the cause of your constipation. Start by making small changes, and notice how your body reacts.
The Dulco® range
Dulco® products help get your digestive system moving. We have different types of relief available, including gradual relief, overnight relief and fast relief. All will make you feel lighter, brighter and clearer.
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DulcoEase® Capsules
DulcoEase® Capsules are a gentle and effective laxative that gradually relieve constipation. The dual effect action softens poo and stimulates the bowel, resulting in an increase in bowel movements and softer poo that's easier to pass.
Dulcolax® Adult Tablets
Dulcolax® Tablets provide targeted relief that works away whilst you sleep, stimulating your natural bowel movement in harmony with your body. Take at night in the comfort of your own home to make it easier to pass poo when you wake up (between 6-12 hours later). So, you can expect to feel good inside and out.
Dulcolax® Adult Pico Liquid oral solution
Dulcolax® Adult Pico Liquid is a fruit flavoured liquid solution that provides predictable, overnight relief from constipation in 6-12 hours.
Dulcolax® Twelve Plus suppositories
Get fast relief in 10-30 minutes with this quick-acting stimulant laxative. Dulcolax® Twelve Plus 10mg suppositories work quickly to stimulate bowel muscles and soften poo, making it easier to pass.
-
Dulcolax® Adult Tablets
Dulcolax® Tablets provide targeted relief that works away whilst you sleep, stimulating your natural bowel movement in harmony with your body. Take at night in the comfort of your own home to make it easier to pass poo when you wake up (between 6-12 hours later). So, you can expect to feel good inside and out.
Dulcolax® Adult Pico Liquid oral solution
Dulcolax® Adult Pico Liquid is a fruit flavoured liquid solution that provides predictable, overnight relief from constipation in 6-12 hours.
-
DulcoEase® Capsules
DulcoEase® Capsules are a gentle and effective laxative that gradually relieve constipation. The dual effect action softens poo and stimulates the bowel, resulting in an increase in bowel movements and softer poo that's easier to pass.
-
Dulcolax® Twelve Plus suppositories
Get fast relief in 10-30 minutes with this quick-acting stimulant laxative. Dulcolax® Twelve Plus 10mg suppositories work quickly to stimulate bowel muscles and soften poo, making it easier to pass.
Stay in the know
Constipation can be bothersome and persistent. Because we know how frustrating and stressful it can be, we can help you identify the causes of constipation during pregnancy and how you can prevent it.
Why does getting older cause constipation?
As we get older, our bowel muscles need a little more time to move food and poo through the intestines. That's why constipation is common in elderly people - and it can have a considerable impact on their quality of life. Understand how age can change your body and how to adapt to help yourself feel better.
Why can stress cause constipation?
Our digestive system is sensitive to stress. Whether you’re experiencing stress at work, fighting against deadlines or going through a tough time in a relationship, it can all impact heavily on your digestive system. Healthy mind, healthy body.
Why can travel cause constipation?
Constipation can happen when your life or daily routine changes. For example, travelling can sometimes shake things up and change your bowel movements. Adapting to new time zones, new foods and new environments can trigger your digestive system to get constipated.
Which daily habits can cause constipation?
There are things we do during the day that can have an impact on our digestive system. Stress, travel, diet and lifestyle can all cause constipation. But fear not, there are some simple changes you can make to get things moving again.
1. American Pregnancy Association. Constipation in Pregnancy. 2020. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/constipation-during-pregnancy-964/
2. Harms RW. Mayo Clinic guide to a healthy pregnancy. 2011. Mayo Foundation for medical education and research.
3. Trottier M, Erebara A, Bozzo P. Treating constipation during pregnancy. Can Fam Physician. 2012 Aug;58(8):836-8.