Safe and effective relief can be found in laxatives when lifestyle changes just won’t cut it. From fiber to stool softeners to stimulants, remember, it's not just a load of…

Constipation during pregnancy can lead to extra worry. After all, you’re looking out for two people.
In general terms, if you find yourself pooping fewer than three times a week, and if your stools are dry, hard, lumpy, and difficult to pass, you’re probably constipated. However, this can vary from person to person1A
Pregnancy is a beautiful time for many, but in real life there are no storks to help you carry the load, and pregnancy can be challenging. You’ll likely have enough on your mind without waking up to the added emotional and physical bloating of pregnancy constipation.
In this piece, we’ll explain everything you need to know about recognizing constipation during pregnancy.
Constipation is common during pregnancy. Although it’s a common complaint outside of pregnancy as well, pregnant women might experience constipation more frequently than the wider population.2A
A recent review found that as many as 40% of pregnant women experienced constipation. In comparison, it only affected 21% of non-pregnant folks of a similar age.2B That’s basically double.
So, if you’re pregnant, and finding stools hard to pass, then rest assured. You are far from alone.
Constipation can happen at any time during pregnancy and after childbirth.3A
When evaluating how women experience constipation during different periods of pregnancy, the rates are pretty similar between the second and third trimesters.2C
Iron and calcium supplements might worsen constipation when expecting.4D
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Constipation during pregnancy is usually due to numerous factors.14 In order to ready itself for giving birth, your body goes through some drastic changes during pregnancy. Hormones like progesterone initiate this process of transformation.3B
Progesterone is key to preparing your body for pregnancy. However, progesterone also has some other effects. For example, it relaxes smooth muscle in the gut, meaning that your bowels start working slowly.4F The result of this is that you may find pooping harder than you are used to.
Your digestive system also has less space than usual once your baby starts growing.3C The growing fetus can push up against your gut, which may also slow down the pooping process.3D
All that said, pregnant or not, there are several other reasons that can lead to constipation. Some of these non-baby-related factors include:
Constipation can impact your quality of life and can sometimes point to a condition that needs a doctor’s attention. 6 7B
If you’re constipated, you may push harder during poops, which can cause hemorrhoids and bleeding in your rectum.7C
It’s a good idea to speak to a doctor if you notice the following symptoms while pregnant and constipated:3L
What Can I Do About Constipation During Pregnancy?
Managing constipation that pregnancy throws your way is about making lifestyle changes. And that process starts with prevention.7D
There’s no pregnancy-specific plan for reducing constipation, but you can start with alterations to your dietary habits to see if they make a difference.7E
Get a healthcare professionals’ advice on pregnancy-safe options that could help to get things moving smoothly again until that all important birth date.13B
Relieving constipation involves adjusting what you eat, how much water you drink, and the amount of physical activity you do every day.7F
Making sure you get enough fiber through your diet is a vital part of keeping constipation at bay.7G
You can boost your fiber intake by including more of the following in your diet:8B
Boost your fiber intake gradually, so your body can adjust to the increased quantity. Adding too much extra fiber to your diet too quickly can lead to excess gas and bloating alongside constipation.9A
Bloating & Gas And Constipation: Cause, Symptoms, Prevention, Relief
During pregnancy, your blood supply increases, meaning your body needs more water.7G An adequate fluid intake is needed as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Exercise is a fun, accessible way to reduce your risk of constipation.7K While it’s important to avoid overheating while pregnant, pregnancy needn’t stand in the way of an active lifestyle.10A
In fact, along with helping relieve constipation during pregnancy, regular movement can support your health in many aspects of pregnancy.10D
If all else fails, there are non-prescription medicines, such as Dulcolax stool softeners available to help you.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, you must discuss any use of medication with a doctor.
We advise seeing a doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding and constipated as a general rule, before taking on any decisions on how to relieve your constipation.
Dulcolax has a range of products available, including stool softener Dulcosoft.
The duration of constipation depends upon the cause. It usually occurs sporadically, and in bouts, until after your baby is born.13A
Pregnancy constipation can be uncomfortable and demotivating, but you can manage symptoms at home. That said, we advise discussing your options with a healthcare professional, so that you can work together to get things moving smoothly. 13B
* Works in 30 minutes to 6 hours
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