If your fibre intake is too low, this information helps you understand how to gradually increase the amount of fibre you consume during pregnancy. This is because filling the bowel with indigestible material slows bowel movement and hardens the stool.
Some women report abdominal bloating and flatulence when increasing fibre in the diet 4. Having a good fluid intake can maintain good movement of the stool through your body by softening the stool and reducing constipation 5.
Try to keep well hydrated by drinking at regular intervals throughout the day. The ideal volume of fluid for most women to consume is around 8 cups of water, herbal tea, milk, vegetable and non sugar fruit juices throughout the day during pregnancy.
Regular physical activity during pregnancy helps prevent constipation 6. ACSM recommends pregnant women undertake 30 minutes of moderate physical exercise on most days of the week 7. Low impact exercises ideal for promoting bowel motility during pregnancy include:.
Speak with your doctor or medical caregiver regarding pharmacological strategies which usually involve laxative medication. The order of priority for laxative medication for constipation in pregnancy is usually as follows: 8,9. Bulking agents are dietary fibre supplements that combine with water to bulk and soften the stool. Some bulking agents are completely natural such as psyllium husks. These are usually the first line of laxative intervention suggested for pregnant women and are usually well tolerated 9.
Osmotic laxatives draw fluid into the bowel and soften the stool in this manner e. Movicol or Miralax. Many pregnancy women take osmotic laxatives to address constipation in pregnancy.
These laxatives are the second line of intervention if bulking agents are not well tolerated or unsuccessful and its important to have good fluid intake when using these products. When bulking agents and osmotic laxatives are unsuccessful, stimulant laxatives may be considered as a single dose treatment for use by some pregnant women 9. Stimulant laxatives can have various methods of action including stimulating the bowel wall to contract or acting on the amount of water and salts absorbed to and from the bowel 9.
These laxatives can cause abdominal cramping and diarrhoea in addition to electrolyte disturbances when taken regularly or in high doses. Pregnancy health How to deal with constipation during pregnancy Constipation is often an early sign of pregnancy, and sometimes it continues for all nine months sorry! Photo: Stocksy. Joseph Communications uses cookies for personalization, to customize its online advertisements, and for other purposes.
Learn more or change your cookie preferences. By continuing to use our service, you agree to our use of cookies. We use cookies why? These supplements are usually appropriate most women, but sometimes they can cause uterine contractions so it's important you follow your doctor's guidance. Also, if you're taking too much, you may actually experience diarrhea. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world.
When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.
American Pregnancy Association. Constipation in Pregnancy. Cleveland Clinic. Urinary Incontinence. University of Rochester Medical Center. Common Conditions: Constipation. National Institutes of Health. Treating constipation during pregnancy. Join now to personalize. Photo credit: iStock. Why do I have constipation during pregnancy? Will the constipation extend beyond the first trimester?
Should I worry about constipation while pregnant? Pregnancy constipation relief: Ways to feel better. A lot of times this is triggered by an increase in fiber intake, or more specifically, eating more vegetables and leafy greens. You may even have green bowel movements if you take a prescribed antibiotic while pregnant. Your stools will return to a normal color after you stop taking certain vitamins and medications.
Sometimes, green poop is due to an infection, gallstones , food poisoning , and irritable bowel syndrome. Very dark stools can also occur during pregnancy. Notify your doctor if you notice black or tarry poop. Again, although food dyes can turn stools dark, a dark color can also signal bleeding in your digestive tract. In fact, this might be your greatest fear.
The muscles you use to bring life into the world are the same muscles you use during a bowel movement. So yes, it can happen. If it makes you feel any better, the hospital prepares for this possibility.
A nurse will swiftly clean it up — as if it never happened. These often trigger a bowel movement within minutes. You might worry about additional soreness down below or irritating stitches if you had some tearing.
Pain medication you receive during and after labor can make your muscles a bit sluggish, initially causing constipation. It also helps to have a pain reliever on hand, and maybe witch hazel cleansing pads, to reduce burning and inflammation. Let things flow naturally to avoid hemorrhoids and anal fissures, which can cause more pain and discomfort.
Pregnancy can affect every part of your body, so expect your bowels to go through some changes, too.
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