Is Constipation A Sign Of Pregnancy
Constipation can occur during the first trimester, but it is not typically considered a first sign of pregnancy. Symptoms of pregnancy vary among women and among pregnancies. The first sign of pregnancy for many women tends to be a missed menstrual period. Swollen or tender breasts, fatigue, increased urination, nausea, and spotting or cramping can be other early signs of pregnancy.
Constipation Remedies During Pregnancy
If you find yourself having difficulty going to the toilet, you may need to try these ten pregnancy-safe remedies to get things moving again.
Editor’s Note:
Could It Be A Sign Of Something More Serious
While most cases of constipation are not a sign of illness, sometimes there are complications such as haemorrhoids, faecal impaction or rectal prolapse. In rare cases, constipation can be caused by more serious conditions such as tumours.
Speak with your doctor if you are concerned, and especially if you notice blood in your stools.
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Will It Affect My Baby
If youre pregnant, you dont need to worry that constipation will affect your baby since the discomfort occurs in the mothers gut and bowels and isnt passed on to the baby. Most laxatives are not well absorbed into the bloodstream and can be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but always check with your pharmacist before taking a medicine while pregnant.
Side Effects Of Treatments For Pregnancy Constipation
Because all medications have side effects, you should try increasing fiber, water, and exercise before taking laxatives. If you do need laxatives, talk to your doctor about the best one for your condition. Once you start laxatives, it may take several months to wean off of them. You should only use osmotic and stimulant laxatives short-term.
Talk to your doctor about seeing a gastroenterologist if you have:
- Bowel habit changes that have lasted longer than six weeks
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Is It Safe To Use Otc Colace During Pregnancy
Colace is one OTC drug used to relieve occasional, short-term constipation. Learn about its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In general, Colace is considered safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, if you have pregnancy-related constipation, talk to your doctor first before using medication.
Your Position On The Toilet
Having a good position on the toilet can help when you are emptying your bowels.
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Otc Medications For Constipation During Pregnancy
If these remedies arent working for you, you may need to talk with your doctor or midwife about trying a laxative or stool softener.
Here are some over-the-counter medications that are generally considered safe to take during pregnancy and your provider may suggest :
- Colace : Your doctor might have you try a stool softener, like Colace, first before turning to laxatives. The active ingredient in stool softeners is minimally absorbed by the body, so there is very little chance it could pass to or harm your baby in any way.
- Milk of Magnesia : This is a mild laxative you may need to try if a stool softener alone doesnt do the trick. Milk of Magnesia may have a yucky taste, but it works like a charm for many expecting moms.
- Metamucil : Metamucil is another safe option your provider may suggest. It is a bulk-producing laxative that draws water into the stools, making them softer and easier to pass. Its also used as a fiber supplement.
Bisacodyl and senna are both stimulant laxatives that have been found to be safe in pregnancy. Because they are stimulants, though, they can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea and can lead to dehydration. Some recommendations state that bisacodyl should be avoided during the first trimester. Senna should be taken with caution, and only if your doctor recommends it. . Always make sure to talk with your healthcare provider before taking any OTC medications during pregnancy.
Editor’s Note:
Dulcolax Pink Stool Softener
This product works within 1272 hours and may offer relief from painful stools, irregularity, and constipation.
It is available in the form of softgels and contains no stimulants, just docusate sodium.
A person can take up to three softgels a day for 7 days. Each pack contains 25 softgels.
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Stool Softener Or Another Laxative
Stool softeners are intended for short-term use. They can treat occasional constipation, but other laxatives may be better suited for the task, as they typically work faster.
For instance, if you have not had a bowel movement for several days and are cramping, the following laxatives may be used instead:
- Stimulant laxatives like Ex-Lax and Ducalax, which increase intestinal contractions
- Hyperosmotic laxatives like Miralax, which increase water in the intestines so stools can exit more rapidly
- Saline laxatives like Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia, which use sodium to draw water into the intestines for the same effect
Bulk-forming laxatives like psyllium found in Metamucil and methylcellulose found in Citrucel may be the gentlest and safest options for longer-term treatment of chronic constipation.
Is It Safe To Take Miralax During Pregnancy
MiraLAX can be a helpful solution for constipation while youre expecting. Indeed, the American Gastroenterological Association considers it the first-choice laxative for people who are pregnant.
Generally, it is safe, concurs Nathan Fox, MD, OBGYN, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and host of the Healthful Woman podcast. But it is not the first general treatment I recommend because it can cause abdominal cramping and sometimes diarrhea. I usually recommend dietary modifications first. A terrific option is a glass of prune juice every day.
Dr. McBane agrees. Pregnant individuals should always try non-medication measures first, she says. These include increasing intake of fluids and dietary fiber as well as exercise. MiraLAX can be used if these strategies are not working to relieve constipation.”
Every pregnancy is different. Be sure to consult with a healthcare provider about your circumstances if you have any questions about taking MiraLAX while pregnant.
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Best Perineal Care: Dermoplast Pain Burn & Itch Relief Spray
A best-seller for good reason, seasoned parents are probably familiar with this trusty spray bottle. Made to provide immediate pain relief and postpartum care, Dermoplast is a no-touch spray, so applying the fast-acting spray won’t irritate sensitive spots. Once postpartum care needs fade, store the Dermoplast in your medicine cabinet for relief from minor cuts, burns, scrapes, sunburns, or insect bites and stings.
Dulcolax Stool Softener Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Dulcolax Stool Softener and call your doctor at once if you have:
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pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out
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numbness or a rash around your rectum
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vomiting, severe diarrhea or stomach cramps or
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continued constipation, or no bowel movement.
Common Dulcolax Stool Softener side effects may include:
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What Are Some Of The Problems Related To Constipation During Pregnancy
Constipation can lead to other complications including:
Haemorrhoids or piles straining to move your bowels could cause swelling in the veins in and around the anus. Ask your GP or pharmacist about options for treating your haemorrhoids
Anal fissure a big or hard stool can cause small tears in the anus. Treatment depends on the severity of the fissure and should be discussed with a healthcare professional
Constipation And Pregnancy: Is There A Safe Stool Softener
With hormone and dietary changes during pregnancy, constipation can sometimes strike out of nowhere. Pregnancy constipation can be especially uncomfortable, but there are some over the counter stool softeners considered safe for use during pregnancy. As is the case with all medications, it is important to speak with your doctor before taking stool softeners. Not all products are safe and pregnant women should only take medications approved for use during pregnancy.
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Will It Continue After Ive Had The Baby
There are several reasons why constipation may continue after birth. Women who have had a caesarean often experience constipation for a few days until their regular bowel movements return. Women who have stiches after a vaginal birth may hesitate on the toilet, which can cause a build-up in their bowels.
If youve taken strong pain medication after having your baby this may also cause constipation.
New mothers are often busier than usual in the first few weeks and months of motherhood. It may seem like taking care of yourself has become less of a priority, but your health is no less important now than it was during your pregnancy. Be sure to have plenty of fibre-rich fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains as well as increase your fluid intake while breastfeeding to encourage healthy bowel movements, even when you are busy.
How Can I Manage Constipation During Pregnancy
Lifestyle changes can often prevent and help ease pregnancy-related constipation:
- Drink plenty of fluids. Taking in enough liquids can help move food through the digestive system. Note that fluid needs increase during pregnancy. Try to drink about 10 cups of water and other liquids every day.
- Take in enough fiber. Fiber adds bulk to stool, which may increase how often you have bowel movements. Aim for at least 25 grams of fiber each day. Foods that contain fiber include whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly. Inactivity increases your chance of constipation. Exercising during pregnancy can help you avoid constipation and improve your overall health. Strive to be active for 30 minutes, five days per week. Check with your health care provider before you increase your activity level.
If you take iron supplements and have constipation, talk to your health care provider about the best way to manage your symptoms. They may recommend that you meet your iron needs through diet or take smaller doses of the supplement throughout the day. Getting enough iron is important, especially during pregnancy, so do not stop taking the supplement without talking to your provider first.
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Can Constipation Hurt The Baby During Pregnancy
No. All the pressure that builds up in your belly because of constipation may make you worry for your baby. But dont stress. Constipation may be unpleasant for you, but it wont harm your baby.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
You may have to make some changes to manage constipation when youre pregnant. But there are straightforward things you and your provider can do to help get you relief. The foods you eat, the fluids you drink, the exercise you do and the medicine you take all make a difference when its time to visit the toilet. Put good habits into place so that your memories of pregnancy dont include having to suffer through uncomfortable bowel movements.
Why Constipation Happens During Pregnancy
As mentioned above, constipation is one of the most common symptoms people experience during their first trimester of pregnancy and there are a couple of different causes. For people who didn’t suffer from constipation prior to becoming pregnant, their newfound feelings of being blocked up are likely due to hormonal changes.
At the start of a pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone increase, which relaxes the intestinal muscles. That means these muscles are not contracting as powerfully, so the movement of food and waste through the digestive tract slows down. The result: things can get backed up.
Constipation during trimester one may also be the result of iron supplementation. When you’re pregnant, your iron needs increase by 50%you need to increase your blood volume and your baby needs iron to facilitate healthy cell growth. But taking an iron supplement can cause constipation, so if your symptoms become unbearable you may need to switch to a different prenatal vitamin and/or strive to reach your increased iron needs through diet instead.
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Can Straining Cause A Miscarriage
Straining to have a bowel movement will not cause a miscarriage. According to the American Pregnancy Association, most miscarriages happen from:
- Problems with the babys chromosomes.
- Problems with the mothers hormones, uterus, or cervix.
- Infections or exposure to certain toxins.
- Lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking alcohol, or using illegal drugs.
- Having certain health conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.
How Common Is Constipation In Pregnancy
About 16 to 39% of people get constipated at some point during pregnancy. Youre most likely to get constipated in the third trimester, when the fetus is heaviest and putting the most pressure on your bowel. Constipation can happen in all three trimesters, though. Sometimes, youll continue to be constipated up to three months after the babys born.
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How Is Constipation During Pregnancy Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider may ask you how much youre pooping and what your stools look like. Other questions about your daily habits can help your provider find out whats likely causing your constipation or making it worse. Your provider may ask:
- What your diets like and how much youre drinking each day.
- If youre exercising or getting enough physical activity.
- What medicines or supplements youre taking.
What Is Constipation During Pregnancy
Constipation is a common complaint of women who are pregnant. It affects up to 38% of women at some point during their pregnancy. Constipation can be painful and negatively affect your quality of life. It can also lead to physical problems like hemorrhoids if you don’t treat it.
Symptoms of constipation during pregnancy
Symptoms of constipation can include any of the following:
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Hard, lumpy, or dry stool
- A feeling like all of your stool hasn’t passed
- Excessive straining to have a bowel movement
Causes of constipation during pregnancy
If you are experiencing constipation during pregnancy, it may be a result of one of the following potential causes:
Who can get constipation during pregnancy?
Any woman who is pregnant can experience constipation, but the following factors may increase your risk:
- Age over 35
- Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index over 24
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Treatments For Constipation During Pregnancy
Home remedies for constipation during pregnancy include lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medications. The following treatments may help relieve constipation symptoms:
Increase dietary fiber and water
A diet that is low in fiber can contribute to constipation. The two types of dietary fiber are:
- Soluble Fiber, which blends with water in the intestines and forms a gel-like substance. This type of fiber helps control blood sugar.
- Insoluble Fiber, which passes through the intestines without being absorbed. It increases the size of your stool and can help you pass it more quickly.
Increasing the fiber in your diet should be the first step in treating constipation during pregnancy. Foods high in fiber include:
- Bran cereals
- Nuts
- Quinoa
In addition to increasing fiber, increasing your water intake can help with constipation. Women who are pregnant should drink 10 8-ounce glasses of water daily.
A sedentary lifestyle increased the risk of constipation. Increasing your daily exercise can help with constipation. Walking more is one of the best ways to increase your exercise during your pregnancy. It is very low risk and can help with constipation.
Laxatives
Stool softeners
Stool softeners containing docusate sodium are safe to take during pregnancy.
Lubricant laxatives
Lubricant laxatives such as mineral oil work by coating your stool and digestive tract with a waterproof layer. It keeps water in the stool which makes it softer and easier to pass.
Is It Safe To Take Stool Softeners To Treat Pregnancy Constipation
Stool softeners are generally considered safe during pregnancy.
Pregnancy constipation, defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week, can be uncomfortable. Stool softeners, such as Colace, moisten the stool and make it easier to pass. These products are unlikely to harm a developing baby because their active ingredient is only minimally absorbed by the body. Check with your health care provider, however, before taking any medicationincluding stool softeners and other types of laxativesto treat pregnancy constipation.
Keep in mind that pregnancy constipation can often be prevented with lifestyle changes. For example:
- Drink plenty of fluids. Water is a good choice. Prune juice also can help.
- Include physical activity in your daily routine. Being active can help prevent pregnancy constipation.
- Include more fiber in your diet. Choose high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. With your health care provider’s OK, consider a fiber supplement, such as Metamucil.
If you take iron supplements, mention the constipation to your health care provider. Although iron is an important nutrient during pregnancy, too much iron can contribute to pregnancy constipation. You might have to take a stool softener if you are taking an iron supplement.
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