Why Is Constipation Common During Pregnancy
An increase in progesterone during pregnancy slows down the muscles in the bowl which can cause constipation in some women. Other medicines taken during pregnancy can also make your constipation worse including those prescribed to treat heartburn, nausea and iron deficiency amongst others.
According to The Department of Health, constipation involves infrequent, incomplete and difficult bowel movements which can cause abdominal pain and bloating. So if youâre suffering, donât hesitate to speak up! Your doctor may be able to recommend you medications or supplements that could help get things moving again.
How To Stop Using Laxatives
When your bowel movements occur regularly without difficulty, laxatives can be withdrawn gradually. The reduction in the dose of laxatives should be guided by the frequency and consistency of the stools.
Gradual withdrawal will reduce the risk of requiring re-initiation of therapy for recurrent fecal loading.
Can Constipation Hurt The Baby
Many pregnant women who experience pain from constipation will have this concern, but constipation in pregnancy will not hurt your baby.
Another good thing to know if you do end up using a OTC laxative : most laxatives are not well absorbed into body and have not been shown to be a risk to the baby.
The real concern is for the mother herself, not the baby. In some cases, pregnancy constipation can lead to more uncomfortable and serious symptoms of pregnancy, including hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding, fecal impaction, and rectal fissures. Oh, the joys of pregnancy! But take heart, most moms find relieve to their constipation in pregnancy with natural remedies.
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Lemon Or Peppermint Essential Oil
Aromatherapy massage using peppermint or lemon essential oil may help soften fecal impaction and treat constipation .
You Will Need
- 1-2 drops of lemon/peppermint essential oil
- 1 teaspoon of any carrier oil
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once a day.
Three Cheers For Chamomile Sipping
Chamomile tea is a great way to relax your intestinal tract and your overall self can well have been used for centuries. It soothes frazzled nerves, helps with -another woe for pregnant women and it also has a generally calming effect. Drink no more than two cups a day though since there are untested rumors that it can cause in higher doses.
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How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Becoming Constipated During Pregnancy
You can reduce your risk of becoming constipated by doing the same things you would do to manage constipation. Pay attention to how much fiber youre eating and fluids youre drinking. Schedule exercise that feels doable for you. Walking, swimming, yoga, pilates and light aerobics are all good options to keep your bowel active.
What Causes Constipation In Pregnancy
Constipation can cause infrequent, hard or dry bowel movements, pain in the abdomen, bloating and moreone of the less glamorous aspects of pregnancy. Mild constipation is generally defined as three or fewer bowel movements a week. Its a condition nearly half of all pregnant women experience, which means youre not alone.
While it may feel like an extremely personal topic, theres absolutely no shame in expressing any discomfort you might be feeling and the urge to get it under control. In fact, there are several reasons why you might be experiencing constipation. Understanding the causes can help you take action to get those BMs under control.
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Prune Juice For Constipation
Wondering how to cure constipation during pregnancy, prune juice is widely hailed as an effective cure for constipation. All you need to do is have prune juice, four to six times in a day to leave constipation and soften the stool. If the concentrated taste of the prune juice is too strong for you, they mix it with a bit of water and add a slice of lemon.
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Your Position On The Toilet
Having a good position on the toilet can help when you are emptying your bowels.
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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.
Constipation And Pregnancy: Why
If youve already bought the classic childrens book Everybody Poops for your new little one, you may be feeling the irony that this new little one is the reason you cant currently poop.
Why exactly does being pregnant stop you up so badly? Dr. Jhaveri explains.
- Hormones: Like everything else during pregnancy, you can largely chalk this up to hormones. The high levels of progesterone your body produces during pregnancy cause your bowel muscles to relax, she says. The problem is that to have a bowel movement, you need your bowel muscles to contract. A relaxed bowel is a constipated bowel.
- Supplements: If youre taking a prenatal vitamin or an iron supplement, increased levels of iron and other vitamins may be contributing to that backed-up bowel.
- Pressure on your rectum: Your expanding uterus could put extra pressure on your rectum and bowels, Dr. Jhaveri explains. This can you guessed it cause constipation.
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How Does Pregnancy Affect Gut Motility
Pregnancy causes a lot of changes in a woman’s body, including an increase in the hormone progesterone. Rising levels of this hormone can slow down gut motility, which is how fast your food and stool move through your intestinal tract. This slowdown can lead to constipation, or trouble passing a bowel movement. It may also mean you don’t have as many bowel movements as normal.
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:
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 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.
Osmotic laxatives
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The Link Between Constipation And Hemorrhoids
On its own, pregnancy increases your risk of swollen veins around your rectum. “But if your stool is uncomfortable to pass and you’re straining to do so, it can make hemorrhoids worse,” says Shari Brasner, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, in New York City, and author of Advice from a Pregnant Obstetrician “This is serious, because they can be with you for life.” You can prevent pregnancy hemorrhoids by managing constipation, using the tips below.
How To Relieve Constipation During Pregnancy
Of all the potential side effects, constipation in pregnancy can be one of the most irritating. Itâs believed that about half of all women experience constipation during pregnancy1, so if youâre feeling it, youâre not alone. This article will discuss how constipation and pregnancy are related, how to avoid constipation, and how to relieve constipation in pregnancy.
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How To Ease Constipation
You can ease constipation by:
- drinking plenty of water – try to have 10 glasses of water a day, about 2.3 litres
- eating foods that are high in fibre every day – vegetables, wholegrain breads, porridge, fruit, dried fruits, vegetables, beans and lentils
- staying active – try walking, swimming, pregnancy yoga or pilates
- going to the toilet when you first feel the urge to have a bowel motion – give yourself plenty of time and take some deep breaths to help relax the pelvic floor
Only take iron supplements if your GP or midwife has said you need them.
Colace Use During Pregnancy
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 doctor may suggest lifestyle changes to help relieve constipation before you try an OTC product like Colace. Sometimes, changing your habits may bring you enough relief that you dont need to take a drug to treat constipation.
If you and your doctor decide that Colace is the right option for you during pregnancy, ask your doctor what the best dosage is for you. You should also ask them how long you should use Colace.
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Cant Poop Safe Constipation Remedies During Pregnancy
Written by our resident pharmacist, Yeniset Santana.
Not being able to poop is a common problem in pregnancy. Luckily there are a number of remedies you can use to help get things moving.
The safest way to relieve constipation during pregnancy is by introducing simple changes in your lifestyle . Some medications for constipation like bulk-forming agents and, osmotic and stimulant laxatives are also safe.
So How Often Should I be Pooping?
Its normal to poop from 3 times per day to 3 times a week. Sometimes during pregnancy you can experience fewer bowel movements than you would when not pregnant, but that does not necessarily mean that youre constipated.
However, if you have 2 bowel movements or less per week and 25% of your visits to the restroom are: painful, with a sensation of incomplete evacuation or with lumpy or hard stools. Then you are constipated.
While Constipation During Pregnancy Is Uncomfortable & Unfortunately Common There Are Several Ways To Treat It & Ease Discomfort
Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by pregnant women. In fact, constipation during pregnancy affects up to 40 percent of women.
Experiencing constipation while pregnant can mean passing hard stools, at times painfully. It can also mean having less frequent bowel movements and involve additional symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, cramping and flatulence.
Why do women experience constipation during pregnancy?
The main reason pregnancy is thought to cause constipation is due to pregnancy hormones relaxing the bowels and causing them to work more slowly.
How do you relieve constipation during pregnancy?
As constipation can cause discomfort during pregnancy, its best to treat or prevent it whenever possible. Some tips that may help to relieve constipation during pregnancy include:
Eating foods that are high in fibre, such as wholemeal breads and cereals, fruit and vegetables, and pulses, such as beans and lentils. You should aim to consume about 30 grams of fibre per day
Exercising on a regular basis. Walking, swimming or other exercise can help to stimulate your bowels
Drinking plenty of water try to drink six to eight glasses of fluids each day
If you’re taking iron and calcium supplements, these can make you even more constipated. You can discuss stopping taking these or changing to a different formulation with your doctor
When should I be worried about constipation during pregnancy?
You should see a GP if you:
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What Can I Take For Constipation During Pregnancy
If you have tried some of these natural pregnancy constipation remedies, but are not finding the relief that youre looking for, you may be wondering if you can take a laxative to help move things along. Always talk to your midwife or doctor about your constipation before taking any over-the-counter products.
There are a few different options when considering laxative medication for constipation in pregnancy, lets take a look at these options:
Remedies For Constipation In Pregnancy
First of all, the first thing to do when you suffer from constipation during pregnancy is to talk to your doctor: he will be able to make changes to the supplementation of iron and vitamins and suggest preferred foods or effective remedies. One of the most used remedies is the Metamucil which can help soften stool and promote evacuation.
Stool softening products or fiber supplements are not dangerous for the baby because their active ingredients are absorbed by the body only in a very small percentage. In any case, every remedy, even those based on natural substances, must be prescribed by the doctor.
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What Can I Do To Prevent This
Eat a diet rich in high-fiber foods such as fresh or dried fruits and vegetables plus high-fiber cereal. If you suddenly eat a lot more fiber, you may get bloating, diarrhea, and gas pressure. If this happens, try increasing the amount slowly over a week or more.
Also, drinking enough water and getting regular exercise can all help to prevent constipation.
Am I More Likely To Experience Constipation If I Had It Before Pregnancy
Women who have had constipation before pregnancy are, unfortunately, likely to experience worsening of symptoms during pregnancy.
If you have constipation and are planning a pregnancy, try to get into good habits before you become pregnant. Keeping to a healthy diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and doing regular exercise may help you maintain regular bowel motions.
It is better to prevent constipation early on rather than wait to treat it later.
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Cause Of Constipation During Pregnancy
- Changes in hormones
One of the culprits causing constipation during pregnancy is an increase in progesterone. This hormone causes the smooth muscle fibers to relax in the body, preparing mom and a baby for delivery. But it also smoothes the intestines, which means the peristaltic motion is not as strong, and food moves more slowly through the digestive tract.
- Reduced food and water consumption
- Changes in diet
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Is Constipation A Sign Of Early Pregnancy
You betcha! Once an egg and a sperm unite, resulting in pregnancy, progesterone levels start to rise. Its this rise in progesterone that maintains the lining of the uterus, making it a great place for a baby to grow. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, progesterone relaxes the muscles of the intestinal wall, making it less capable of moving waste material through it .
If youre experiencing constipation in early pregnancy, hang on for the ridethis pregnancy symptom can stick around for all three trimesters.
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Why Does This Technique Cause Constipation Relief
This breathing remedy increases brain and body oxygen content. When you get increased alveolar and arterial CO2 levels, CO2 will dilate arteries and arterioles. CO2 is the most potent dilator of arteries and arterioles.
Hence, it causes easing the spasm and providing more oxygen for cells. Over 90% of people can stop constipation with this exercise in 1-2 minutes.
This YouTube video provides the same exercise to relieve constipation fast: Constipation Remedies: Relief in 1 Min.
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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Feeling A Little Backed Up
Constipation can be an uncomfortable problem to have. But many people experience it from time to time, especially while pregnant or taking certain medications.
There are many potential causes of constipation. There are also many treatment options. Adjusting your lifestyle habits or reaching for home remedies may be all you need to treat occasional constipation.
Take the time to learn about some of the best natural remedies for constipation.
Ways To Relieve Pregnancy Constipation
If youre desperately trying to figure out how to relieve constipation during pregnancy, look no further.
Dr. Jhaveri shares helpful tips for finding relief and getting your insides in order and if youre pregnant but not constipated, these same tips can help you avoid it. Most of these are just healthy principles to follow when you are pregnant, she says, and fortunately, they can also help to prevent constipation.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water at least 10 to 12 glasses per day to give your body the lubrication it needs.
- Increase your fiber intake:Fiber keeps you regular, so eat high-fiber cereal and fresh fruits and veggies to keep things running smoothly.
- Get moving: Regular exercise during pregnancy has lots of important benefits, including helping to relieve constipation, Dr. Jhaveri says. Even a brisk walk can help.
- Try a stool softener: Get an assist from over-the-counter products designed to moisten your bowels, which make it easier for you to poop.
- Talk to your Ob/Gyn: If you just cant seem to go, it might be time to talk to your doctor, who can walk you through the options.
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