What To Do When Your Constipated While Pregnant

Do And Donts In 1st Month Of Pregnancy

Donts for the First TrimesterDo not consume any junk foods as they lead to an increased risk of gestational diabetes since they are high in sugar and calorific content. Smoking, alcohol and caffeine consumption should be avoided. If youre pregnant, whatever you put into your body reaches your baby too.

Implantation Bleeding Vs Period Bleeding

Implantation bleeding and cramping can easily be mistaken for the onset of your monthly cycle, but whats happening in your body is completely different. There are differences between implantation bleeding and period bleeding in terms of flow amount, duration of bleeding, pain and the color of the blood.

Heres a quick comparison so you can know how to recognize implantation bleeding or spotting:

Implantation Bleeding

• Flow: Light or spotting, generally not enough to soak a tampon or pad
• Duration: 1-2 days or less
• Cramping: mild or moderate tightening, pricking or pulling feeling in the lower abdomen as the egg implants
• Consistency: often thinner or more watery

Period Bleeding

How To Relieve Constipation In Pregnancy And Stop Straining

Constipation in pregnancy is a major problem for many women.

Aside from the short term discomfort, constipation and straining in pregnancy increases the risk of long-term pelvic floor problems including:

• Prolapse and/or incontinence 1

The correct bowel emptying technique and strategies shown in the videos below help you overcome constipation without medication and reduce your risk of long-term pelvic floor problems.

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What To Eat For Constipation While Pregnant

Getting constipation while pregnant can be very bothersome. Luckily, its usually manageable and treatable. Many times, some lifestyle measures are enough to cope with it. For instance, your diet does help prevent and treat it! Here is brief summary of lifestyle measures, what to avoid, and what to eat!

Home Remedies For Constipation During Pregnancy

If youd rather not take a stool softener or your doctor has hesitations, rest assured there are a few ways to try to relieve constipation during pregnancy at home without medication. These include:

• Upping your fiber intake. Fiber helps increase the weight and size of your poop while also softening it, making it easier to pass, according to the Mayo Clinic. One delicious way to do this is to blend your favorite fruits and vegetablesfrozen or freshinto a smoothie, Lamppa says. Give it a bigger boost by adding some chia seeds.

• Drinking more water. Its important to make sure youre adequately hydrated while pregnant. This can help regulate many bodily functions, including your ability to poop. Whats more, water can soften stools, making them easier to pass, Greves says.

• Getting more exercise. Being active can help move things along in your intestines as well. Increasing physical activity such as walking and low-impact exercise can be beneficial, Cackovic says.

• Switching up your prenatal vitamin. You may want to take a break from the typical prenatal vitamin that contains iron, which can cause constipation to worsen, Lamppa says. Using a prenatal gummy thats iron-free for a while may help. But she adds this caveat: You dont want to do this for the entire pregnancy because supplemental iron is important.

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Is Constipation A Sign Of Pregnancy

Constipation in early pregnancy is common, so experiencing it regularly could offer a clue that youre expecting. But for the majority of women, its probably not the first or most obvious sign of pregnancy, says , CNM RN, a nurse-midwife at the Mayo Clinic. But if youve been trying to conceive and suddenly notice that youre having poop problems around the time your period is due, it might be a tip-off.

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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Peeing A Lot In Pregnancy

Needing to pee a lot often starts in early pregnancy and sometimes continues until the baby is born. In later pregnancy, itâs caused by the babyâs head pressing on your bladder.

If you find you need to get up in the night to pee, try cutting out drinks in the late evening. However, make sure you drink plenty of non-alcoholic, caffeine-free drinks during the day to stay hydrated.

Later in pregnancy, you may find it helps to rock backwards and forwards while youre on the toilet. This lessens the pressure of the womb on the bladder so you can empty it properly.

If you have any pain while peeing or you pass any blood in your pee, you may have a urine infection, which will need treatment.

Drink plenty of water to dilute your pee and reduce pain. You should contact your GP within 24 hours of noticing these symptoms. Read more about urinary tract infections .

Donât take any medicines without asking your midwife, doctor or pharmacist whether theyâre safe in pregnancy.

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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When To See A Health Care Provider About Your Early Pregnancy Cramps

Although early pregnancy cramps are usually normal and not life threatening, its also important to see your health care provider if the cramps become severe. Your health care provider can rule out any conditions such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or infectious diseases that may affect you or your baby. Here are a few signs and symptoms to watch out for. Make sure to see your health care provider if you experience any of these:

• Bleeding If your cramps are accompanied by any amount of blood, consult your health care provider as soon as possible.
• Severe pain If you experience severe cramps that dont go away and are getting worse, head to the hospital immediately.

References

Why Do I Have Constipation During Pregnancy

Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy: Up to half of pregnant women get constipated at some point.

One reason for constipation during pregnancy is an increase in the hormone progesterone, which relaxes muscles throughout the body, including the digestive tract. This means that food moves through the intestines more slowly.

Additionally, there are distinct changes in your blood vessels and total body fluid while pregnant. Your blood vessels dilate so they can hold approximately 50 percent more fluid by the time you deliver. As your pregnancy progresses, your hydration goal-line” if you will, is constantly changing as your body holds on to more and more fluid. This can lead to symptoms of dehydration, including constipation and headaches. Other factors can include eating a low-fiber diet , and reduced physical activity because of pregnancy fatigue and discomfort.

And the problem may be compounded later in pregnancy by the pressure of your growing uterus on your colon and rectum. Iron supplements, especially in high doses, can make constipation worse.

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What Are Symptoms Of Constipation During Pregnancy

Symptoms of constipation during pregnancy are the same as symptoms of constipation any other time and may include:

• Fewer than three bowel movements per week
• Hard, dry, or lumpy stools
• Stools that are difficult or painful to pass
• Feeling not all stool has passed following a bowel movement

Constipation during pregnancy is not usually serious, but it may be a symptom of another problem. See a doctor if constipation:

Pregnancy Constipation Relief: Ways To Feel Better

Here are some tips for preventing and easing constipation when you’re pregnant:

• Drink plenty of water. Try to have 10 to 12 cups of water or other beverages daily. Drinking a glass of fruit juice every day, especially prune juice, can also be helpful. Some people find that drinking a warm liquid right after waking up helps get things moving. Keep in mind that humid weather, sweating, and exercise may increase how much fluid you need.
• Eat high-fiber foods, including whole grain cereals and breads, brown rice, beans, and fresh fruits and vegetables every day. It can help to add a couple of tablespoons of unprocessed wheat bran to your cereal in the morning, though it may take a few days before you notice a difference. Options like these help to add bulk to your stools so they go through your system easier.

If the measures above don’t help , talk to your provider about taking an over-the-counter fiber supplement. Just make sure you also increase your water intake to compensate for the extra fiber. 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.

Learn more:

• Your pregnancy diet: The basics of eating well

American Pregnancy Association. Constipation in Pregnancy.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Constipation

Releasing a stool feels satisfying. Constipation feels just the opposite. You can tell youre constipated when:

• Youre only able to poop a few times a week.
• You strain to poop, and your belly feels swollen and gassy.
• When you poop, your stools are lumpy and hard. Theyre so dry that passing them is painful.

Sometimes, constipation leads to or worsens hemorrhoids and Like constipation, both conditions are common during pregnancy.

Bowel Emptying In Pregnancy

This video shows you the correct position and technique for emptying your bowel without straining during pregnancy.

Emptying your bowel relieves constipation and promotes movement of your stool through your bowel. If youre constipated your bowel becomes progressively backed up with hard stool which making constipation worse.

If youre already constipated you may need to discuss the short term use of laxative medication to initially relieve constipation while including the interventions listed below to prevent ongoing constipation.

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What Medications Should I Avoid

Always be sure to avoid polyethylene glycol and magnesium citrate while expecting, as these could possibly harm your baby.

Castor oil must also be avoided, as it can cause irregular and painful contractions, which can be stressful on mom and baby, and possibly even lead to labor. It may also cause your baby to pass meconium before delivery, which often leads to complications after birth .

Play It Safe

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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How To Help Relieve Pregnancy Constipation

• Eat the rainbow. When youre pregnant, its more important than ever to eat a healthy diet with plenty of leafy greens, crunchy peppers, super squash, antioxidant-packed fruits and berries, chia seeds and whole grains. Not only do these foods benefit your little ones development, theyre packed with fiber to help your digestion humming right along. Another fiber-packed ingredient?
• Makeover meal time. Aim to eat five small meals a day rather than three big ones. Not only will this give your system time to catch up, it also keeps you from getting hangry.
• Flat or sparkling? Keep pouring and drinking water 12 to 13 glasses a day will help keep your digestive track lubricated and make your poop softer . Decaffeinated tea , hot water with lemon, and fruit and veggie-infused waters are other hydrating choices.
• Keep moving. When you want things to get moving, you gotta get moving. Even a 10-minute daily walk can be enough to boost circulation to keep you regular.
• Dont hold back. To prevent constipation, its important to go when you feel the urge.
• Talk to your doctor. Many prenatal supplements include iron, which, while beneficial for you and your baby, can cause constipation. If you suspect this might be the case, ask your doctor if she can recommend an alternative supplement.

If youre experiencing pregnancy constipation, hang in there! Constipation usually eases up after your baby is born. In the meantime, here are some products that might help relieve your symptoms.

What Can Pregnant Women Take For Constipation

Pregnancy constipation pain can be uncomfortable. If youre wondering what over-the-counter options you can take, the good news is that stool softeners are generally considered a safe and effective option, Greves says. These medications help add moisture to your stool and make it easier to pass. Still, talk to your doctor before using any medication or supplement in pregnancy. One treatment option you should avoid altogether is laxatives Greves notes that these can cause dehydration.

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Postpartum Constipationyoure Not Done Pushing Yet

Delivery doesnt necessarily mean an end to your constipation woes. The combination of extra iron supplements , narcotics , limited mobility and a fear of pain while straining to go can all contribute to postpartum constipation. If this is the case, says Wong, the same rules of pregnancy constipation apply: stick to high-fibre foods , hydrate and move around as much as you can. And finally, if youre offered a stool softener right after delivery, accept it. Trust us on this one.

This article was originally published in August 2017 and has since been updated.

How Much Magnesium Should I Take For Constipation During Pregnancy

Doctors recommend 125-300 mg of magnesium glycinate or citrate at meals and before bed. Calm, Nature Vitalitys effervescent powder, is added to water. Both inherently decreasing and a convenient way to replenish hundreds of different trace minerals, including magnesium. Bathtub Madonna is the worlds best mineral salt soak, and it comes in a variety of flavors to choose from. Nausea in the early stages of pregnancy can make swallowing supplements difficult, but Calm is the best consumed before bed.

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What Is The Best Way To Treat Constipation During Pregnancy

Increase the amount of fluids and fiber in your diet is the first step to treating constipation. Having a diet full of wholegrains, fruits and vegetables can help you resolve your constipation issues. In addition you can use fibre supplements and laxatives to temporarily relieve constipation if symptoms persist.

However, it is better to stimulate the bowel using a healthy diet than taking medications. Side effects of laxatives include diarrhoea and abdominal pain. There are many ways to avoid nine months of discomfort. There are many ways to fight colon congestion, as well as avoid hemorhoids .

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.

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What Causes Constipation During Pregnancy

In general, worry, anxiety, minimal physical exercise, and a low-fiber diet may cause constipation. Constipation during pregnancy is due to the increase in progesterone hormones that relax the intestinal muscle causing food and waste to move slower through your system.

Sometimes iron tablets may contribute to constipation. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water if you are taking iron supplements. You may need to switch to a different type of iron tablet, but it is important to talk to your health care provider first.

What Causes Spotting During Pregnancy

Implantation bleeding is a common cause of spotting early on in pregnancy. Implantation bleeding happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. This can trigger a few days of light bleeding or spotting. This spotting occurs before a woman even knows she is pregnant and is often mistaken as a pending period. Bleeding that occurs after the day a woman expects her period is typically too late to be considered implantation bleeding, and is more likely related to early pregnancy in general.

Another common cause of spotting is a cervical polyp , which is more likely to bleed during pregnancy due to higher estrogen levels. This may occur because there is an increased number of blood vessels in the tissue around the cervix during pregnancy. As a result, contact with this area can cause bleeding.

Even without the presence of a cervical polyp, there are a few things that may cause some spotting in the couple days after:

• Sexual intercourse

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