Constipation is the condition in which you struggle to urinate or pass a bowel movement. It occurs when food that is no longer needed by your body (waste) hardens in the lower portion of your digestive system (bowel) rather than passing out as a stool. Constipation is a common problem that most people have experienced at some point, although it happens more frequently to pregnant women. Your risk of developing constipation may rise as a result of the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.
How may constipation be treated while pregnant?
Although you can’t stop pregnancy hormones from making it difficult for you to poop, you can still aid by making other modifications.
Once your body starts producing more hormones to support your pregnancy, you can start to experience constipation. As early as the second or third month of your first trimester, changes might take place.
To support your pregnancy and soften your stools, you need more liquids than usual. Water is ideal, but if you don’t like it, try some alternative beverages. Good choices include low-fat milk, smoothies, tea, and juices without added sugar.
Get a moderate activity for 20 to 30 minutes three times each week: Moving less when you’re pregnant is normal. You’re overexerting yourself. Your pelvic region and joints may get sore during pregnancy, which may make it difficult to move around. But if you’re constipated, sitting doesn’t do your bowels any favours. The trash does nothing but sit. Consult your healthcare professional about safe workouts that will help you strengthen your gut muscles.
Change your prenatal vitamin: Your digestive system might not be able to manage the amount of iron in your current prenatal vitamin. Your doctor may advise a different vitamin with less iron.
Your healthcare practitioner may recommend a laxative or a fibre supplement if you are unable to find relief through lifestyle adjustments. But before using any laxatives or supplements, always see your doctor. Not all of them have undergone safety and efficiency testing while pregnant. Unless your provider advises you to use them, stay away from over-the-counter medicines for constipation like castor oil or mineral oil.
What adverse effects might the medicine cause?
You may get electrolyte imbalance and dehydration as a result of some laxatives. This is why it’s crucial to make sure you’re using the proper laxative for the appropriate duration of time. To be sure, ask your provider.
What brings on constipation while expecting?
Your digestive system may function less effectively and food may pass through your intestines more slowly as a result of a rise in the pregnancy hormone progesterone. Gastric motility has been diminished as a result. The drugs and supplements that some pregnant women use are another reason for constipation.
You can employ a variety of at-home self-care techniques to lessen the likelihood of constipation, such as:
Drink enough water so that your urine has a light yellow colour.
Eating fruits, whole grains, and vegetables to receive at least 25 grammes of fibre per day.
Exercising frequently, such as by walking, riding a bike, or dancing. These components of physical exercise can make the stool move more quickly by imitating the stool’s natural motion.
Consult your doctor about any possible medications you’re taking that have an impact on constipation. You shouldn’t, however, discontinue taking your medications without first consulting your doctor.
Additionally, there are over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like fibre supplements that can help to reduce constipation.
How does being constipated feel during pregnancy?
Constipation affects pregnant women more frequently than the general population. Congestion affects between 11 and 38 percentTrusted Source of expectant mothers.
Constipation in pregnant women is more probable due to several causes, including:
Decreased levels of the hormone motilin and elevated levels of progesterone, which delay intestinal movement
The stool dries out due to increased water absorption in the intestines.
Supplements that include more calcium and iron can raise the risk of constipation
A swollen uterus squeezes the intestines and slows their motion
If you’re pregnant, constipation may initially be difficult to identify since you may be unsure whether your symptoms are related to pregnancy. Bloating and pressure-like symptoms in the abdomen are two examples.
Due to worries that the prescriptions might have an impact on the unborn child, you are not permitted to take the same medications you took before becoming pregnant.
Additionally, there isn’t much information available regarding the safety of using laxatives to encourage bowel movements while pregnant.
However, some treatments do not appear to be linked to unfavourable side effects, such as:
bulk-forming substances, while some pregnant women may experience gas, cramps, and bloating from them.
Laxatives that are lubricating, like mineral oil
Tool softeners like Colace sodium docusate
Electrolyte imbalances caused by laxatives might occasionally make you feel sick and perhaps harm your unborn child.
For this reason, women who are pregnant must consider lifestyle changes including consuming more fibre, drinking more water, and engaging in greater physical activity (if tolerated) before continuing with these medications for an extended period.
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