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.
How To Handle The Problem
There are a lot of different reasons that could support the appearance of the problem, such as having a poor diet, not being well hydrated, diseases, and hemorrhoids. To make the problem of constipation while being pregnant better you should try to have more exercise, drink more water, take vitamin and mineral supplements and maybe try some kind of laxative that is approved by your doctor.
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.
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Constipation Early Sign Of Pregnancy
Constipation Early Sign Of Pregnancy
Most pregnant women will experience constipation at some point during their pregnancy. It is not only a common symptom of pregnancy, but it is also one of the earliest signs. While there are many potential causes of constipation, including changes in diet and exercise habits, hormonal fluctuations, and pregnancy-related changes in the digestive system, it is most often caused by the increase in progesterone levels during pregnancy.
Progesterone is a hormone that is produced by the ovaries and is responsible for the maintenance of the pregnancy. It causes the smooth muscles in the uterus to relax and the intestines to slow down, which can lead to constipation. Other pregnancy-related changes that can contribute to constipation include an increase in the size of the uterus, which can put pressure on the intestines, and the presence of the placenta, which can block the flow of nutrients and blood to the intestines.
There are a number of ways to help relieve constipation during pregnancy. One of the most important is to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Eating high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can also help, as can exercise. If these measures do not help, there are a number of medications that can be prescribed by a doctor.
Possible Complications Of Morning Sickness
Nausea and vomiting can easily cause a loss of appetite. Many pregnant women worry that this will harm their babies. Mild morning sickness is generally not harmful.
Women who experience morning sickness well beyond the first 3 to 4 months of their pregnancies should speak with their doctor. Also seek help if you arent gaining any weight during pregnancy.
Morning sickness is usually not severe enough to hinder fetal growth and development. For some pregnant women, nausea causes them to experience severe vomiting and weight loss.
This condition is called hyperemesis gravidarum. It causes electrolyte imbalances and unintentional weight loss. If left untreated, this condition may eventually harm your baby.
- inability to keep food down
- weight loss of 2 pounds or more
- spotting, or bleeding
Severe bouts of morning sickness generally require hospitalization. Hyperemesis gravidarum often requires intravenous fluids for rehydration.
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Exercises To Do In The First Trimester Of Pregnancy
The first three months of pregnancy can be a wild ride of emotions. From elation and pure joy to concern, worry, and even fear as you begin to realize that youre responsible for nourishing, growing, and keeping this tiny soon-to-be human being safe and healthy.
As long as youre not considered a high-risk pregnancy, physical therapist Heather Jeffcoat, DPT, says you can continue with your regular exercise routine in the first trimester.
The foundation of a well-rounded prenatal fitness routine should include at least 150 minutes of cardiovascular activity each week and 2 to 3 days of strength training exercises that target the major muscle groups.
It should also focus on specific exercises that help make pregnancy easier and prepare you for labor and childbirth.
One area of importance, says Jeffcoat, is to work on body awareness to prepare for changes in your posture. Doing an exercise like the pelvic curl is a great way to begin working on spinal mobility and strengthening the abdominal muscles that will support your belly as it grows, she says.
How To Ease Constipation During Pregnancy
The best way to relieve the pain brought about by constipation is to make changes in your lifestyle. This includes adopting a high-fibre diet, becoming physically active and drinking lots of water.
However, if constipation persists even after a lifestyle change, your doctor may prescribe some laxatives to soften your stools or a fibre supplement to aid digestion. Avoid taking any medication without your doctors advice. Home remedies for constipation, like castor oil or mineral oil, should not be taken during pregnancy unless your provider recommends you take them.
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What Can I Do About Constipation When Im Pregnant
You dont have to resign yourself to nine months of discomfort. There are plenty of tactics to combat colon congestion :
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Black Blood Discharge Early Pregnancy
Black Blood Discharge Early Pregnancy
A black blood discharge during early pregnancy is usually a sign that the pregnancy is not viable. This is because black blood is a result of the fetus dying and the blood being mixed with the amniotic fluid. A black blood discharge during early pregnancy is usually a sign that the pregnancy is not viable. This is because black blood is a result of the fetus dying and the blood being mixed with the amniotic fluid.
If you experience a black blood discharge during early pregnancy, it is important to seek medical attention. This type of discharge is a sign that the pregnancy is not progressing normally and may end in a miscarriage. Depending on the stage of the pregnancy, there may be various treatments available to you.
If you are less than 10 weeks pregnant, your doctor may recommend a medication called misoprostol to help induce a miscarriage. If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant, you may need to have a surgical procedure to remove the fetus.
Regardless of the treatment you receive, it is important to remember that a black blood discharge during early pregnancy is not always a sign of a doomed pregnancy. In some cases, the pregnancy may still be viable and will result in a healthy baby. However, if you experience any other symptoms along with the black blood discharge, such as cramping or pain, it is best to seek medical attention to determine the cause.
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Changes In Bathroom And Stomach Habits
In addition to nausea and vomiting, you may experience other stomach problems when you first become pregnantlike constipation, frequent urination and bloating, to name a few.
Constipation is normally characterized by fewer than three bowel movements a week, hard stool, dry stool or stool that is difficult to pass. The progesterone that starts to form from the placenta slows the bowels down, says Brown. Constipation can occur early on in pregnancy, but can come back during the third trimester, too.
Frequent urination is common. Symptoms can start even earlier than your missed period, since the fertilized egg implants itself into the uterus and begins making the pregnancy hormone hCG, prompting you to run to the bathroom more often.
Bloating can happen early on in pregnancy, and may continue throughout your nine months. The progesterone hormone causes your muscle tissues to relax, slowing down digestion. That, in addition to an expanding uterus, can put pressure on your rectum and cause it to feel heavy.
Heres how to keep your stomach happy during pregnancy:
- Aim to get at least 25 grams of fiber a day from foods like leafy greens and whole grains.
- Talk to your OBGYN about any iron supplements youre taking.
- Discuss with your OBGYN whether you need to try over-the-counter medications.
- When you feel the urge, do not hold in bowel movements.
- Take it easy on foods that may upset your stomach, like beans, cabbage and fried items.
What Are The Early Signs Of Pregnancy
So you think you might be pregnant? Congratulations! If youre early on in your pregnancy, there are some key things to look for that could be signs of early pregnancy. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
1. Missed period. This is the most obvious sign of early pregnancy. If youve missed your period and youre pretty regular, theres a good chance youre pregnant.
2. Nausea and vomiting. Morning sickness is a classic sign of early pregnancy. It can start as early as the first week and last up until the 12th week.
3. Tiredness. Feeling more tired than usual? Fatigue is another common sign of early pregnancy.
4. Breast changes. Your breasts may start to feel tender or swollen.
5. Changes in appetite. You may find that youre suddenly more or less hungry than usual.
6. Increased urination. You may find yourself having to go to the bathroom more often.
7. Mood swings. You may feel more emotional than usual, especially in the first trimester.
8. Difficulty sleeping. Pregnancy can often disrupt your sleep patterns.
If youre experiencing any of these symptoms, its a good idea to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not youre pregnant.
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When Does It Start And How Long Does It Last
Theres no set timeframe for experiencing pregnancy glow. However, you may be more likely to experience this glow during the height of changes in your body, especially during the second trimester.
The glow of pregnancy as well as its underlying causes go away soon after you give birth. This isnt a permanent change to your skin.
How Is Constipation Diagnosed
Occasional constipation isnt a major health concern, but if you are frequently constipated it is important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms. To diagnose your constipation your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms. You may need to see a specialist like a gastroenterologist. Additional tests include:
- X-ray Your doctor will have you drink a fluid called barium that will coat the inside of your digestive tract or give you an enema to coat your colon. An X-ray will then reveal any places that you have blockages, enlargements, or restrictions.
- Colonoscopy Using a light and camera your doctor can examine your small intestine for bleeding, inflammation, ulcers, and other growths that may impact your ability to pass a stool.
- Sigmoidoscopy Similar to a colonoscopy, your doctor will examine your large intestine to see if any contributing factors are causing your constipation.
- Colorectal transit study After swallowing capsules with special markers in them, your doctor will take X-rays over a week to see how they pass through your digestive tract.
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Slight Bleeding Or Cramping
Sometimes a small amount of spotting or vaginal bleeding is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. Known as implantation bleeding, it can happen when the fertilised egg attaches to the lining of the uterus – about 10 to 14 days after fertilisation. This type of bleeding is usually a bit earlier and lighter in colour than a normal period and doesn’t last as long.
A 2010 study published in Annals of Epidemiology revealed that one in four pregnant women experienced bleeding. Only eight percent of those reported heavy bleeding, and most episodes lasted less than three days and occurred between five and eight weeks gestation.
Some women also experience abdominal cramping early in pregnancy. These cramps are similar to menstrual cramps. If you are ever concerned about bleeding or cramping, speak to your medical provider.
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When Should You See A Doctor About A New Pregnancy
If youve taken a pregnancy test and its positive, go ahead and make your first prenatal visit right away. This is also a great time to start looking into educational resources like the myHealthyPregnancy app.
At the first prenatal visit, youll get a physical exam and other tests to make sure everything is looking healthy, and youll learn about the rest of your prenatal appointment schedule. Youll also get to talk through any expectations and questions you have, such as which foods to eat and avoid while pregnant.
Questions or concerns about your symptoms? Our 24/7 nurse line is free for our members and patients.
Positive pregnancy test? Schedule a visit.
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Gastrointestinal Issues During Pregnancy
Gastrointestinal issues are some of the most common complaints during pregnancy. Some women may experience GI issues that develop after becoming pregnant. Gastrointestinal problems affect the gastrointestinal tract, primarily the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and rectum, but can also affect other organs of digestion, including the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Some women may have chronic GI disorders prior to pregnancy that can worsen and require special consideration during pregnancy.
What Happens After Ovulation If Pregnant And How Does Your Body Feel
Implantation cramping and bleeding
These are due to implantation, which is when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. Implantation cramps may occur a few days after ovulation, and many women say that they feel cramps around 5 DPO. These cramps may occur in the lower back, abdomen, or pelvis.
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Diarrhea In Early Pregnancy
Pregnancy and diarrhea often happen together. Diarrhea in pregnancy first trimester is usually mild, but having the runs because of an upset stomach during pregnancy 3rd trimester is most common. Symptoms of diarrhea include:
- Loose watery stools 3+ times per day
- Urgent frequent need to have a bowel movement
- Abdominal cramps or pain
In daily life, reasons for diarrhea can range from bacterial and viral infections to food poisoning and medications. However, loose stools in pregnancy and diarrhea during early pregnancy are often caused by hormonal and dietary changes, stress, and underlying conditions like IBS.
Thats why, basically, first trimester diarrhea and diarrhea during pregnancy 2nd trimester may be a sign that your body is slowly working up to the 3rd trimester and labour. Occasional loose stools in early pregnancy, including diarrhea in the second trimester, and diarrhea at 16 weeks pregnant dont mean there is anything wrong with you.
What Causes Constipation
Since constipation may be a sign that there is something more serious wrong, it is important to figure out why you are constipated. Some common causes include:
- Dehydration When you dont drink enough water, your stool is dry and hard, making it more difficult to pass.
- Diet A healthy diet is important for good digestion. You can have constipation from eating processed foods and not getting enough fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise If you dont get up and move around enough it can slow the passage of your stool through your body, allowing it to harden.
- Medication and supplements Many prescriptions and supplements can contribute to constipation.
- Digestion issues Other digestive conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome , can cause constipation. By treating these conditions, you will also address the symptom of constipation.
- Health conditions Diabetes, lupus, and thyroid issues also cause constipation.
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Feeling Hot In Pregnancy
You’re likely to feel warmer than usual during pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes and an increase in blood supply to the skin. You’re also likely to sweat more.
It can help if you:
- wear loose clothing made of natural fibres, as these are more absorbent and breathable than synthetic fibres
- keep your room cool you could use an electric fan
- wash frequently to help you feel fresh
Is It Ok To Push Hard To Poop While Pregnant
Its okay to push hard to poop while pregnant.
If youre still having trouble after trying this method for a few days, consult with your doctor or midwife about other options that can help relieve symptoms of constipation during pregnancy .
Updates from Pheona Ilagan
WebMD, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic
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