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Is Constipation A Sign Of Period

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What Other Symptoms Can Be Early Signs Of Pregnancy

Early Pregnancy Symptoms: Constipation and Other GI Changes

Every person and every pregnancy is different. So, if you are pregnant, youll likely experience a unique combination of common, not-so-common and sometimes overlapping symptoms. And, they may show up earlier or later than expected. Here are more than a dozen possible symptoms of early pregnancy.

1. Spotting or light bleeding

Many women are surprised to learn that spotting or light bleeding can be an early sign of pregnancy, but about one-third of women experience it. This is often called implantation bleeding because doctors believe it occurs as the fertilized egg attaches itself into the uterine lining. This is different from bleeding that could occur from something like a miscarriage which is usually heavier.

When does implantation bleeding occur?

Implantation bleeding typically occurs 10 to 14 days after conception, which is just before or right around the time your period is due. So, you may think youve gotten your period.

But implantation bleeding is a light flow, which may start and stop over a couple days. And while it can take on a range of colors, its more likely to be pink, brown or light red.

Your period, on the other hand, may start off light in flow and in color but after a couple days becomes heavier, changes to a crimson red color and lasts up to a week or so.

2. Lower abdominal pain or cramping

While cramps and lower-abdominal pain can signal a coming period, they can also be a sign of egg implantation.

What do implantation cramps feel like?

Metallic Taste In Mouth

Early in the first 3 weeks, you may experience a metallic taste in your mouth. The change in your taste to a metallic feeling is also called dysgeusia. That strange metallic taste can make you feel like you are chewing aluminum or a coin.

A bad taste in your mouth is part of the major changes on your senses of smell and taste. You can remedy it by chewing on acidic fruits such as oranges, sipping lemon juice etc.

You can also rinse your mouth with a mild saline solution to get rid of this weird symptom during early pregnancy.

Why Constipation Is A Common Sign Of Pms

For about 18 months, a small village in Wales experienced frequent internet problems. Every day, without fail, broadband would down at 7.00 am. The first solution, replacing the internet cable in the village, failed to produce any result, and the residents still struggled to connect daily.

Then the engineers decided to do a full investigation and what they found baffled them. Every day, at 7.00 am, one of the residents was switching on his old TV. It was that particular TV set that was creating electrical interferences so strong that it stopped people in the village from accessing the internet.

During their cycle, some women experience first-hand how female hormones can interfere with their health too. Just before their periods, hormonal change can disturb the digestive system, leaving women struggling with constipation every month. In this article, I will review:

  • How hormones levels are changing through the cycle
  • How hormones can affect the digestive tract
  • How you can help regulate hormone levels to stop them from affecting you ever month

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What Are The Causes Of Constipation Right After Conception

In most cases women relate constipation before missed period to decreased water intake. However, it is good to note that your body undergoes a lot of changes to sustain the pregnancy. Constipation in early pregnancy is as a result of

  • Hormonal changes: After conception, even before a missed period your body starts to prepare itself to carry the pregnancy. Progesterone, a hormone which plays a significant role in softening the muscles in readiness for childbirth increases in level, this hormone causes relaxation of the smooth muscles throughout the body.
  • Perinatal iron supplements: Ironically the iron supplements that you have been taking can be the source of constipation in early pregnancy! Having to stop taking your supplements because of constipation is not a good idea. Simply visit your doctor and let them know what know about your situation and they will urgently provide a solution.
  • Changes in dietary intake: Right after conception, most women develop cravings, sugary refined foods are usually what most women opt for. It is this sudden change in diet from a high fiber diet to a highly processed one often leads to acute constipation.
  • Darkened Areolas Of Nipples

    9 Most Common Symptoms of PMS

    Changes around your breasts are some of the first and very early signs of pregnancy. Other than the nipples swelling, you might observe a change in the color of your areola . You may notice the following.

    • Darkening of the areolas.
    • The bumps around nipples may become more prominent due to dilation.
    • The change in color is likely to be caused by the increased progesterone hormone.

    According to Dr. Jill Hichtman, the color change and the prominent bumps are nothing to be concerned about. They are caused by the swelling of oil glands called the glands of Montgomery. These glands secrete an oil that lubricates and protects the skin around the areolas.

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    Other Causes Of Constipation In Early Pregnancy

    Progesterone is thought to be the main culprit for constipation during the early stages of pregnancy.

    There are also other factors that contribute to slowed digestion.

    Many women take a prenatal supplement that contains essential minerals such as iron.

    Constipation is a known side effect of taking certain forms of iron.

    Youre also likely to be more tired and lethargic in early pregnancy.

    This means you move less, which slows down your digestion even more.

    Constipation Before Your Period: Causes And Treatments

    Some people experience symptoms every month before their period: stomach cramps, muscle pain, changes in mood, etc. Constipation before your period is another common symptom of premenstrual syndrome . Read on for more information about the causes of premenstrual constipation and popular remedies.

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    Other Digestive Issues To Watch For

    Its common to experience digestive issues other than constipation during your period. You might have diarrhea, bloating, gas, or all three.

    These issues happen because of prostaglandins, which are hormones that help your uterus contract and shed its lining, resulting in your period. But they can also wreak havoc on your digestive system.

    To help relieve these digestive problems:

    • Stay hydrated while limiting sweet or caffeinated drinks.

    How To Treat Constipation Before Your Period

    #10 Constipation and Bloating: Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy | Bloating in pregnancy

    Whether or not it happens during your period, increasing fiber intake is usually a good treatment for constipation. It may be helpful to eat meals that include whole wheat breads, high-fiber cereals, and a wide assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid fatty, sugary foods, and drink plenty of fluids to maintain regularity.

    Exercise and other forms of physical activity might also be helpful in preventing constipation. Movement improves blood and oxygen circulation, which helps keep the bowels active. Regular exercise not only alleviates constipation before your period, it could tackle other premenstrual symptoms as well.

    Remember that you can log changes in bowel movements, such as constipation, diarrhea, and bloating, in the Flo app. This makes it easy to spot any correlations between these conditions and whatever stage of the menstrual cycle youre currently in.

    If the tips above fail to relieve PMS constipation and youre still having irregular bowel movements, seek medical attention. A health care provider will be able to investigate potential digestive disorders.

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    What Are Common Symptoms Of Menstruation

    Most women experience mild symptoms in the few days leading up to menstruation and in the first day or two of menstruating when the flow of blood is heavier. There are over a hundred symptoms that have been attributed to menstruation, and these may change over time and from cycle to cycle. Normally, discomforts associated with menstruation should be manageable enough that you can carry on with your normal life. However, for some women, symptoms are so severe that it becomes difficult to carry out the normal tasks of daily life.

    Here are some of the normal physical symptoms of menstruation:

    • Trouble sleeping
    • Low energy, fatigue

    Painful symptoms such as cramps, backache, and tender breasts can usually be relieved by over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Prescription medications are also available. Warm baths or compresses can be useful to alleviate cramping. Constipation can make the cramps far more intense, and the hormones in the latter half of the menstrual cycle do increase constipation. Plenty of fluids, high fibre foods or a simple bulk forming stool softener such as psyllium can relieve pain. If you are finding that your periods are difficult to manage, or they seem worse than what is described, it is time to see your doctor.

    Premenstrual syndrome

    Progesterone Slows Intestinal Transit

    As food travels through the gut, it is moving in the colon thanks to the contraction of the intestinal muscles. Progesterone interacts with receptors in the gut wall responsible for intestinal muscle contraction. Several studies show that lower levels of progesterone decrease bowel transit time, leading to harder, drier stools

    It seems to be the reason why women experience more issues with constipation during pregnancy and the menopause too.

    However, oestrogen also plays an important part.

    In recent years, researchers have demonstrated that oestrogen is implicated in many gastro-intestinal diseases, including IBS . Oestrogen receptors in the gut cells modulate intestinal contractions and transit time. Further studies have shown that oestrogen rather than progesterone might be at the root of constipation before periods .

    Oestrogen also weakens the pelvic floor, making it harder to have a bowel movement.

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    Tips For Dealing With Period Poops

    Experiencing GI symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, or bloating around the time of your period is very common.

    Understanding that these symptoms are possible and common is the first step to acknowledging any changes you may experience during this time.

    Though you cannot always prevent GI symptoms from appearing before or during your period, knowing which symptoms your body cycles through can help you to make certain changes that can help.

    For example, if you tend to get constipated during the luteal phase in the week or weeks leading up to your period, increasing your intake of fiber through foods or certain supplements may help you to have more regular bowel movements.

    Alternatively, if you get diarrhea around the start of your period, eating less fibrous foods during these days may help to counteract your GI symptoms.

    If your GI symptoms cause you significant pain or disrupt your quality of life in any way, its a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider for help.

    Discussing your symptoms with them can help them to make certain medication or lifestyle recommendations that may help you to feel more comfortable throughout your menstrual cycle.

    % Struggle With Weight

    Constipation Color Icon Menstruation Pain Period Problem Girl With ...

    As you grow and age, your body weight will change. It may also change throughperiods of increased or decreased physical activity, illness or pregnancy.Weight changes might be noticed during adolescence or menopause. Conditions suchas PCOS, diabetes and thyroid disorders have a strong impact on weightfluctuations .

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    Spotting Or Light Bleeding

    Is spotting a sign of fertilization and impantation? Why am I having light bleeding before my period? It could mean that you are expecting. Spotting or implantation bleeding may occur even before a missed period.

    • Spotting occurs when the embryo implants or burrows itself on the blood-rich uterine wall.
    • A brownish or pinkish bloody discharge usually occurs several days before the regular period.
    • The bleeding is lighter than your normal period, and will last about 2 days.
    • The process happens between 6 and 12 days after conception.

    Some women can experience spotting that is accompanied by symptoms such as cramping. Abdominal pains and light bleeding a couple of days after conception can indicate you are pregnant. However, a positive pregnancy test is the best way to know you are pregnant.

    Why Do You Poop More On Your Period

    Blame it on hormones. Each month, just before your period begins, fatty acids known as prostaglandins begin to relax the smooth muscle tissues inside your uterus to help it shed its lining.

    But those same prostaglandins can have a similar impact on your bowels, leading to you guessed it more poop, and even diarrhea.

    It makes sense if you think of the cycle, Dr. Ford says. Until ovulation, the uterus is preparing to accept the egg and, once it starts, the opposite happens its cleansing to get ready for the next cycle.

    For people with existing digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohns disease, period-related poop problems may be more severe.

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    Why Gas Smells So Bad

    Abbe Wain, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive science at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, explained why gas before a period might be worse. Dr. Wain said that plenty of patients have complained of way worse gas when menstruation is about to start.

    Dr. Wain said different theories explain why period farts happen. A lot of it has to do with why farts smell in the first place.

    Farts are a “healthy, natural, and normal byproduct of digestion,” Ana Tuyama, MD, a gastroenterologist with New York Gastroenterology Associates, said.

    Though accidental farting can embarrass you, it doesn’t usually mean something’s wrong with your healtheven if it’s stinky. “Smelly gas is usually the result of bacterial fermentation of food/stool matter in the colon,” Dr. Tuyama said. Normal gut bacteria feast on the foods you eat and produce stinky sulfur-containing compounds.

    “Smelly gas is often associated with consuming a fiber-rich diet that includes foods high in sulfur,” Dr. Tuyama said. And plenty of healthy veggies fall into this category.

    Constipation During Early Pregnancy

    Early Signs Of Pregnancy Before Missed Period

    In the very early stages of pregnancy, hormone levels begin to surge.

    One of the main hormones of pregnancy is progesterone.

    Progesterone is produced by a womans ovaries and adrenal glands until the placenta is developed enough to take over the task.

    One of the main actions of progesterone is to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus.

    This prevents the body from expelling the pregnancy.

    Progesterone also slows the movement of the intestine and bowel.

    This means food takes longer to pass through. The longer the food is in the intestine, the more water is absorbed from the waste.

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    Is It Period Poop Or Ibs

    Period poop, as the name suggests, is a bout of digestion troubles that happens just before or during your period. However, if youâre having bowel problems frequently, with symptoms occurring at different points in your cycle, you may have irritable bowel syndrome .About 14% of the population has IBS. This condition can cause a range of digestive problems, the most common of which include:

    • Bloating and gas
    • Mucous in stools

    If you think you might have IBS, it is best to seek medical advice for a diagnosis.

    Yeast Infection Early Pregnancy Sign

    The early signs and symptoms of a yeast infection during pregnancy can vary from woman to woman. Many women experience no signs or symptoms of a yeast infection during early pregnancy, while others may experience one or more of the following:

    -Pain during sexual intercourse

    -Pain in the lower abdomen

    If you experience any of the above signs or symptoms, it is important to see your doctor or midwife for diagnosis and treatment. While a yeast infection is not a serious condition, it can cause a great deal of discomfort, and it is important to treat it as soon as possible.

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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.

    Ask Your Doctor About Going On The Pill

    Pain problem on lavatory Stock Vector Images

    If your period poops are severe and are getting in the way of your daily life, it might be time to ask for help. Your doctor, in some cases, may advise you to start the contraceptive pill. The pill prevents ovulation and keeps levels of poop-causing prostaglandins low. In turn, this may help reduce cramps, nausea, and pain associated with bowel movements.If youâre thinking about taking the pill to help with your digestion problems, make sure you consult a doctor first. The pill is an extreme treatment option and there may be other side-effects.

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    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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