How Can I Prevent Or Treat Constipation In Pregnancy
You can eat a high fibre diet to prevent constipation. It is advisable to consume 25 to 30 grams per day of dietary fibre from fruits, vegetables, breakfast cereals, whole-grain bread, prunes, and bran to ensure bulkier stools that are easier to poop.
The good news is that there are some pregnancy constipation remedies. Some of the immediate constipation relief during pregnancy home remediesare:
A rich source of probiotics, yoghurt aids digestion by altering the microbiota in the bowels and provides a relief from constipation. | Image Source: freepik
You can consume a tablespoon of coconut oil on a daily basis to get relief from constipation.
Will It Continue After Ive Had The Baby
There are several reasons why constipation may continue after birth. Women who have had a caesarean often experience constipation for a few days until their regular bowel movements return. Women who have stiches after a vaginal birth may hesitate on the toilet, which can cause a build-up in their bowels.
If youve taken strong pain medication after having your baby this may also cause constipation.
New mothers are often busier than usual in the first few weeks and months of motherhood. It may seem like taking care of yourself has become less of a priority, but your health is no less important now than it was during your pregnancy. Be sure to have plenty of fibre-rich fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains as well as increase your fluid intake while breastfeeding to encourage healthy bowel movements, even when you are busy.
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.
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A Lack Of Physical Activity
If you are not staying physically active during pregnancy, you can run into constipation problems. Routine activity can help to move things along in your gut. Anything from light physical activity like aerobic exercise can help promote bowel movements, as well as having an upright posture as much as possible.6
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 .
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Here Are Some Tips For Easing Constipation During Pregnancy
Eat high-fibre foods such as whole-grain cereals and breads, brown rice, beans, and fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Adding a couple of tablespoons of unprocessed wheat bran to your cereal in the morning and following it with a glass of water can help. Be patient as it may take a few days before you notice a difference.
Dont forget to drink plenty of water. Try to drink 10 cups of water or other beverages every day. Your urine should be clear or pale yellow a sign of proper hydration. You can always try some prune juice. Some people find that drinking a warm beverage right after waking up helps too.
Iron can cause constipation. You may want to check with your health care provider about switching to a supplement with less iron.
Another pregnancy tip: your bowels are most likely to be active after meals, so make time for the bathroom after you eat. Listen to your body. Never put off going to the bathroom when you feel the urge.
Moving might also help to get things moving. Exercise regularly. Walk, swim, ride a stationary bike, and do yoga. All of these can help ease constipation and leave you feeling more fit and healthy. And if none of the above helps, talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter fibre supplement or stool softener. Do not use a laxative without checking with your doctor or nurse first. Laxatives can trigger the onset of labour contractions.
Causes Of Constipation In Late Pregnancy
During the later stages of pregnancy, increased water absorption in your body often leads to the hardening of stools. At this time, the release of progesterone shifts from the ovaries to the placenta. This increases secretion levels, which combined with hard stools, leads to serious constipation. The problem is further accentuated by the growing pressure of the uterus on the rectum which leads to gas formation that blocks the waste from being excreted. The symptoms of this constipation are belly pain, cramps, burping and passing gas.
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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.
How One Can Prevent And Treat Constipation During Pregnancy
Consume a high fibre diet. You can best avoid constipation by increasing the intake of fibre-rich food or roughage because it helps to keep the intestinal system running smoothly. Soluble fibre permits more water to remain in your stool, making the waste softer, and easier to pass through intestines. Insoluble fibre adds bulk to your stool and speeds up its movement through your gut. It also prevents the feeling of constipation. Hence including fibre-rich foods in your diet can prevent constipation, and is the first advice to a woman who is wondering how to treat constipation.
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Is Constipation During Pregnancy Ever Serious
Usually not, but occasionally constipation during pregnancy can be a symptom of another problem. If you have severe constipation thats accompanied by abdominal pain, alternates with diarrhea, or you pass mucus or blood, call your doctor or midwife immediately.
Also, straining during a bowel movement or passing a hard stool can lead to or worsen hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the rectal area. Hemorrhoids can be extremely uncomfortable, though they rarely cause serious problems. In most cases, they go away fairly soon after your baby is born. However, if the pain is severe, or if you have rectal bleeding, call your doctor.
What Will Happen To It After The Baby Is Born
Constipation can continue after birth for a variety of reasons. After a caesarean, women who have experienced constipation may experience it for several days before their regular bowel movements resume. After a vaginal delivery, women who have stitches may feel hesitant to use the toilet, this can lead to a buildup of bowel problems.
Constipation can also occur if you have taken strong pain medication since having your baby. Mothers who are new to motherhood often have a lot more to do than normal during the first few weeks or months. Although it may seem that taking care of your own health has been less of a priority during pregnancy, your health is still just as important. To promote healthy bowel movements, breastfeeding should eat lots of fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, and fluid intake.
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Potential Complications Of Constipation
If the symptoms of constipation persist for several weeks or longer, this indicates chronic constipation, which can lead to complications such as:
-
Fecal impaction, which is when hardened stool accumulates in your intestines
To help avoid complications, itâs safest to get in touch with your healthcare provider at the first signs of constipation or pain.
Donât let constipation ruin your last few months of pregnancy! Talk to your healthcare provider, and make some of the lifestyle changes weâve listed in this article. In time, things will get moving down there, and you can get back to more enjoyable tasks such as shopping for baby gear, decorating your babyâs nursery, or even just putting your feet up for a bit.
One thing to keep in mind is that, at the other end of the spectrum, you may experience diarrhea from time to time during your pregnancy. You should always mention this to your healthcare provider, especially if you suspect it may be caused by something like food poisoning or a tummy bug.
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How To Treat Constipation Before Your Period
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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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.
What Can I Do About Constipation When I’m Pregnant
You don’t have to resign yourself to nine months of discomfort. There are plenty of tactics to combat colon congestion :
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Constipation During Pregnancy: Five Ways To Get Things Moving Again
You expected morning sickness and fatigue during your pregnancy but constipation and hemorrhoids? Unfortunately, irregular bowel movements and constipation are common pregnancy complaints. And all that straining can lead to painful hemorrhoids swollen veins in the rectum.
Pregnancy isnt always the most comfortable time. Constipation and hemorrhoids can heighten discomfort even more. Being unable to have regular bowel movements can make you feel even more bloated and miserable. So, whats slowing things down?
Hyagriv Simhan, MD, a maternal fetal medicine specialist at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, says many things cause constipation during pregnancy. For one, progesterone relaxes the muscles of the intestines, which slows down your gastrointestinal tract.
Also, your increased blood supply requires more fluid intake. Not drinking enough can leave you dehydrated and contribute to slow bowel movements. The iron in your prenatal vitamins might also cause constipation.
What Medications Should I Avoid
Always be sure to avoid polyethylene glycol and magnesium citrate while expecting, as these could possibly harm your baby.
You must also avoid castor oil, as it can cause irregular and painful contractions, which can be stressful on mom and baby and may lead to labor. It may also cause your baby to pass meconium before delivery, which often leads to complications after birth .
Play It Safe
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Need Constipation Relief During Pregnancy Schedule An Appointment With Us
Of course, healthy bowels are just one challenge of your pregnancy. Heartburn andmorning sickness, are other gastrointestinal issues you may experience. We will stand by you throughout your entire pregnancy, providing support and expert care along the way. When you hold your baby in your arms for the first time, all the challenges will be worth it.
Schedule an appointment with us today.
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How Can Gastrointestinal Issues During Pregnancy Be Treated
Gastrointestinal issues are common during pregnancy and, for the most part, do not cause a serious health risk. However, if you experience any symptoms, you should inform your doctor. He or she will be able to help you manage your symptoms, monitor you for worsening symptoms and determine if additional treatment is required. Different gastrointestinal issues respond to different treatments, so your doctor will be able to suggest the best option for you.
Making changes at home can also help you manage your symptoms. Some of these changes include:
Eat a healthy diet: Changing what, how often, and how much you eat can help manage or relieve your GI symptoms. Depending on your issue, you may need to increase the amount of fiber in your diet, avoid sugary, processed foods, or limit the amount of caffeine and dairy in your intake. Ask to speak with a registered dietitian to determine an individualized healthy eating plan that would most benefit you.
Drink lots of fluids: Increase the amount of fluids you take in, including water, fruit juice and clear soups. Getting lots of fluids can help your digestion and keep your GI tract moving regularly. Certain GI issues can also cause you to become dehydrated, so taking in fluids is very important to avoid any additional health issues cause by dehydration.
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Change Or Add Supplements
If youre eating well and exercising, and youre still constipated, Strydom suggests changing vitamins until you find a brand thats less constipating. A fibre supplement like Metamucil can also get you out of your bind and is considered safe in pregnancy. Never take a laxative or stool softener to treat constipation, though, without first speaking with your health care provider, says Wong.
While Hedrick found temporary relief in water and All-Bran , long-term relief didnt come until after delivery when she was able to return to her pre-pregnancy diet, which included a lot of dark, leafy greens as opposed to fully loaded cheeseburgers. Despite her experience, though, Hedrick says shed do it all over again: There are no pregnancy discomforts that could have held me back from having children, she says.
Increase Your Fiber Intake
Fruits and Salad
Dietary fiber is a carbohydrate that escapes digestion in the small intestine. This non-digestible carbohydrate has a beneficial effect on the gut. Therefore, eating a high-fiber diet is important for healthy bowel movements in pregnant women.
When you eat high fiber foods, it absorbs more water and makes the stools soft. This makes the passage of the stools easier and you dont need to strain or put pressure to pass the stools.
It further adds bulk to the fecal matter, reduces the intestinal transit time and hastens its passage through the gut. This reduces the constipated feeling.
Dietary fiber is available in nature in two different forms:
- Soluble dietary fiber
- Insoluble dietary fiber
It is important to consume foods rich in both the types of dietary fiber. Here are some foods that are a great source of dietary fiber:
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