Constipation and pregnancy

Numerous surveys of women who have already given birth to children provide information that during pregnancy, 50% of them experienced constipation. These physiological disorders, as it turns out, are quite explainable. What are the causes of constipation during pregnancy and what to do about it?

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Why does constipation occur during pregnancy?

Regular difficulties with defecation in pregnant women are explained simply. The fact is that the mother's uterus increases while carrying a child. Due to this, the volume of the abdominal cavity is significantly reduced, so the intestines are compressed. As a result, feces can no longer move so freely through the rectum. And then there are the abdominal walls, which stretch, but do not stimulate the intestines to act, that is, to push out feces.

Additionally, changes in hormone production also contribute to constipation. Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, the colon does not work as actively, which stimulates constipation.

Constipation after childbirth

In the period after childbirth, a woman may also experience constipation. This can be explained by the fact that the abdominal muscles are stretched, so they can no longer participate in the process of pushing out feces, because they are too weak for this. This is why a woman must control her diet during pregnancy and in the period after childbirth.

As soon as bowel dysfunction is detected, a woman should immediately consult a doctor for further examination. In addition, exercises are also needed to stimulate bowel function and maintain the health of the abdominal muscles.

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Why do so many pregnant women suffer from constipation?

Abdominal pain, hard stools, and difficulty passing stools are all signs of constipation. While you don't have to be pregnant to experience constipation, there is a good chance that if a woman is pregnant, she will suffer from constipation at some point during her pregnancy.

Pregnancy hormones, especially progesterone, tend to work to relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. This slows down the processing of food and makes it take longer for stool to leave the rectum. In addition, the growing uterus puts pressure on all the organs in the abdomen, making it harder for stool to pass.

Lack of exercise, not enough fiber in the diet, and nervous worries can add to the problem.

Iron Supplements and Constipation

Iron supplements taken in inappropriate amounts during pregnancy have also been linked to constipation. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when taking iron, which may be necessary during pregnancy. To properly calculate your iron dosage, it is important to talk to your doctor about changing your iron supplements during pregnancy if constipation is persistent or difficult to tolerate.

When it comes to determining the causes of constipation during pregnancy, there are many options. It is important to consider that your body is going through physiological changes, and what affects one woman may not affect another. But when doctors are looking for the cause of discomfort, a woman can focus on some of the common causes and see if they apply to her situation.

Diet and constipation

Firstly, the most common reason why your bowels are not working properly is your diet. As a pregnant woman’s body goes through many changes and is affected by the creation of a baby inside, it no longer works the way you may be used to. This may mean that you are not getting enough of the nutrients that your body needs to work properly, and therefore constipation is the result. But by making small changes, you can find relief that can easily help you deal with constipation.

Many pregnant women can relieve their constipation by simply adding more fiber to their diet, drinking more water, and eating more fruit. It usually takes a couple of days to see and measure the results of this diet, and you may have to change your diet a little. And when you listen to your body, you will be able to figure it out.

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Exercise and constipation

Another common cause of constipation during pregnancy is a lack of exercise. You may not feel motivated to move around as much as you did when you weren’t pregnant, but exercise plays a very important role in your digestive system. As long as you work out during pregnancy, you’re helping your body move. When you stop exercising, that process slows down and can cause digestive problems later on.

Consider taking just a small chunk of time out of your day to get up and go for a walk, ride a bike, or do some form of gentle exercise. Not only will you feel more energetic, but your gut will feel much better.

You should also consider what supplements you are taking. The right amount of calcium and iron should only be taken on the advice of your doctor. If you happen to take too much of these minerals, you may end up experiencing constipation. Check with your doctor to see how much you should take on a daily basis and adjust your diet accordingly. Also make sure that if you are taking antacids, that they do not contain aluminum, which will cause you to experience constipation.

If you are unable to determine why you need help with constipation, talk to your doctor. They will be able to provide you with the recommendations needed for your situation and suggest treatments that will work for you.

What are the most effective treatments for constipation during pregnancy?

The steps to prevent constipation and the remedies that are acceptable for constipation are almost the same for all women during pregnancy. A woman can take the following list of steps to prevent constipation or to be more tolerant of it if she already has problems with it.

• Adding fiber to your diet. Whole grains, fruits, especially prunes, bran, and vegetables are good sources of fiber.
• Drink plenty of water. Almost any liquid will help with constipation, but water is the best way to rehydrate your body overall.
• Start and maintain an exercise program approved by your doctor.
• Certain supplements may be helpful during pregnancy to help combat constipation.
• Stop taking iron supplements in high doses. Most women find that even if they eat a healthy diet during pregnancy, they still need to take iron supplements. Your doctor can check your iron levels and tell you if you need to continue taking supplements.

Are there any contraceptives that should not be used during pregnancy?

Do not take laxatives under any circumstances, unless directed by your doctor. Laxatives can make your stool too loose and soft, which can lead to dehydration. They can also stimulate your uterus to contract, leading to premature labor.

Do not use mineral oil as it may interfere with the absorption of nutrients in the expectant mother's body.

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Plum Juice, Constipation and Pregnancy

When it comes to treating constipation during pregnancy, many women will recommend that you try prune juice. Prune juice is good for everyone, no matter their age, and you don’t even have to be pregnant to enjoy the benefits of prune juice. Most doctors across the country will recommend prune juice to patients with constipation, and it can be a very inexpensive and effective treatment. The reason it works so well for relieving constipation during pregnancy is that dried plums (prunes) contain a lot of fiber – this method can really help get things moving.

Constipation extremes

When you can't have regular bowel movements, you think of yourself as constipated. Stool in your rectum that doesn't move through it can cause discomfort for you and your unborn baby. When you're pregnant, there's a limited amount of space in your body with a little baby growing in there, and it's important for both of you to have regular bowel movements. For most people with good digestion, bowel health means having at least one bowel movement per day. The other extreme is if you're lucky enough to have more than three bowel movements per day, that can be a problem.

While it may seem inconvenient that you are not going to the bathroom regularly, this condition does not necessarily have consequences. Some of the most noticeable pregnancy symptoms, other than constipation, can include foul breath and increased body odor.

Other symptoms during pregnancy may also include indigestion, headaches, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids. If you have long-term constipation, you may also increase your risk of colon cancer. If prune juice does not help in combating constipation after one week of use, it is advisable to consult a doctor to get his help in your condition.

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Why is prune juice so good for pregnant women?

Prune juice has some very beneficial effects that will help your digestive system to maintain bowel movements for good bowel movements. You will find that prune juice helps the body to attract fluid into the intestines. This will soften the stool and help it move through the rectum without the need for enemas. It helps to get rid of food waste and can be an effective method for combating constipation during pregnancy.

There are also other benefits to drinking prune juice. Research has shown that it helps keep cholesterol levels under control and can help lower cholesterol levels that are too high. It also works with the gut to help absorb estrogen in the blood and has a positive effect on reducing the risk of breast cancer.

Constipation can be a painful condition for pregnant women, but prune juice may be the answer. Try drinking prune juice to relieve constipation. If it doesn’t work within a week, be sure to consult your doctor – they will be able to provide recommendations specific to your situation and help you make the right choice for you and your unborn baby.