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Health

Constipation and pregnancy

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Numerous surveys of those women who have given birth to children, give information that during pregnancy 50% of them experienced constipation. These physiological disorders, as it turned out, are quite understandable. What are the causes of constipation during pregnancy and what to do about it?

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Why do you have constipation during pregnancy?

Regular difficulties with defecation in pregnant women are explained simply. The fact is that the mother, who carries a baby, increases the uterus. Due to this, the volume of the abdominal cavity decreases rather sharply, so the intestine is squeezed. As a result, feces are not so free to move forward in the rectum. And then there are the abdominal walls that stretch, but do not stimulate the intestine to action, that is, the expulsion of stool.

Additionally, the appearance of constipation is also affected by a change in the production of hormones. Because of hormonal changes during pregnancy, the large intestine does not work so actively that it stimulates constipation.

Constipation after childbirth

In the postpartum period, a woman may also experience constipation. This can be explained by the fact that the muscles of the peritoneum stretch, so I can no longer participate in the process of expelling the stool, because it is too weak for this. That is why a woman during pregnancy and during the period after giving birth must necessarily control her diet.

Once abnormalities in the intestine are found, the woman should immediately consult a doctor for additional examination. In addition, we also need exercises to stimulate the bowels, as well as to support the health of the peritoneal muscles.

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Why do so many pregnant women suffer from constipation?

Pain in the abdomen, stiff stool and difficulties with defecation - all these are signs of constipation. Although it is not necessary to be pregnant to have constipation, however, there is a high probability that if a woman is pregnant, he will suffer from constipation at some point in pregnancy.

Hormones of pregnancy, especially progesterone, usually works to relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. This slows down the processing of food and takes longer when the feces leave the rectum. In addition, the growing uterus presses all organs in the abdominal cavity, making it difficult for the feces to pass.

Lack of exercise, not enough fiber in the diet, and nervous anxiety may be added to this problem.

Iron supplements and constipation

Iron supplements, which are used in unmetered amounts during pregnancy, are also associated with constipation. It is important to consume a lot of fluid when taking iron, this can become necessary during pregnancy. To properly calculate the dose of iron, it is important to talk with your doctor about changing iron supplements during pregnancy if the constipation is persistent or difficult to tolerate.

When it comes to determining the causes of constipation during pregnancy, there are many ways. It is necessary to take into account that your body passes through physiological changes, and this affects the body of one woman, but it can not affect the body of another. But when the doctors look for the cause of the discomfort, the woman can focus on some of the common causes and see if they fit your situation.

Diet and constipation

First, the most common reason when your intestines do not work properly is your diet. As the body of a pregnant woman undergoes many changes and is influenced by the creation of a child inside, it no longer works the way you might have become accustomed to. This may mean that you are not getting enough nutrients that are necessary for your body to work properly, and therefore the effect is constipation. But, after making small changes, you can get relief, which will easily help to cope with constipation.

Many pregnant women can relieve their constipation by simply adding more fiber to the diet if they drink more water and consume more fruits. 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 understand it.

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Physical training and constipation

Another common cause of constipation during pregnancy is the lack of exercise. You can not feel motivated enough to move about as before, when you were not pregnant, but physical exercise plays a very important role for your digestive system. All the time, while you are working on yourself during pregnancy, you help your body move. When you stop exercising, this process slows down and can cause problems with the digestive tract in the future.

Consider only a small amount of time from your day to get up and go for a walk, ride a bike or do some kind of gentle exercises. You will not only feel more energetic, but your gut will feel much better.

You should also take into account what you are taking from the supplements. The right amount of calcium and iron should be used only on the advice of a doctor. If you happen to take too many 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 accordingly change your diet. Also make sure that if you take antacids, and that they do not contain aluminum, that will make you experience constipation.

If you are unable to determine why you need help with constipation, talk with your health care provider. He will be able to provide you with the recommendations needed in your situation, and offer a treatment that will work for you.

What are the most effective methods of treating constipation during pregnancy?

Steps to prevent constipation and allowable funds for constipation are almost the same during pregnancy for all women. A woman can take the following list of steps to prevent constipation or treat him more loyally if there are already problems with it

  • Adding fiber to the diet. Whole grains, fruits, especially prunes, bran, vegetables are good sources of fiber.
  • Drink plenty of water. Almost any liquid will help with constipation, but water is the best means for general rehydration of the body.
  • Start and maintain a program of physical exercises, approved by a doctor.
  • Some supplements can be useful in pregnancy to fight constipation.
  • Stop taking iron supplements in elevated doses. Most women find that, following a healthy diet during pregnancy, they should still take iron supplements. The doctor can check your iron level and tell you whether you need to continue the supplements.

Are there any remedies that should not be used in pregnancy?

Do not take laxatives under any circumstances, but only as directed by a doctor. Laxatives can make the stool too fluid and soft, and can lead to dehydration. They can also stimulate uterine contractions and lead to premature birth.

Do not use mineral oil, as this can interfere with the absorption of nutrients in the body of the expectant mother.

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Plum juice, constipation and pregnancy

When it comes to treating constipation during pregnancy, many women will recommend you try plum juice. Plum juice is good for everyone, regardless of their age, and you do not even need to be pregnant to enjoy the benefits that plum juice gives. Most doctors around the country will recommend plum juice for patients with constipation, it can be a very inexpensive and effective treatment. The reason that he works so well to eliminate constipation during pregnancy, is that dried plums (prunes), contain a lot of fiber - this method can really help move the matter off the ground.

Extremes with constipation

When you can not have a regular bowel movement, you feel that you have constipation. A stool in your rectum that does not move along it can cause discomfort for you and the unborn child. When pregnancy exists, there is a limited amount of space in your body when a small child grows there, and it is important for both of you that bowel movements are regular. For most people with good digestion, bowel health means that you have a chair at least once a day. The other extreme is if you are lucky enough to have bowel movements more than three times a day, and this can be a problem.

Although this may not seem very convenient, that you do not go to the toilet regularly, this condition does not necessarily lead to consequences. Some of the most noticeable symptoms of pregnancy, other than constipation, may include impure breathing and increased body odor.

Other symptoms during pregnancy may also include digestive disorders, headaches, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. With prolonged constipation, you can also increase the risk of developing colon cancer. If plum juice does not help in the fight against 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 plum juice so good for pregnant women?

Plum juice has several very useful effects that will help your digestive system to preserve bowel movements for good bowel movements. You will see that plum juice helps the body draw liquid into the intestines. This will soften the stool and help him move through the rectum without using enemas. It makes it possible to get rid of food waste and can be an effective method of controlling constipation during pregnancy.

There are also other benefits for drinking plum juice. Studies have shown that it helps keep cholesterol levels under control and can help lower too high levels of cholesterol. He also works with the state of the intestine to help absorb the estrogen in the blood, and has a positive effect on reducing the risk of developing breast cancer.

The condition with constipation can be painful for pregnant women, but plum juice can be a solution to this problem. Try to drink plum juice to relieve constipation. If this does not work within a week, be sure to consult a doctor - he will be able to provide recommendations relevant to your situation and help make the right choice that suits you and your future child.

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