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Pain with constipation in pregnant women
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

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Constipation can cause many problems in your life – first of all, pain. Many people can experience pain due to constipation during pregnancy and usually it starts right under the ribs or in the lower abdomen. Quite often this circumstance can be confused with food poisoning, but it turns out to have a different type of symptoms.
Pain and constipation during pregnancy
If the pain is left untreated, it will move from the abdomen to the lower back of the pregnant woman and in some cases, it will radiate to the legs. The pain you feel is the same as if a blunt sharp object is poking the body and it results in moderate to severe discomfort. It would be a good idea to talk to your gastroenterologist to find out what you can do to relieve your constipated pregnancy pain.
At this point, there are many options available to pregnant women in terms of dealing with their pain. Most doctors will first recommend dietary changes, increasing your water intake, and watching what you eat. This type of treatment is effective, although you probably won’t get immediate relief from your pain. There are medications that also work to treat constipation pain in pregnancy, but you should be careful when taking any medications while pregnant, as it can affect your baby’s growth.
Constipation and back pain
Many mothers who experience pain from constipation may also experience back pain. When it comes to back pain due to excess fecal waste being stored in your rectum, the increased pressure from the blockage in your rectum will put pressure on your back. This can be more noticeable when you are pregnant, when the baby is already taking up a lot of space in your body, and constipation will only make things worse. If you usually suffer from back pain, you have probably noticed that pregnancy triggers constipation, the pain will be much more intense for you. Back pain can be caused by sitting on uncomfortable chairs, or even turning to one side or the other.
Change in physical activity
If you suffer from back pain as well as constipation, it is recommended to change your lifestyle and physical activity. In many cases, you can relieve your pain from constipation. Standing up, stretching, going for a walk, or even massaging your back and stomach with a warm towel can lead to good results. Many people find that swimming in a pool during pregnancy can reduce the strain on your back and give you some relief.
Also, if you can find the strength to actually take a break from your busy life, it can help if your back pain may be caused by stress. Depending on the severity of your back pain, there are many other treatments available, including massage and acupuncture. Just make sure you are pregnant before undergoing any type of treatment to ensure that your actions will not harm the baby.
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Fight against obesity
Obesity during pregnancy is another cause of constipation, and is associated with leg pain. This is why constipation during pregnancy is very common, as you gain a lot of weight when you are carrying a baby in your belly. This will usually not be a problem after you give birth, but it will be uncomfortable during pregnancy.
Like any other condition, pregnancy requires additional consultations with a doctor. If you have any questions or concerns about your pregnancy, or if you experience constipation or pain during this time, be sure to consult with your doctor. Not only will he or she be able to assess your condition, but he or she can also help you provide recommendations that are specific to your health situation.