Constipation During Pregnancy: Is It Normal?

Constipation is a common problem for many expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy so do not fear- you are not alone! One of the main causes for constipation during pregnancy is an increase in the hormone progesterone which slows down the movement of food within the body’s digestive tract. However, as your pregnancy progresses, the cause of constipation can also stem from the pressure of the growing uterus on the rectum. Following a bad diet, consuming a high volume of fiber or taking iron supplements can also make this problem worse within many women.

So, what can be done to help relieve the discomfort that comes from this symptom? Fiber is an important part of a balanced diet, so ensure to eat plenty of high-fiber foods such as cereal, whole-grain bread and pasta and fruit and vegetables. However, try not to overdo the level of fiber you intake as this could cause you to become ‘clogged up’ or could cause excessive wind which can be extremely embarrassing!

You should also aim to drink at least 6 glasses of water a day to help keep you hydrated and flush out toxins from the body. You can also aim towards drinking one glass of fresh juice a day also to help with the intake of vitamins and to help ease your constipation. Regular exercise can help to ease your constipation and help relieve the pain that this symptom can cause. It is also a great way to help keep your fitness up throughout your pregnancy which in turn, can help your body to recover faster following the birth of your baby. Also ask the advice of your midwife or doctor before embarking on specific exercises during your pregnancy. Finally, it is important to listen to your body. This means, if you feel the urge to go to the bathroom, do so. Holding off can make the problem worse, not to mention, can cause great pain and discomfort. Never strain or force yourself to pass solids as this can cause great injury to the rectal area. If you feel you need to strain, it is advisable to ask your doctor for natural supplements to help you along.

Constipation is a common symptom of pregnancy and rarely should it ever be a great cause for concern. In some cases, constipation may be a sign that something else is going on so if your constipation is severe and no supplements or change in diet help, then consult with your doctor. If it changes to diarrhea or you experience extreme cramping or you pass blood, contact your doctor immediately.

As with many other side affects of pregnancy, constipation is not an appealing aspect of it and can be somewhat miserable for the mother. However, most importantly, it is a normal part of pregnancy so it should not cause immediate cause for concern. Should you ever become concerned by your bowel movements, also consult with your doctor but in time, this should cease.

For more information on constipation during pregnancy, visit Babies Base