Constipation is a common occurrence for pregnant women throughout their pregnancies, but when does it start? What are the reasons pregnant women get constipation? And how might pregnancy-related constipation episodes be minimised? When should you go to the doctor, exactly? Find out the answers below.
Constipation is a pretty typical pregnancy symptom that many women encounter. We will explain to you in this post when a pregnant lady starts to experience constipation. We go over the reasons of constipation during pregnancy as well as remedies for easing discomfort. Keep in mind the information in the lines below:
When does constipation begin for a pregnant woman?
Constipation typically first manifests in the second or third month of pregnancy along with an increase in progesterone levels, and for the majority of women, episodes of constipation worsen as the pregnancy progresses and the uterus grows.
While some women experience constipation early in pregnancy, on the other hand, bouts of constipation do not affect other women until much later.
Pregnancy-related constipation attacks manifest as the following symptoms:
- being unable to poop more than three times per week.
- Hard, lumpy stools.
- Painful, dry stools that hurt to pass.
- effort required when a sense of flatulence and faeces are present.
What causes constipation for a pregnant woman?
After addressing the query, "When does pregnancy-related constipation start?" The following are some of the factors and causes of constipation during pregnancy that need to be clarified:
1. Pregnancy hormones
A number of hormonal changes take place at the start of pregnancy, most notably a rise in the hormone progesterone. These changes result in slow movement of stool in the intestines, and this leads to an increase in the colon’s absorption of water and nutrients from the stool, which increases the hardness and bulkiness of the stool and confronts the difficulty of excretion.
2. Fetal pressure
As the months of pregnancy progress, the foetus grows bigger and the uterus becomes heavier, putting more pressure on the intestines and making it harder to expel waste and triggering episodes of constipation.
3. Prenatal vitamins
The majority of prenatal vitamins include iron, and large amounts of this mineral prevent healthy bacteria from doing their jobs in the intestines by breaking down food, which results in waste buildup, constipation, and black stools.
4. Lifestyles
The risk of constipation and the start of the pregnancy are influenced by food, hydration intake, and exercise levels throughout pregnancy.
How can reduce bouts of constipation for pregnant women?
The changes of pregnancy cannot be controlled, but episodes of constipation during pregnancy can be reduced by following some home remedies, including the following:
- Eat 25–30 grammes of dietary fibre per day as part of a well-balanced diet.
- Include fresh produce, whole grains, high-fiber cereals, and whole grains.
- Food products manufactured from refined grains should be avoided.
- Consume foods high in probiotics, such as yoghurt, to encourage the intestinal bacteria's ability to break down food.
- Avoid overeating all at once by eating smaller meals.
- 10–12 cups of liquids should be consumed everyday.
- Defecate whenever stool is needed.
- exercising three times a week, for at least 20 to 30 minutes each time.
- Exercise in moderation to encourage bowel motions, such as walking or swimming.
- To learn about alternatives to iron supplements, consult a specialist.
- Don't take your vitamins all at once; space them out throughout the day.
- Steer clear of stimulant laxatives because they can dehydrate you and cause uterine contractions.
- Avoid mineral oils, which hinder vitamin absorption.
When home treatments fail to relieve constipation, pregnant women should seek the advice of a specialist physician before taking safe medical laxatives (such as lubricating laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, and bulk-forming agents).
When should you visit the doctor?
Before using any medications or laxatives, it is important to speak with a doctor to make sure they are safe to use during pregnant. You should also visit a doctor as soon as any additional symptoms appear, including:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- stomachache
- Constipation that occurs frequently and lasts longer than one to two weeks.
- Rectal bleeding .
- Following the use of laxatives, lack of benefit and rest.