Constipation during pregnancy: causes, symptoms and how to treat it

Constipation is common in pregnant women. The symptoms that appear certainly make it more uncomfortable for you to be free to do activities. Come on, understand more deeply about the following causes, symptoms, and ways to deal with constipation or difficulty defecating during pregnancy.

Causes of constipation (difficult to defecate) during pregnancy

Constipation is a digestive problem caused by disorders of the intestines, making it difficult for feces to pass through the intestines smoothly. As a result, feces accumulate, dry out, solidify, and are difficult to pass.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, constipation experienced by most expectant mothers is caused by lifestyle, hormones, and physical changes during pregnancy. More specifically, the causes of constipation during pregnancy include:

Hormonal changes

When pregnant, the hormone progesterone in the body will experience changes. The increase in hormone levels causes the muscles around the intestines to relax. As a result, bowel movements become slower and cause difficulty defecating during pregnancy.

The uterus is enlarged

The uterus of a pregnant woman will continue to enlarge over time following the development of the fetus. It turns out that this can cause constipation during pregnancy because the uterus puts pressure on the intestines and rectum and interferes with the process of expelling food scraps.

Bad lifestyle

Poor lifestyle is a common cause of constipation. Pregnant women who eat less fibrous food, rarely exercise, don't drink enough, and often hold back bowel movements are at risk of experiencing constipation.

Use of certain supplements

Pregnant women need more nutrients to support fetal development. Usually, the obstetrician will prescribe iron or calcium supplements. Supplements that are not properly absorbed by the body cause constipation during pregnancy.

Signs and symptoms of constipation (difficulty defecating) during pregnancy

Symptoms of constipation in pregnant women generally appear after the hormone progesterone rises dramatically, namely in the second and third months of pregnancy. The condition may get worse as the uterus grows.

Common symptoms of constipation during pregnancy include:

Difficult to pass water until it makes you push harder
Stool that comes out dry and solid
Bloating, heartburn, and feeling full
Feces

Every pregnant woman may experience different symptoms. Some feel only one symptom, all symptoms, or even feel other symptoms that are not mentioned.

Risk of complications of constipation (difficulty defecating) during pregnancy

Difficult to defecate during pregnancy must be addressed appropriately. The reason is, this disease that is often underestimated can cause complications, such as hemorrhoids and weakening of the muscles in the blood vessels around the anus.

Hemorrhoids can cause severe pain in the anus due to the swelling of the blood vessels. Sometimes blood vessels can burst due to rubbing against hard feces, which can eventually lead to infection.

So that complications of constipation during pregnancy do not occur, do not underestimate this condition. So, if you feel the symptoms of constipation, get treatment immediately. Consult a gynecologist to get safer treatment.

Recommendations for taking constipation drugs during pregnancy

Taking laxatives while pregnant is not the main treatment. This method is done if it is difficult to have a bowel movement while pregnant cannot be treated with home care.

Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D, at the Mayo Clinic stated that stool softeners are safe for pregnant women to use. Provided, the use of drugs is supervised by a doctor. The reason is, not all laxatives are safe for dealing with constipation in pregnant women, such as Pepto Bismol.

This drug is known to contain salicylic acid such as aspirin which can cause the risk of bleeding and impaired fetal heart development.

A safe way to deal with constipation (difficult to defecate) during pregnancy

Instead of giving drugs, doctors will usually recommend pregnant women to do home care. The reason is, because laxatives can cause side effects or can flow into the blood and interfere with the health of the fetus.

Natural ways to deal with constipation during pregnancy include:

1. Increase fiber intake

Eating more fiber can help relieve difficult bowel movements during pregnancy. Fiber foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are also able to provide additional vitamin nutrients and antioxidants for pregnant women.

Although fibrous foods can be a natural constipation remedy, pregnant women should not consume them excessively. Fiber intake per day for pregnant women is 25 to 30 grams.

2. Drink plenty of water

The consumption of fibrous foods must be balanced with an increase in fluid intake. The reason is, fiber requires fluids to soften the stool in the intestine. In addition, drinking water more often also prevents pregnant women from becoming dehydrated, which is a cause of constipation and worsens their condition.

If you are usually advised to drink 8 glasses of water a day. Pregnant women are expected to drink at least 12 glasses of water per day.

3. Often eat, but in small portions

Improving your diet can help with constipation during pregnancy. Pregnant women are advised to divide their food into 5 to 6 meals to help the digestive process.

This is because the digestive system does not have to work extra at once or twice in food intake, which usually happens when pregnant women eat large portions at once in 1-2 meals.

4. Exercise routine

Slow bowel movements can be stimulated by physical activity. That means, exercise can be a natural way to deal with constipation in pregnant women.

Exercising 3 times a week, 20 to 30 minutes at a time can stimulate the digestive system of pregnant women. Don't forget to consult with your doctor first to find out what types of exercise should be done.

5. Doctor consultation

The method above can generally overcome difficult bowel movements during pregnancy. However, if the case is severe, doctor care is needed. The doctor will consider administering medication or changing the type of supplement that causes constipation.

Seeing a doctor not only helps relieve constipation but also finds the cause of constipation. The reason is, constipation that attacks can be a sign of certain digestive problems.

Your doctor may ask you to do medical tests. After knowing the cause, then the doctor decides the right treatment so that difficult to defecate during pregnancy is no longer bothersome.