The Constipated Pregnancy
The Link Between Constipation and Pregnancy
Constipation occurs in half of all pregnancies, and, while uncomfortable, usually does not pose a serious health risk. Strained bowel movements and hardened stool can cause or aggravate hemorrhoids that, with severe pain or bleeding, should be evaluated by a physician or obstetrician. A physician or obstetrician should be contacted immediately if severe constipation is accompanied by abdominal pain, occurs alternately with diarrhea, or mucus or blood is passed. So what are the causes of constipation and pregnancy?
Causes of Constipation
As food is moved autonomically through the intestines by the intestinal muscles, the body removes nutrients leaving behind waste, and in the bowel, water is added to the waste to facilitate excretion. Fiber in the diet further provides for movement. Exercise further stimulates the intestinal muscles. While all occurs systematically, pregnancy can radically change the system.
While constipation during pregnancy is widely believed to be related to elevated hormones, especially progesterone, there are many factors that may well exacerbate the problem, including stress, reduced physical activity, a diet low in fiber, and iron supplements. Progesterone relaxes intestinal muscles thereby slowing the movement of food and waste. Reduced physical activity as well as less fiber in the diet will lessen needed stimulation of the intestinal tract slowing already slowed movement of food and waste. Later in pregnancy, increased pressure on the intestines from the expanding uterus adds to the problem. While it is not known exactly why iron causes constipation, iron, as a supplement, is hard on the entire digestive tract and is well known to cause constipation.
Avoiding Constipation
Avoiding constipation, considering its prevalence and its causes, may seem futile, but efforts to do so will improve symptoms if constipation occurs. Fiber in the diet is important. Twenty five to thirty grams of fiber from foods such as fruits, vegetables, cereals and whole grains as well as bran is ideal. Along with increased fiber, fluids are necessary. With greater fiber in the diet, ten to twelve cups of water (or other fluids) are recommended every day. Regular exercise ? twenty to thirty minutes, three times per week ? will stimulate the bowels and promote regularity. Just as important, being aware of the body?s signals will help prevent constipation ? do not ignore bowel movement urges. Changing or, if possible, eliminating the iron supplement, especially if constipation is not yet an issue will help. Consult with the physician or obstetrician about checking the iron level and managing intake.
Treating Constipation
The same methods to avoid constipation will help treat it. Also, over-the-counter remedies can help soften stool. Laxative pills should not be used as they can cause uterine contractions, and mineral oil should not be used during pregnancy due to reduced nutrient absorption by the body. Always consult with the tending physician or obstetrician before using any over-the-counter remedy.
While constipation is a common, uncomfortable condition during pregnancy, it is most often benign. It can be prevented, and, even if unsuccessful, preventive efforts will certainly reduce the discomfort and its duration allowing the mother-to-be to enjoy her unique role.