Constipation During Pregnancy: Pain, Causes, Signs & Home Remedies

Constipation is having less than three bowel movements in a week, or facing difficulty in passing stool. During your pregnancy, constipation is not uncommon. Due to the soaring pregnancy hormones and expanding uterus, you might frequently be complaining about  feeling bloated, gassy, clogged-up, infrequent bowel movements, and pain in the abs as signs of constipation during pregnancy. According to a study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, Pregnancy Constipation is common in 3 out 4 of pregnant women, that is nearly 40% of pregnancies.

Is Constipation An Early Sign Of Pregnancy?

Constipation may not occur early in many of you, during your pregnancy. However, if some of you might be trying for a baby and suddenly notice that you’re facing difficulty while pooping, almost around the time when your period is due, that might be a tip-off. Therefore, for some of you, constipation is indeed an early sign of pregnancy. 

When Does Constipation in Pregnancy Start?

So, in many cases, pregnancy constipation strikes you as soon as the progesterone level of hormones increases in the first trimester during the second and third months. However, as the uterus expands to accommodate the baby inside you, with the progression of your pregnancy constipation can be a problem.

What Are the Causes of Constipation in Pregnancy?

Mostly due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy, your daily physical activities and food habits might increase your chances of constipation. However, there are several other reasons as well that affect constipation while you’re pregnant. They are:

The Growing Foetus

Since the foetus is growing and making the uterus heavy, it is putting a lot of pressure on your bowel movements, thus making the waste product difficult to move outside your body. 

Intake of Prenatal Vitamins

The iron that you get from your prenatal vitamins, makes the blood circulate oxygen throughout your and your baby’s body. Intake of more prenatal vitamins means more iron in your body. However, more iron doesn’t allow the bacteria to break down easily. Along with this, not staying hydrated can make you severely constipated during your pregnancy. 

Lifestyle

Most of you who are feeling constipated during your pregnancy, there are chances that you may not be eating the right kind of food, or eating in the right quantum, drinking enough fluids or water, or doing regular exercise. 

What Are the Signs of Constipation While You’re Pregnant?

As a result of constipation during pregnancy, you’ll get symptoms like: 

• You might poop just a few times a week 
• Your stomach might feel gassy 
• Your stools would be hard and lumpy
• Your stools would be so hard that passing them would be painful
• If you have severe constipation, it might give rise to stomach pain, diarrhoea, and pass mucus or blood, while you’re passing stool 
• Due to straining bowel movements, haemorroids or piles and urinary incontinence can be a serious concern 

How Can You Get Some Relief From Pregnancy Constipation

We know that it is very unpleasant for you to feel bloated or gassy and  visit the bathroom repeatedly. Therefore, follow these pregnancy-safe natural and medical ways to get some relief from pregnancy. 

Natural or Home Remedies

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water. Apart from the daily beverages, drinking 10 to 12 glasses of water is your daily recommendation. You may also drink a glass of warm water after you wake up from bed, or replace a glass or 2 with some cool fresh fruit juices. 

Intake of Fiber-rich Food

For natural pregnancy relief, eat fiber-rich food like whole-grain cereals and bread, brown rice, fresh fruits, and veggies.

Staying Active

Getting your body into a daily exercise regime, like brisk walking, and practicing yoga and meditation can relieve you from pregnancy.

Probiotics

Good bacteria live in your gut. Probiotics play a huge role in repopulating gut bacteria, thus encouraging regular bowel movements. Therefore, try to have more yogurt as a side dish with your main course.  

Medical Treatments for Pregnancy Constipation

However, if natural methods are not helping you much, and  your constipation is severe, laxatives or stool softeners can help you get  immediate relief from pregnancy.

Embracing motherhood is a beautiful experience but challenging at the same time. Isn’t it? Constipation in pregnancy is just one of them. Follow the above-mentioned ways to help yourself and don’t forget your regular prenatal check-ups.

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