Pregnancy-related Constipation: Root Causes,Medical Remedies, and Home-based Solutions
**Constipation During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, and Safe Remedies**
Constipation is a common issue faced by many pregnant women, primarily due to changes in the intestinal tract's muscle tone and bowel function. The musculature of the entire intestinal tract loses tonicity, leading to slowed peristalsis and prolonged transit time for food through the intestines, resulting in constipation.
During pregnancy, the growing uterus can exert pressure on the lower bowel, and there is inhibition of the gastrocolic reflex—a normal stomach reflex that stimulates bowel movement after eating. This combination reduces the urge to defecate, further contributing to constipation.
**Symptoms of Constipation During Pregnancy**
Constipation can cause infrequent bowel movements, bloating, stomach discomfort, hard, dry stools, and a feeling that not all the stool has passed. In some cases, it may lead to the development of hemorrhoids and pelvic venous stasis.
**Safe Home Remedies for Constipation During Pregnancy**
To combat constipation, it's essential to maintain a balanced diet and stay active. Here are some home remedies that pregnant women can try:
1. Drink plenty of water: Staying well-hydrated softens stools, facilitating easier bowel movements. Aim for about 8-10 glasses of water daily. 2. Consume citrus fruits: Rich in fiber and vitamin C, citrus fruits like oranges can help prevent constipation. 3. Lemon water: The citric acid in lemon juice can stimulate bowel contractions. Drinking warm water with lemon (and honey if desired) twice daily can help. 4. Diet rich in fiber: Increase intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to promote regular bowel movements. 5. Physical activity: Gentle exercise can help stimulate intestinal activity and reduce constipation. 6. Proper toileting posture: Using a small step stool to keep knees higher than hips can improve bowel emptying.
**Laxatives Safe for Use in Pregnancy**
If lifestyle and dietary changes fail, laxatives may be used cautiously under medical advice. The preferred agents are those not absorbed or poorly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, minimizing risks to the fetus. These include bulk-forming agents, osmotic laxatives, and stool softeners.
Bulk-forming agents, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, add material to the stool and help it absorb more water, making it larger, softer, and easier to pass. Osmotic laxatives, like polyethylene glycol and magnesium hydroxide, work by drawing water into the intestines, softening the stool. Stool softeners, such as docusate (Colace), are a type of laxative that can be safely used during pregnancy and help make stools softer and easier to pass.
It is best to speak to a doctor about the types of laxative to take and how often to take them. In rare cases, prolonged constipation can cause fecal impaction, which may need removal by a doctor.
**Important:** Laxatives should be used only if necessary and under medical supervision, especially during pregnancy, considering potential risks and benefits. Stimulant laxatives should be avoided because they can induce uterine contractions. If home remedies do not work, it may be necessary to discuss other options with a doctor.
[1] ACOG. (2017). Constipation During Pregnancy. Retrieved from
- To alleviate constipation during pregnancy, it's essential to consider prenatal vitamins, including women's vitamins that support digestive health.
- The contextual impact of constipation on the overall health of pregnant women should not be overlooked, as it may intensify medical-conditions like depression and psoriasis.
- Science advances in health and wellness have led to the development of predictive models capable of identifying women at risk of developing constipation during their trimesters.
- Retargeting prenatal vitamins, such as those containing probiotics, can enhance digestive health and reduce the risk of constipation, particularly during the first and third trimesters.
- Women experiencing obesity may be more susceptible to constipation during pregnancy, further emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- If a case of constipation during pregnancy leads to blocked stools, medical attention may be required to prevent complications such as fecal impaction.
- In such instances, Paxlovid, an antiviral medication, is not indicated for the treatment of constipation but plays a significant role in combating COVID-19 symptoms.
- Alzheimer's disease, while unrelated to pregnancy-induced constipation, is a topic of ongoing research in the field of medical-conditions, with Pfizer recently conducting clinical trials for a potential treatment.
- Beyond the immediate effects on digestive health, consistently addressing constipation during pregnancy can contribute positively to women's health and potentially reduce instances of postpartum depression.
- Frequent constipation during pregnancy can have long-term consequences on the digestive-health of women, emphasizing the importance of addressing it early and effectively.
- By taking a comprehensive approach that combines diet, exercise, and potentially safe laxatives, pregnant women can manage constipation effectively and maintain their overall health.
- It's crucial for pregnant women to recognize and proactively manage constipation during pregnancy, not only for the sake of comfort and wellbeing but also for the long-term health implications it may have.
