CONSTIPATION DURING PREGNANCY

Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy. Constipation refers only to bowel movements that are hard in consistency or painful to eliminate. Infrequent bowel movements (e.g., less than once daily) are not unusual.  During pregnancy the muscles in your intestines become more relaxed causing constipation.  In the last months of pregnancy, the growing baby puts pressure on the lower intestines and this may also cause constipation.  Medication can induce constipation such as supplemental iron and calcium.   Other contributing factors include hormonal changes that cause the intestinal tract to slow down, prolonged immobilization (bed rest), little exercise, inadequate intake of fiber and fluids, irregular eating habits, and possibly stress.  Suggestions for preventing or treating constipation are as follows: 

• Increase your intake of high-fiber foods such as unrefined grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
• Try softer high fiber foods such as oatmeal, applesauce, legumes, bran muffin, cooked prunes, prune juice, and barley to help soften the stool.
• Try 2 tsp. of unprocessed bran with meals.
• Drink plenty of liquids (at least six 8-oz glasses daily).
• Exercise daily such as a half-hour walk after meals
• Eat small meals and chew foods well.
• Try several cups of warm-to-hot liquid in the morning to distend the stomach and stimulate the bowels.

Constipation and straining may lead to hemorrhoids.   Tell your doctor or nurse if you have painful or bleeding hemorrhoids.  They will tell you the best way to take care of yourself.

Medicines to Avoid

Do not use of any type of laxative other than bulk-producing ones unless under the supervision of the health care provider. Some (e.g., castor oil, Ex-Lax, Cascara, Senokot, Bisacodyl suppositories) may be too strong or may contain substances that could be harmful to the baby.