Constipation in pregnancy: remedies to combat it

Constipation in pregnancy is a very common symptom, which can be alleviated by paying attention to nutrition and lifestyle. Instead, be careful with the use of laxatives, which during pregnancy must always be taken only under medical supervision.

Constipation (also known as constipation or constipation ) is one of the most frequent ailments of sweet expectation and affects about 50% of expectant mothers . Unfortunately, the risk of experiencing this symptom is higher for those who already had it before becoming pregnant .

In general, we speak of constipation when the frequency of evacuation is less than 3 times a week . Other features of this symptom can be:

• I did hard
• difficulty emptying the bowel
• feeling of incomplete evacuation
• effort or pain when passing stools

In addition, constipation during pregnancy can favor the appearance of annoying hemorrhoids , especially in already predisposed future mothers.

Constipation in pregnancy: when does it start and how long does it last?

This symptom tends to appear around the second or third month and can become more pronounced as the pregnancy progresses, due to the progressive enlargement of the uterus. In some cases, however, it can appear as early as the beginning of pregnancy .

Unlike other typical ailments of sweet expectation, constipation tends not to resolve itself at the end of pregnancy. Often, in fact, it is also present in the puerperium (which corresponds approximately to 6 weeks following the birth of the child ), due to various factors such as hormonal changes and the stress to which the perineum is subjected during childbirth.

Constipation in pregnancy: the causes

The appearance of this symptom is mainly linked to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and, in particular, to the increase in progesterone , which relaxes the smooth muscles causing a slowdown in intestinal transit .

The aim is to increase the absorption of nutrients , which through the bloodstream will reach the placenta and therefore the baby. The disadvantage, however, is that the faeces remain in the intestine for a longer time, becoming drier and harder and thus making it more difficult to evacuate.

In the last trimester , constipation and related problems may worsen due to the  pressure exerted by the enlarged uterus , which compresses the abdominal organs, and the increase in aldosterone (a hormone produced in the adrenal gland), which causes greater absorption of liquids in the intestines and further dehydrates the stools.

Reduced physical activity , a diet low in water and fiber and excessive weight gain can also aggravate constipation in pregnancy, as can stress and the intake of iron supplements, especially if in high doses.

Constipation in pregnancy: the remedies

To prevent or alleviate this ailment, it can be useful to adopt some simple strategies.

• Drink plenty

  The advice is to take at least two liters of water a day (equal to about 10 glasses). Good hydration will help soften the stools, facilitating their expulsion. In particular, drinking a glass of warm water in the morning as soon as you wake up can promote intestinal motility. Furthermore, if constipation is already present, it may be useful to resort to natural remedies  such as mallow tea or flaxseed infusions . Due to their laxative action, however, both of these drinks  should be taken in moderation .

• Increase your fiber intake

  An adequate supply of vegetables , fruit (and in particular kiwis and  plums ),  whole grains and legumes (preferably peeled ) is essential to combat constipation, because these foods facilitate intestinal transit. An excellent remedy is to let dried plums soak in a glass of water overnight and consume them in the morning together with the remaining water. Instead, beware of excess bran , which if used for long periods can irritate the walls of the intestine and worsen constipation.

• Consume dairy products rich in live lactic ferments

  Foods such as yogurt and kefir are a valid ally of the intestinal bacterial flora and can be very effective in combating constipation.

• Practicing physical activity

  Even just a half-hour walk a day can be a panacea for intestinal motility, as well as promoting venous return and therefore counteracting the appearance of hemorrhoids . Some yoga poses can also be very useful for combating constipation, such as the cat pose .

• Contact your gynecologist or midwife

  If dietary and lifestyle changes do not improve bowel regularity, drug therapy may be needed . Furthermore , in the case of taking iron supplements , the professional will be able to evaluate possible alternatives or reductions in dosage.

Laxatives in pregnancy? Yes, but only under medical supervision

As with any other ailment that can occur during pregnancy, it is also important to always consult your gynecologist before taking any remedy or drug . For this reason, the use of laxative products during pregnancy without medical advice is always discouraged. 

The reason is very simple: not all drugs are indicated in pregnancy and incorrect use or dosage can jeopardize the good course of the pregnancy .

The abuse of some laxatives , for example, can excessively speed up intestinal transit, cause dehydration and limit the absorption of nutrients necessary for the well-being of the future mother and for the growth of the child. Other products, on the other hand, can cause an excessive increase in blood pressure or the onset of uterine contractions .

Is constipation in pregnancy dangerous?

Constipation is not a symptom to be of particular concern during pregnancy, although occasionally it can be a sign of another problem .

For this reason, it is always advisable to contact your gynecologist or midwife immediately if you experience severe constipation accompanied by the following signs or symptoms:

• abdominal pain
• emission of mucus or blood
• discharge of diarrhea