Constipation During Pregnancy
Constipation during pregnancy is a common symptom that affects many women. In fact, approximately 50% of pregnant women suffer from this disorder. There are many changes taking place in the body during these 9 months and along with them digestive discomfort appears.
Just as many women suffer from nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy, it’s not uncommon for heartburn, flatulence, and even constipation to develop. Constipation is considered when the stool frequency is less than 3 stools per week.
Why does constipation occur during pregnancy?
When the gestation period begins, many hormonal changes take place in a woman’s body that affect the entire organism. One is the increased secretion of progesterone, a key hormone in pregnancy.
Initially, she is responsible for preparing the uterus so that it can house the embryo. In addition, it also promotes tissue elasticity, prevents contractions of the uterus and protects the fetus, forming the mucus plug. However, progesterone is also responsible for slowing down the digestion process and intestinal transit.
Another aspect that favors constipation during pregnancy is the pressure exerted by the uterus on the intestine and rectum as it expands. This mainly occurs in the last few months of pregnancy. Thus, food transit becomes more complicated and slower.
Constipation is sometimes caused by iron supplements that are often prescribed during pregnancy. Anemia is another very common condition during pregnancy due to the increased need for blood and red blood cells to nourish the baby. When she appears, it is necessary to treat her with an additional supply of iron.
If iron is the cause of constipation during pregnancy, your doctor will consider lowering the dose or taking additional measures.
If there is anemia that needs to be treated, it is not advisable to stop taking iron on your own, for fear of constipation. Always consult the specialist as there are other solutions that can be used.
Consequences of Constipation During Pregnancy
As we said, constipation during pregnancy is a condition that we should try to solve. It is not only a nuisance, it can also have serious health consequences.
When we have constipation, the effort we make when trying to evacuate is greater. As a result, the pressure on the intestinal walls increases and normal blood circulation is impeded. This usually causes dilation of the veins in the area and the formation of varicose veins or hemorrhoids, among other problems.
Sometimes, constipation is also responsible for the appearance of cystitis and vaginitis during pregnancy, due to the increase in the number of bacteria, which is caused by stool stagnation in the intestine. They can migrate to the urinary tract, thus causing infections.
How can we fight constipation during pregnancy?
As we have seen, constipation during pregnancy arises as a consequence of many processes that we cannot avoid. However, there are also effective measures we can take to combat it. One of them is to do physical activity regularly, always according to your possibilities.
We can also act very effectively with regard to diet. So, if you have constipation during pregnancy, don’t hesitate to increase your consumption of fiber-rich foods.
Some foods that can help you are:
- Fruits : for example orange, kiwi or grape.
- Vegetables : eg spinach, chard, green beans or lettuce.
- Legumes.
Also, you should increase your fluid intake. During pregnancy, a woman’s body needs more fluids and, as a result, the intestines absorb more water. As a result, the stool becomes harder and evacuation becomes more difficult. In order to combat this, be sure to drink at least a liter and a half of water a day.
Conclusion
Constipation during pregnancy is a common symptom. Try to follow a high-fiber diet and stay physically active. If you still can’t control it, see your doctor as he or she will know how to help you.
