Constipation In Pregnancy
Constipation in pregnancy is a common symptom that affects many women. In fact, approximately 50% of expectant mothers suffer from this disorder. There are many changes that occur in the body during those 9 months and, with them, digestive discomforts appear.
Like many women suffer from nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy, it is not uncommon for heartburn, flatulence and even constipation to appear. We consider constipation when the frequency of defecation is less than 3 stools a week.
Why does constipation occur in pregnancy?
When the gestation period begins, many hormonal changes occur in the woman’s body that affect the whole organism. One of them is the increased secretion of progesterone, a fundamental hormone in pregnancy.
Initially, it is responsible for preparing the uterus so that it can house the embryo. Likewise, it favors the elasticity of the tissues, prevents contractions of the uterus and protects the fetus by forming the mucous plug. However, progesterone is also responsible for slowing down the process of digestion and intestinal transit.
Another aspect that favors constipation during pregnancy is the pressure exerted by the uterus as it grows on the intestine and rectum. This is especially true in the last months of pregnancy. The transit of food is more complicated and slower.
Sometimes constipation is caused by iron supplements that are often prescribed during pregnancy. Anemia is another very common condition in pregnancy due to increased needs for blood and red blood cells to nourish the baby. When it appears, it is necessary to treat it with an additional supply of iron.
If iron is the cause of constipation in pregnancy, the doctor will consider the possibility of reducing the dose or taking other additional measures. If there is an anemia that must be treated, it is not advisable to stop the iron supply on our own for fear of constipation. Always consult with the specialist, there are other solutions that can be sought.
Consequences of constipation in pregnancy
As we have said, constipation during pregnancy is a condition that should be sought for a solution. Not only is it a nuisance, it can also have serious health consequences.
When we have constipation, the effort we make when trying to defecate is greater. Consequently, pressure on the intestinal walls increases and normal blood circulation is impeded. This usually causes the 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 in pregnancy, due to the increase of bacteria due to the stagnation of stool in the intestine. These can migrate to the urinary tract causing infections.
How can you combat constipation in pregnancy?
As we have seen, constipation in pregnancy is the consequence of many processes that we cannot avoid. But there are also effective measures we can take to combat it. One of them is to do physical exercise on a regular basis, always adapted to your possibilities.
Also in the diet we can act very effectively. If you develop constipation during pregnancy, feel free to increase your consumption of foods rich in fiber. Some foods that can help you are:
- Fruits : for example, oranges, kiwis or grapes.
- Vegetables : for example, spinach, chard, green beans or lettuce.
- Vegetables.
It also should increase fluid intake. The body of the woman during pregnancy needs more fluids and, consequently, the intestine absorbs more water. Because of this, the stool becomes harder and defecation becomes difficult. To combat it, do not stop drinking at least a liter and a half of water a day.
Conclution
Constipation in pregnancy is a common symptom. Try to follow a diet rich in fiber and do not stop doing physical exercise. If you still cannot control it, consult your doctor, he will know how to help you.
