Constipation In Pregnancy

Pregnancy predisposes up to 38% of women to develop constipation, occurring generally during the first two trimesters of pregnancy.

What is constipation?
Normal bowel movements vary between individuals with some women passing three bowl motions daily to others passing a bowel motion once every third day. Therefore, frequency is not the concern per se, however the strain, discomfort, and feeling of incomplete evacuation when passing a bowel motion being the significance.

What Causes Constipation?
You may thank the amazing hormonal changes during your pregnancy for contributing to constipation. Gastrointestinal tract changes are seen in pregnancy when higher progesterone levels (the hormone responsible for creating the perfect environment in your uterus for your baby to grow, suppresses uterine contractions, and breast growth and development of milk ducts) slows muscle contraction (motility) within your digestive tract resulting in constipation. Secondary to increased aldosterone levels (vital in procuring adequate placental perfusion) the intestines absorb water more readily, causing your bowel motions to essentially dry out; and you guessed it . . . resulting in constipation.

Other predisposing factors to constipation include history of constipation pre pregnancy and medications such as some pain relief, iron or calcium supplements, antacids, and some medications utilised to treat hyperemesis. Seeking advice from your care provider for any bowel changes during pregnancy is recommended.

Is pregnancy constipation harmful?
If you have experienced pregnancy constipation, you will agree with me that it’s no big joke! Although not harmful to your growing baby it can be a real pain in the rear end. Not only can it cause haemorrhoids and anal fissures, but it is associated with bloating (no surprise there), headaches, and reduced appetite. Left untreated constipation can be a real pain in the butt, causing increased stress to your pelvic floor which is already working hard to support your growing baby. So . . . keep up with those Kegels ladies!!!

Treating pregnancy induced constipation.

Lifestyle and dietary changes are key to treating pregnancy induced constipation. Let’s explore in a little more detail:

• Lifestyle changes – Regular exercise and physical activity stimulates gastrointestinal motility that’s been slowed down by that beautiful pregnancy hormone progesterone. Moderate intensity daily exercise such as yoga (avoiding hot yoga of course), walking, swimming, fitness classes, resistance training, and pilates can reduce that nasty constipation and make you feel great at the same time as its proven exercise boosts our moods.
• Bathroom activities – Don’t hesitate!!! Listen to your body’s natural urges, if you have the urge to poo, then simply poo. Holding back increases constipation, may cause faecal impaction, distention, gastrointestinal perforation, and inflammation.
  Making a dedicated time to poop where your privacy is maintained and uninterrupted is a daily must! Using a poop stool (foot stool) helps to raise your knees above your hips which in turn promotes efficient stool evacuation as it straightens the colon; remembering to keep your legs hip width apart, forearms to knees and not to strain.
• Food and Fluids – Despite the usual effect of caffeine on bowel motion regularity, if you are already dehydrated, consuming tea, energy drinks and coffee may make matters worse. There are many recommendations of exact glasses of water you should consume daily, however it’s a bit of common sense here in that if you are constipated, it’s likely you’re not consuming enough fluid, so up the number of glasses ladies and be sensible, if it’s hot, you’re likely to need a couple more! And for those I don’t like the taste of water individuals, try some kiwifruit or prune juice to the mix.
  Dietician consults are an amazing way to understand your dietary intake during pregnancy and when experiencing pregnancy constipation. Most commonly recommended changes include an increase to fibre (think fresh fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and dried fruits or the wonderful prebiotic psyllium).
• Medications – With an array of probiotics, herbal and medication laxatives on the market from bulk-forming laxatives to osmotic and stimulant laxatives it is recommended to always consult with your health care provider when considering medications for pregnancy induced constipation resolution. In terms of pregnancy medications such as strong pain relief all the way through to iron and other supplements, it’s recommended to further discuss alternative medication formulations of specific supplements being consumed with your health care provider as that may assist in reducing constipation.

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