What causes constipation during pregnancy? How can I prevent or treat constipation during pregnancy? Prevention and treatment of constipation involve many of the same steps. Here are a few things that you can do to help prevent constipation from occurring or treat it if you are already experiencing it: Eat a high fiber diet: Ideally, you will consume 25 to 30 grams per day of dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, breakfast cereals, whole-grain bread, prunes, and bran. This helps ensure bulkier stools that are easier to poop.
Drink a lot of fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids is important, particularly when increasing fiber intake helps ensure softer stools. Drink 10 to 12 cups of fluids each day. It is the combination of a high fiber diet and plenty of liquids that best help you eliminate your waste. Exercise routinely: If you are inactive, you have a greater chance of constipation. Walking, swimming and other moderate exercises will help the intestines work by stimulating your bowels. Schedule exercise three times a week for minutes each.
Over-the-counter remedies: There are over-the-counter products such as Metamucil Category B which may help soften your bowel movements and reduce constipation. Always speak to your health care provider before using over-the-counter medications. Reduce or eliminate iron supplements: Iron supplements may contribute to constipation. While most cases of constipation are not a sign of illness, sometimes there are complications such as haemorrhoids , faecal impaction or rectal prolapse.
In rare cases, constipation can be caused by more serious conditions such as tumours. Most laxatives are not well absorbed into the bloodstream and can be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding , but always check with your pharmacist before taking a medicine while pregnant. There are several reasons why constipation may continue after birth.
Women who have had a caesarean often experience constipation for a few days until their regular bowel movements return. Women who have stiches after a vaginal birth may hesitate on the toilet, which can cause a build-up in their bowels.
New mothers are often busier than usual in the first few weeks and months of motherhood. It may seem like taking care of yourself has become less of a priority, but your health is no less important now than it was during your pregnancy. Be sure to have plenty of fibre-rich fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains as well as increase your fluid intake while breastfeeding to encourage healthy bowel movements, even when you are busy.
Constipation can vary in severity and if changes to your diet do not help relieve your symptoms, ask your midwife , doctor or pharmacist for guidance on choosing and using a laxative.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. Haemorrhoids are an uncomfortable but common condition during pregnancy. Find out what causes haemorrhoids and how to treat them. During pregnancy, many women experience some rather unpleasant conditions. Maintaining a healthy diet and doing regular exercise can help make life a little easier. Constipation is when you have difficulty passing stools poo , need to strain when going to the toilet or have infrequent bowel movements.
Read more on WA Health website. Read more on Better Health Channel website. For women who have a regular menstrual cycle, the earliest and most reliable sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Read about some of the other early pregnancy signs and symptoms. Pregnant with twins? Good choices include fresh fruits, vegetables , beans , peas, lentils, bran cereals, prunes , and whole-grain bread. Try cutting up some raspberries, apples, bananas, figs, and strawberries for a refreshing fruit salad.
Or roast some sweet corn, Brussels sprouts, and carrots for a delightful side dish. That might mean doubling your water intake. Pregnant women should drink at least eight ounce glasses of water a day. This will help keep your bowels soft and moving smoothly through your digestive tract. Try breaking up your daily food intake into five or six smaller meals to help with constipation relief. This will allow the stomach to digest food without having to work overtime, and allow it to transfer food to the intestine and colon smoothly.
Regular physical activity can help reduce constipation. Exercise stimulates your bowels. Pregnant women should try to exercise three times a week for 20 to 30 minutes each.
The options for exercise are endless. Medically Reviewed by Lisa Hickman, M. Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. What causes constipation during pregnancy — and what to do when your bowels just can't seem to get a move on.
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