Constipation During Pregnancy: 5 Causes and What to Do
During pregnancy a woman's body goes through many hormonal and physical changes that also affect digestion — which is why many women experience constipation. Here are the 5 main reasons and what you can do about it.
Pregnancy is a time when a woman's body goes through many changes — not only physical, but also hormonal and emotional. These changes also affect the digestive system, and this is why many women begin to experience constipation during pregnancy. This problem is common, but at times it can become very uncomfortable and stressful.
The first and biggest reason behind constipation in pregnant women is the rising level of the hormone progesterone. This hormone works to relax the muscles of the uterus so that the baby can develop without any obstruction. But this effect is not limited to the uterus alone — it also slows down the muscles of the digestive system, which makes food stay longer in the intestines and the stool become hard.
The second major reason is the growing size of the uterus, which, as the baby grows, puts pressure on the intestines. This creates an obstruction in the normal passage of stool and the bowels do not clear properly.
The third reason is iron and calcium medicines, which are essential for the health of both the mother and the baby during pregnancy. Although these supplements are necessary for nutrition, they play an important role in causing constipation, especially if fibre and water intake is low at the same time.
The fourth reason is a lack of physical activity. During pregnancy women experience problems like fatigue, vomiting, and a feeling of heaviness in the body, due to which they prefer to rest more. But sitting or lying down continuously slows the movement of the intestines even further, and the complaint of constipation increases.
The fifth reason is drinking too little water and eating a fibre-free diet. Often, due to nausea or vomiting, women are unable to drink water or start avoiding fresh fruits and vegetables. This habit makes the stool even harder, which causes difficulty in passing it.
So what should you do?
Include fibre-rich foods such as fruits, green vegetables, lentils and whole grains in your diet. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. Take a light walk or, on your doctor's advice, do yoga. If the constipation is severe, take a safe stool softener or an Ayurvedic remedy on your doctor's advice.
Conclusion
Constipation during pregnancy is a common problem, but with the right diet, plenty of water and a little physical activity it can be controlled to a large extent. If this problem persists continuously, or if complications like abdominal pain, piles or bleeding occur, consult a doctor immediately. Remember, the mother's bowels being clear is also very important for the baby's health.
