Constipation during pregnancy: why they are dangerous and how to deal with them
For every woman, pregnancy is a bright and unforgettable event, full of positive moments. However, during the happy period of her life she often has to deal with some troubles. Each person’s body is individual, as are the processes occurring in it, so for some it is considered normal to have bowel movements 2-3 times a day, while others feel comfortable if bowel movements occur once every 2 days.
Of course, constipation occurs in many people, but pregnant women are much more likely to suffer from this cause. The main signs of defecation disorder:. It is not at all necessary that the expectant mother should show all these signs; some of them are quite enough. Many women experience slow and difficult bowel movements during pregnancy.
This phenomenon can happen during pregnancy, both in the early stages and in the third trimester. As practice shows, such a nuisance does not pass without a trace either for the expectant mother or for the unborn baby. Not every woman knows that there are certain anti-constipation foods that need to be included in the diet during pregnancy. Intestinal emptying is promoted by:. In addition, some foods that cause constipation and bloating should be avoided or limited.
This is a food rich in dietary fiber. It is not surprising that women should not take any medications during pregnancy. The same applies to laxatives offered by pharmacies, since they can adversely affect the development of the fetus, the health of the expectant mother and cause miscarriage. Medicine for the treatment of constipation can only be prescribed by a doctor, and then only if there are serious indications. Self-medication in this case is prohibited, because it is unknown how the effect of this or that laxative will be reflected.
Almost without exception, all medical medications for constipation are contraindicated during pregnancy. And this is no coincidence. The composition of most drugs irritates the receptors of the colon, which increases its peristalsis and can cause an increase in the tone of the uterus and its contraction. And subsequently this threatens an unwanted termination of pregnancy through miscarriage.
One of the safest remedies for constipation are glycerin suppositories, which can be prescribed by a doctor. They have a gentle effect on the rectum, without causing concern about increasing the tone of the uterus.
Traditional methods are considered the safest in the fight against constipation. They can be used during pregnancy. To summarize, it should be noted that constipation can be avoided during pregnancy if you follow a number of preventive measures. Mobile version. For pharmacies. Regulax, Zodak. Happy Victory Day! Are the right stories about vaccinations just leading nowhere?
Phosphorus is the carrier of light. Constipation during pregnancy: why they are dangerous and how to deal with them. Symptoms and causes of constipation Each person’s body is individual, as are the processes occurring in it, so for some it is considered normal to have bowel movements 2-3 times a day, while others feel comfortable if bowel movements occur once every 2 days. The main signs of defecation disorders: Decreased frequency of bowel movements.
Reducing the amount of feces. Changes in the condition of stool, the appearance of dryness and hardness. After visiting the toilet, a feeling of incomplete bowel movement. This hormone reduces the tone of the intestinal muscles, as a result of which its peristalsis is disrupted and hypotension occurs.
Another factor that makes defecation difficult in early pregnancy may be a deficiency of beneficial microelements such as iron and calcium. They are necessary for pregnant women, so doctors sometimes specifically prescribe medications containing these substances. Another reason for constipation is an insufficiently active lifestyle. In particular, there are situations when there is a threat of miscarriage and you have to stay in bed. During pregnancy, it is important to follow a special diet and ensure sufficient fluid intake.
In the absence of contraindications, the daily fluid intake is 30 ml per 1 kg of weight. Such experiences can negatively affect the frequency of bowel movements. What are the dangers of constipation? Due to the difficulties associated with intestinal dysfunction, the expectant mother’s body begins to retain harmful substances resulting from the breakdown of food. Finding no way out along with feces, they are absorbed into the blood through the intestinal walls.
Toxic substances that accumulate in the mother's body also negatively affect the development of the fetus. Constipation can often cause a lot of discomfort: heaviness in the stomach, pain and, as a result, unwanted experiences and disorders.
Most pregnant women wonder whether it is possible to push when constipated. The only exceptions are those cases when a woman has to push lightly and rarely, since this will not cause serious problems. While constant constipation is accompanied by tension in the abdominal muscles and threatens the occurrence of hemorrhoids or miscarriage.
Stagnant processes in the intestines are fraught with complications such as proctosigmoiditis, inflammation of the rectum and sigmoid colon, secondary colitis, paraproctitis, inflammation of the peri-rectal tissue, anal fissure. How to improve intestinal function with the help of nutrition Not every woman knows that there are certain foods for constipation that need to be included in the diet during pregnancy. Intestinal emptying is promoted by: Raw vegetables and fruits.
Brown bread and bread containing bran. Dried fruits, especially prunes. Buckwheat, oatmeal, barley cereals. Meat with a lot of connective tissue. If possible, you should exclude from your diet some pureed dishes, semolina and rice porridges, and slimy soups. During pregnancy, it is recommended to exclude cocoa and strong black tea from the menu, as they interfere with bowel movements. The required amount of fluid is at least 1.5-2 liters per day. This volume may include plain water, juices, and fermented milk products.
However, if there are contraindications for heart disease, edema, you should follow the doctor’s recommendations. Getting rid of constipation It is not surprising that women should not take any medications during pregnancy. A decoction of prunes, beets and rolled oats is one of the most effective recipes for problems with stool retention. To prepare it you will need: g washed dried fruits, g rolled oats and g beets. Place the ingredients in a saucepan and add 2 liters of water, then boil over low heat for an hour.
The resulting broth should be filtered, cooled and refrigerated. Take 1 glass before bedtime. To prepare this mixture you will need dried fruits, grams each, rolled through a meat grinder and mixed with 2 tbsp. However, not all folk remedies are safe. Lifestyle during pregnancy To summarize, it should be noted that constipation can be avoided during pregnancy if you follow a number of preventive measures.
The diet should include foods rich in fiber, which improves the digestion process. The daily menu should include liquid dishes.
Foods that contribute to constipation, as well as salty foods, should be excluded from the diet, because they lead to fluid retention in the body and the formation of edema. Drinking regime. There is no need to be afraid of it, water is necessary for normal bowel movements. Prevention of constipation is physical activity, walking in the fresh air. If problems with constipation still cannot be avoided, there is no need to postpone a visit to the doctor.
The specialist will recommend the safest remedy for constipation and explain how to take it. Source: Sofya Milovanova, journalist. About the site.
The effect of constipation on tone: can it lead to miscarriage?
Complications caused by intestinal diseases during pregnancy are dangerous. The intestines are located next to the genitals. Taking into account the fact that in a pregnant woman their contact with the increase in the size and weight of the fetus becomes closer, the well-being of the mother and the normal development of the baby depend on the normal function of the intestinal system.
Let's look at the dangers of constipation during pregnancy:
- possible increase in tone;
- constipation in the later stages, from 36 to 40 weeks of pregnancy, can cause strong straining during the woman’s bowel movements;
- this leads to an increase in pressure in the pelvis, which provokes the release of amniotic fluid ahead of schedule and becomes the impetus for the onset of contractions.
In the early stages of pregnancy, increased tone due to non-emptying of the intestines can cause:
- abnormal child development;
- fetal rejection;
- miscarriage, but this happens infrequently.
The high risk of miscarriage has an indirect connection with stool retention as such. This is a consequence of too long and strong attempts during defecation.
Fiber during pregnancy
For every woman, pregnancy is a bright and unforgettable event, full of positive moments. However, during the happy period of her life she often has to deal with some troubles. Each person’s body is individual, as are the processes occurring in it, so for some it is considered normal to have bowel movements 2-3 times a day, while others feel comfortable if bowel movements occur once every 2 days. Of course, constipation occurs in many people, but pregnant women are much more likely to suffer from this cause. The main signs of defecation disorder:.
Prevention
Here are some important recommendations in this regard:
- Food is taken in equal small portions at least four times a day
- The diet should contain foods high in fiber
- Fresh bread, legumes, mushrooms, fatty, smoked, too salty foods are excluded
- In the morning you need to give preference to protein foods, in the evening on the table – fermented milk products and vegetables
- Compliance with drinking regime. If there are no contraindications, you need to drink at least 2 liters of clean water per day
- If physical activity is not prohibited, daily walks are required. Also, in an “interesting position” you can do yoga, swimming, special gymnastics, and try to strengthen your muscles in every way.
Find out what laxative products there are for constipation in adults on our website.
Constipation and pregnancy
Many women experience gastrointestinal problems during pregnancy. From constipation to hemorrhoids. These problems can be easily solved or minimized by consuming enough fiber. A well-planned diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, peas, legumes, lentils, nuts and seeds will help you meet the recommended 28 grams of fiber. There is a simple explanation for most digestive problems and how to solve them with fiber.
Methods for treating constipation during pregnancy
By its nature, a woman’s body is physiologically prepared for any changes that occur during pregnancy. However, sometimes the mechanisms of this complex system fail, resulting in various types of disorders, such as defecation disorders. Fortunately, there are many simple ways to deal with this problem. An important recommendation from your family doctor: to avoid serious consequences and the development of gastrointestinal diseases, always seek help from a doctor, even with minor symptoms of constipation. Especially when it comes to disruption of regular bowel movements during pregnancy. Long intervals between bowel movements not only cause discomfort, but can also lead to hemorrhoids. This is the first reason why you need to consult a doctor and give recommendations to help avoid the development of hemorrhoids. The second reason: laxatives and enemas should not be used during pregnancy. For expectant mothers who are expecting a baby, only certain medications are allowed to prevent constipation, which can be prescribed by a doctor.
Published in: Issues of gynecology, obstetrics and perinatology, volume 2, N2, Constipation is a disorder of intestinal function, manifested by a delay in bowel movement for more than 2 days with difficulty in defecation.
25th week of pregnancy: vaginal discharge
You've probably noticed that often the cause of thrush can be not only fatigue, stress, but also synthetic underwear. Now only natural knitwear suits you. Healthy discharge confirms that your condition is normal. The slightest signs of candidiasis (thrush) indicate a decrease in your immunity. Sometimes you can improve your condition by adjusting your diet by adding fermented milk products to it. Lactobacilli, which is ideally present in the vagina and creates a healthy balance, is also found in homemade sourdough. Sometimes, to relieve itching and burning due to thrush, you can use milk sourdough topically. This recipe is offered by shiatsu fans. By the way, such acupressure helps complement the treatment that your doctor will prescribe for you. With the help of shiatsu you can relieve pain in the neck and lower back and restore energy. Sometimes during pregnancy, even normal discharge becomes more abundant. It depends on the individual characteristics of the organism. Do you remember that the appearance of blood in the discharge is a serious symptom. Especially if this is accompanied by abdominal pain. It’s better to play it safe and call an ambulance. This may be a symptom of preterm labor. So does watery discharge. Even if the water “leaks slightly,” the doctor should know about this. Sometimes this opens the cervix slightly and increases the risk of infection of the fetus. It is better to undergo treatment under the supervision of a doctor.
Treatment of constipation in pregnant women
The diet for constipation in pregnant women is practically no different from the diet of an ordinary person who has a similar problem. The main difference is that it should be more balanced, saturated with healthy vegetable fats, fully satisfy all the energy needs of the expectant mother’s body and promote the growth and development of the fetus. List of products for pregnant women that improve the functioning of the entire digestive system and help improve bowel function:. As sweets, small quantities of biscuits or oatmeal cookies, marmalade, and honey are allowed. But it is much healthier to replace them with dried fruits, which contain a lot of glucose, which is involved in raising the mood and ensuring effective brain activity, and are able to completely saturate the body with it. Constipation is especially common in the last months of pregnancy, when the uterus and the baby in it are so large that they compress the internal organs of the expectant mother, causing them to even shift slightly.
Diagnostics May 12, The article presents data on the properties of dietary fiber and their use for the prevention and treatment of constipation in pregnant women. It is noted that constipation is a very common pathology during pregnancy and the postpartum period, requiring predominantly non-drug therapy aimed not only at eliminating constipation, but also at improving the general condition and quality of life of the pregnant woman.
In a normal state, bowel movements should be daily and in sufficient volume. Any deviations in this process require attention and adjustments to the diet, lifestyle and even psychological attitude. From a physiological point of view, problems in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract are explained by hormonal changes and the physiological characteristics of the pregnant woman’s body, under the influence of various processes in different phases of pregnancy, the contraction of the smooth muscles of the intestines is weakened, in addition, the enlarged uterus compresses the intestines, etc. Arkhipova, K. Gavrilenko, obstetrician -gynecologist, k. Walk on foot for at least one hour. But the loads should be increased gradually. To begin with, one lesson should be no more than 30 minutes. The step should be slow, the shoes should be comfortable, and it is better to take the route away from highways.
