Oh, the joys of pregnancy! The glowing skin, the little flutters… and then, sometimes, the not-so-joyful experience of pregnancy constipation. I’ve had so many expecting moms sit in my office, sighing, and say, “Doc, I just can’t go.” It’s one of those things that can really put a damper on an otherwise exciting time. You’re not alone in this, and it’s certainly nothing to be embarrassed about.
So, what exactly is constipation? Simply put, it means you’re having a tough time passing stools, or having a bowel movement. This happens when waste (the food your body doesn’t need) gets a bit too comfortable and hardens in your lower digestive tract, your bowel, instead of making a smooth exit. Most of us have been there at some point, but it’s especially common when you’re expecting. Those amazing hormones doing all the important work for your pregnancy can, unfortunately, also make constipation more likely.
You might start noticing this particular discomfort fairly early on, sometimes as soon as the second or third month of your first trimester. That’s when those hormone levels really ramp up.
And just how common is it? Well, quite a few women – somewhere between 16% and 39% – will deal with pregnancy constipation during their journey. It tends to be most noticeable in the third trimester. Makes sense, right? Your baby is at their heaviest then, putting more pressure on your bowel. But honestly, it can pop up in any trimester, and sometimes it even sticks around for a bit, up to three months after your little one arrives.
So, Why Does Pregnancy Constipation Happen?
It’s usually a mix of things – those hormonal shifts we talked about and sometimes our daily habits. Let’s break it down:
- Progesterone Power (and Problem): Your body produces more of a hormone called progesterone during pregnancy. It’s fantastic for supporting your baby, but it also tells your intestines to relax. When they’re too relaxed, they don’t work as hard to push waste through. This slowdown gives your body extra time to absorb nutrients and water from your food. The longer food sits in your bowel, the more water your large intestine (your colon) pulls from it. And what do you get? Waste that’s dry, hard, and a real struggle to pass.
- Your Growing Baby: As your little one grows, your uterus gets heavier. This added weight can press down on your bowel, making it trickier for waste to move along.
- Prenatal Vitamins (Hello, Iron!): The iron in your prenatal vitamins is super important. It helps your body make the blood needed to carry oxygen to you and your baby. But, sometimes, too much iron can make it harder for the good bacteria in your bowel to break down food. If you’re not drinking enough water to help soften things up, that waste can build up, leading to constipation.
- Lifestyle Factors: What you eat, how much you drink, and how active you are all play a big role. I often find that many pregnant women aren’t quite getting enough fiber, drinking enough water, or moving enough to keep their digestive system chugging along smoothly.
What Does Pregnancy Constipation Feel Like?
You know that satisfying feeling after a good bowel movement? Yeah, constipation is the opposite. You might be constipated if:
- You’re only managing to go a few times a week.
- You find yourself straining, and your belly feels bloated and gassy.
- When you do go, your stools are lumpy, hard, and just plain difficult to pass. It can even be painful.
Sometimes, this struggle can lead to or worsen hemorrhoids (swollen veins in your rectum) or anal fissures (tiny tears in the skin around your anus). These are also pretty common during pregnancy, unfortunately.
And a quick note: while pregnancy constipation is common during pregnancy, being constipated itself isn’t a sign that you are pregnant. A pregnancy test is your best bet for that!
How Do We Figure This Out?
When you come in, we’ll just have a chat. I’ll likely ask you about how often you’re having bowel movements and what your stools are like. It’s not the most glamorous conversation, I know! But it helps. I might also ask about:
- Your typical diet and how much fluid you’re drinking.
- Your exercise routine or general physical activity levels.
- Any medications or supplements you’re taking.
This helps us pinpoint what might be causing the constipation or making it worse.
Finding Relief: What Can You Do?
You can’t exactly turn off those pregnancy hormones, but there are definitely things you can do to get things moving more comfortably.
- Fiber is Your Friend: I know, I know, “eat more fiber” sounds like such basic advice. But trust me on this one, it really works! Aim for about 25 to 30 grams of fiber-rich foods each day. Fiber helps soften your stools, making them easier to pass. Think fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, peas, and lentils. It might be helpful to actually track your intake for a few days; you might be surprised.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: You’ve probably heard the “eight glasses of water a day” rule. When you’re pregnant, consider that the minimum. You need more fluids than usual to support your pregnancy and, importantly here, to keep your stools soft. Water is fantastic, but if you struggle with plain water, try low-fat milk, smoothies, tea, or juices without added sugar.
- Get Moving: It’s natural to slow down a bit during pregnancy. You’re carrying extra weight, and things can feel a bit strained. But too much sitting isn’t great for a backed-up bowel. Aim for about 20 to 30 minutes of moderate exercise, maybe three times a week. Chat with your healthcare provider about what’s safe for you – walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, or light aerobics can all help wake up those bowel muscles.
- Chat About Your Prenatal Vitamin: Sometimes, the amount of iron in your prenatal vitamin can be a bit much for your system. We can discuss whether a different vitamin with less iron might be a good idea for you.
What About Medications?
If lifestyle changes just aren’t cutting it, don’t suffer in silence! We might discuss a gentle laxative or a fiber supplement. But, and this is really important, always check with your doctor or midwife before taking any over-the-counter remedies, including laxatives or supplements. Not all of them are considered safe or have been properly tested for use during pregnancy. Please avoid home remedies like castor oil or mineral oil unless specifically recommended by your healthcare provider.
Some laxatives can have side effects, like causing dehydration or messing with your electrolytes. That’s why it’s so crucial to make sure you’re on the right one, for the right amount of time. We’ll figure that out together.
What to Expect Down the Road
The good news? Once your baby arrives and your hormone levels start to return to their pre-pregnancy state, your bowel movements will most likely get back to normal. Phew!
Can I Prevent This?
You can definitely reduce your risk of pregnancy constipation by doing the same things we talked about for managing it:
- Keep an eye on your fiber intake.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Schedule in some gentle exercise that feels good for you.
When Should You Call Your Doctor?
If you’ve been struggling with constipation for more than a couple of weeks, please give us a call. There’s no need to dread trips to the bathroom when we can help you find some relief. And remember, always get the green light from your provider before taking any medication during pregnancy, even if it’s just a fiber supplement or a laxative.
Can Constipation Hurt My Baby?
This is a common worry I hear. All that pressure and discomfort in your belly might make you anxious about your baby. But please, try not to stress. While pregnancy constipation is certainly unpleasant for you, it won’t harm your baby.
Take-Home Message: Your Quick Guide to Pregnancy Constipation
- Pregnancy constipation is common, often starting in the first trimester due to hormonal changes like increased progesterone.
- Causes include slower digestion from hormones, pressure from the growing uterus, iron in prenatal vitamins, and lifestyle factors (low fiber/fluids, less exercise).
- Symptoms are infrequent, hard, lumpy stools, straining, and bloating.
- Relief often comes from increasing fiber (25-30g/day), drinking more water (8-12 cups/day), and regular, gentle exercise.
- Always talk to your doctor before taking any laxatives or fiber supplements during pregnancy.
- Constipation during pregnancy, while uncomfortable, will not harm your baby.
You’re doing an amazing job growing a whole human! Dealing with things like constipation is just one of the less glamorous, but very real, parts of the journey. We’re here to help you navigate it.
