With pregnancy comes beauty; however, there might be some physical transformations that might lead to discomfort. Among the many concerns these women usually have is constipation. ‘When does constipation start in pregnancy’ is a common query that arises as a result of this.
In most cases for women, this disorder can start happening in the first trimester, owing to hormonal changes that persist all through the period of pregnancy. While it is a natural state, chronic constipation could result in some degree of unease, even leading to certain complications.
One may experience some slowness with digestion in case they are going through digestive discomfort, especially during pregnancy. Understanding the causes of it can help them avoid some things that could result in pregnancy constipation. At Cloudnine, we care about your health and ensure that we avail expert support during such times, thus helping you overcome such hurdles.
The following are possible explanations as to why a pregnant woman may experience difficulties in making a bowel movement due to constipation.
1. Hormonal changes – Increased levels of progesterone cause relaxation in the intestinal muscles, hence slowing down the digestion process
2. Iron supplements – Many of the prenatal vitamins have iron, which makes one’s stool difficult and painful.
3. Reduced physical activity – Typically, expectant mothers don’t move around a lot, resulting in a slower movement of food through the intestines as well.
4. Dietary changes – If you don’t eat enough fibreor drink often, this will only make your situation worse.
5. Pressure from the growing uterus – With the growth of the baby inside the uterus, much pressure is exerted onto the intestines, thus affecting bowel movement.
Since this is a widespread thing, it is crucial that we can tell when it’s important to see a doctor and find out what is safe to take for constipation while pregnant.
Mild constipation is expected during pregnancy, but some symptoms require medical attention. If you have:
● Severe stomach pains
● Bloody stools
● Persistent constipation for more than a week
● No response to medication
● Difficult or painful bowel movement or straining during bowel movement
Cloudnine’s healthcare providers are knowledgeable in all aspects related to prenatal care, including how to manage bowel problems, so do not hesitate to contact them.
Fibre-rich diets promote healthy digestion and should be included in meals. Apart from these diets, Cloudnine dietitians design personalised diets rich in fiber.
Water is essential because it softens stools, making bowel movements easier for an individual. It is recommended to consume between 8 to12 cups every day, but if you do not like drinking water alone, consider drinking fresh fruit juices or coconut water, which also help keep you hydrated. If drinking enough seems hard, you need specific advice from medical professionals.
Engaging in light exercises will help digest food faster, thus preventing constipation, which can sometimes be uncomfortable.
Cloudnine offers special exercises for pregnant women, which help develop better digestive health and safer ways of caring for both the mother and the baby.
So, what is safe to take for constipation while pregnant? It’s tempting to use OTC laxatives as quick fixes when dealing with temporary blockages. However, many of these drugs are contraindicated for pregnant women, so they should be careful while taking them.
Cloudnine recommends the following;
1. Psyllium husk – A natural fiber supplement that acts as a stool softener
2. Mild stool softeners – Only if prescribed by a doctor
3. Magnesium supplements – If advised by a healthcare provider, it may ease bowel movements
It is important to consult a doctor before you use any medication or supplements.
Having a consistent pooping pattern helps in managing constipation. Here are a few tips on eating habits that you should follow:
● Do not eat whenever you feel hungry, follow an eating routine
● Start eating at fixed intervals every day
● Excessive caffeine consumption should be avoided during dehydration
Doctors at Cloudnine are experts in creating schedules for patients that promote their general well-being as well as digestion.
It is possible to manage constipation, but it is essential to know when it becomes an absolute necessity to manage the condition during pregnancy. If pain persists, contact Cloudnine's team of experts for help dealing with it — through lifestyle change, suggested by Cloudnine’s experts.
With the help of top-notch prenatal services, dietary advice from an expert, and safe medications during gestation from the qualified doctors at Cloudnine, you can have a happy pregnancy journey.
For personalised pregnancy care, schedule an appointment with Cloudnine today and enjoy customised maternal health services.
Constipation is common in pregnancy. Stool softeners moisten the stool and make it easier to pass. Moreover, these medications are unlikely to harm a developing baby and are considered safe for pregnant women.
To relieve constipation during pregnancy, eat 25 to 30 grams of fiber-rich foods daily as they are easy to digest and improve bowel movement. Moreover, one should drink 8 to 12 cups of water each day.
To relieve constipation ASAP, try drinking warm liquids like herbal tea or water, which can stimulate bowel movements. Gentle abdominal massage or light exercise like walking may also help.
Milk can worsen constipation for some people, so it's best to avoid it completely if you're constipated. However, some fermented dairy products, like yogurt and kefir, can help with constipation.
