Most expectant mothers are worried about constipation in the third trimester of pregnancy. Many consider delicate late-term issues to be the norm, but this is not the case. Constipation can be prevented, and if it develops, it must be treated, because neglected bowel disorders can negatively affect the body of both the expectant mother and the child.

Constipation in late pregnancy is common. During pregnancy, constipation causes problems in 60% of women. Difficulty in bowel function is caused by hormonal changes in a woman's body, low physical activity and a change in diet.

The closer the date of birth, the more factors that affect the work of the gastrointestinal tract and contribute to the development of constipation. Mainly the hormone progesterone, which is designed to reduce the tone of the uterus, affects the work of the intestines. Increased progesterone affects nearby organs, in particular the large intestine, reduces peristalsis, leading to.

There are several other factors that can upset the digestive system of a pregnant woman:

• As it grows, the uterus begins to press on the intestines and even displaces it. The pressure of the uterus physically blocks the movement of feces.
• The natural decrease in physical activity by the 9th month has a strong effect on the tone of the intestinal muscles.
• Stress, depression, fear, panic and anxiety often accompany a woman as she approaches the due date. Disorders of the nervous system disrupt its connection with many organs, including the intestines.
• The lowered head of the child at 39-40 weeks presses on the large intestine, creating constipation.
• Due to increased swelling, many moms reduce their fluid intake. The low level of fluid in the intestines provokes a thickening of the stool, making it difficult for it to move.
• Calcium and iron are consumed by the body in very large quantities during pregnancy. To replenish these elements, doctors prescribe special drugs. Some substances in the composition of these drugs and the remains of undissolved iron can cause constipation.

Position of the baby in the womb in late pregnancy

If problems with bowel movement were observed throughout the entire period of gestation, the risk of complications in the last stages increases significantly. In such a situation, you should pay special attention to a delicate problem and prepare in advance for possible difficulties with a chair in the fortieth week.

How to identify constipation in a pregnant woman

The absence of stool for one or two days does not always mean the development of constipation, because the regularity of emptying depends on the physiological characteristics of each person. The occurrence of constipation can be asserted by the following signs:

• Pain in the lower abdomen.
• Violent attempts to defecate.
• Dry, hard stools coming out in small portions.
• Lack of feeling of lightness after a bowel movement.

Why constipation shouldn't be triggered

In late pregnancy, special attention should be paid to bowel problems. Constipation during this period can cause unpleasant complications and even affect the baby's health.

Chronic constipation in pregnant women often causes intoxication. The feces, being in the intestines for a long time, begin to decompose and release dangerous toxins. Being absorbed into the blood, they are carried throughout the body, including the fetus.

Violation of microflora causes inflammation of the vaginal mucosa - colpitis (vaginitis). This unpleasant disease can provoke rupture of the membranes. Doctors call vaginitis the cause of postpartum complications.

Strong attempts during bowel movements at 39-40 weeks of gestation can provoke premature birth. This is especially dangerous in women with increased uterine tone.

If a malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract is detected at a later date, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. The specialist will determine the nature of the problem and prescribe the appropriate medication to correct the problem. Constipation should not be allowed to take its course because intestinal obstruction negatively affects labor.

Prevention and treatment

Changing your diet and drinking regime is the safest and most effective way to combat constipation.

Although constipation is considered a common problem during pregnancy, it must be combated. Taking preventive action can help you avoid embarrassing illness that can backfire.

Change in nutrition

The fetus is already sufficiently developed, and does not need such a large amount of vitamins and nutrients as at the beginning of pregnancy. Therefore, in the period of approaching childbirth, you can prescribe a light diet. This will not affect the development of the baby, but it will help to improve digestion. At the deadline, it is better not to use fermented milk products - kefirs, yoghurts.

Drink plenty of fluids

A low amount of water in the body primarily affects the intestinal function. If there are no contraindications, drink at least one and a half liters of water per day. Start your morning with a glass of warm water, this will help to activate the bowels.

Physical activity

Try to move more, even at a later date. The mom-to-be will benefit from daily walks in the fresh air or yoga for pregnant women. Such activities will not only have a positive effect on the work of the intestines, but also improve mood.

Fresh air has a beneficial effect on the general condition.

Diet and an active lifestyle are the main tools for preventing and eliminating constipation. But if they have not brought the desired results, you can resort to medicines or even folk remedies. Only this should be done with extreme caution, many laxatives can cause an increase in the tone of the uterus. Doctors all over the world recognize the safest remedy for constipation, but they should not be abused either.

Dos and Don'ts for Late Pregnancy Constipation

Special care must be taken in the last weeks. Any medicines can be used only after consulting a doctor. Many laxatives can cause an increase in uterine tone.

Enemas at a later date are highly undesirable. Water entering the intestines will expand it and increase the pressure on the uterus. This will tone up and provoke uterine contractions. The only exception is microclysters approved for pregnant women.

You should not try to empty your bowels by pushing hard. So you can provoke premature birth or miscarriage.

Prevention of constipation will relieve the unpleasant consequences of this disease at any stage of pregnancy. The normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract affects the general well-being and the process of childbirth. And the absence of constipation will free you from the need to take laxatives that affect the organisms of the mother and fetus.

Constipation in early pregnancy is so common that some women consider it an essential part of the gestation period. About fifty percent of pregnant women suffer from stool retention. Despite the prevalence of this phenomenon, it is wrong to consider constipation as the norm.

Each person has their own rate of bowel movement. Someone visits the restroom several times a day, and someone every other day. For pregnant women, one emptying per day is considered the norm. The causes of constipation can be very different and a woman should be aware of them. Why is this problem dangerous, how to deal with it without using synthetic drugs? We will talk about this and much more in this article.

Causes

Before taking laxatives, you need to understand why this problem has arisen. Moreover, many drugs are contraindicated in the 1st trimester - the period when vital organs and systems are being laid. In many cases, drugs can be dispensed with. Changing the lifestyle, in particular, the diet, will help correct the situation.

Constipation during early pregnancy can be the result of such factors:

• hormonal changes. Progesterone, the hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy, relaxes the intestines and weaken its functional activity. This leads to the fact that the food lump slowly moves along the digestive tract;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• taking medicines with iron and calcium, as well as diuretics, sedatives and antispasmodics;
• exacerbation of hemorrhoids or anal fissures;
• dilation of blood vessels;
• congenital bowel pathologies;
• a fearful attitude towards straining of a psychological nature;
• improper diet (abuse of sweets), low fluid intake;
• worries and worries.

Attention! Scientists have proven similarities in the innervation of the intestines and uterus. These organs elicit a reaction from each other. This means that if the intestines are too active, then this is fraught with the development of uterine hypertonicity and termination of pregnancy.

The hormone progesterone slows down the locomotion of the intestines

Signs

What are constipation types? Experts identify two main forms of this problem - atonic and spastic. First, let's talk about the first type of stool retention. It is associated with decreased intestinal muscle tone. Most often, intestinal atony develops against the background of hormonal changes and inaccuracies in nutrition. A violation manifests itself in the form of such symptoms:

• aching and pulling pains in the lower abdomen;
• a feeling of fullness in the intestines;
• bloating;
• flatulence;
• lethargy, depression, apathy;
• nausea;
• dense feces, in which you can find impurities of mucus and blood streaks.

With spastic constipation, the tone is not reduced, but due to the constriction of the intestine, peristalsis is weakened. Most often, this type of disorder is associated with psychological reasons. Spastic constipation manifests itself in the form of the following symptoms:

• attacks of pain on the left side of the abdomen with irradiation into the groin area;
• deterioration in appetite;
• increased gas formation;
• nausea;
• tiredness, nervousness;
• incomplete bowel movement;
• defecation in the form of fragmented dense lumps.

Constipation in the first trimester of pregnancy is often accompanied by bouts of pain.

Why is constipation dangerous?

The risks associated with intestinal problems in pregnant women cannot be underestimated. Intestinal health is directly related to fetal development. Let's highlight the main dangers associated with stool retention during gestation:

• constipation is a common cause of dysbiosis. Violation of the microflora is fraught with the fact that pathogens will begin to penetrate the reproductive system, causing inflammatory reactions;
• the food bolus is a breeding ground for actively developing microorganisms. Congestion can cause inflammation of the sigmoid colon and appendix;
• hard feces are fraught with the development of proctitis and anal fissures;
• chronic constipation can cause colpitis, and this threatens the occurrence of blood poisoning after childbirth and endometritis;
• if, against the background of stool retention, the mother nevertheless developed dysbiosis, during the passage through the birth canal, the baby will receive pathogenic microflora from the first days of life, which will cause him to be bothered by colic;
• slowing down the motor activity of the intestines leads to the development of putrefactive processes. As a result, toxic substances begin to be absorbed into the circulatory system, poisoning the entire body. Intoxication affects both the woman's body and the development of the fetus;
• discomfort and pain in the abdomen affect the emotional state of a woman. Experiences about this aggravate the general condition and affect the development of the baby;
• poor bowel movement causes bloating, increased gas production. In the early stages, this can lead to miscarriage, and in the later stages - to premature birth. Read more about the causes and treatment of late constipation;
• the occurrence of hemorrhoids;
• in the early stages, you can not take many synthetic drugs and even traditional medicine. So, if a woman uses senna in the treatment of constipation, it can lead to malformations in the baby.

Diarrhea can cause dysbiosis

What to do?

The question of treating constipation during pregnancy requires a competent approach. On the one hand, the disease cannot be ignored, on the other hand, many medications are prohibited during this period. Even traditional medicine should be used with great care!

Let's talk about the effective methods used for stool retention, and find out if they can be used by pregnant women:

• enemas. This is a common remedy for constipation and should not be used during the period of gestation. Explosive bowel movements can cause uterine contraction and miscarriage;
• castor and liquid paraffin. Unlike enemas, these laxatives have a mild effect, but due to their high fat content, they are not recommended for pregnant women;
• buckthorn bark, rhubarb, senna cause intestinal cramps. Active peristalsis and painful sensations can cause termination of pregnancy.

Drug therapy

To completely get rid of problems with bowel emptying, complex measures are needed, including dietary nutrition, increased physical activity, the fight against dysbiosis, as well as the therapy of concomitant pathologies. But in the case of pregnant women, there are some nuances.

For example, with a weak cervix, physical activity can be harmful. Also, the withdrawal of iron preparations can cause anemia. That is why the treatment of constipation in the early stages of pregnancy is more symptomatic with a mild elimination of symptoms.

Doing enemas while carrying a child is prohibited due to the risk of termination of pregnancy.

Let's talk about safe remedies that can be used by pregnant women:

• lactulose-based preparations, for example, Duphalac. The syrup is approved for long-term use. Duphalac contains a prebiotic, a substance that stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria. The agent softens the stool, increases its volume and helps to provide a mild laxative effect. Duphalac helps to normalize the intestinal microflora. The syrup is approved for use by pregnant women with chronic constipation;
• ... The drug is approved for use even in the treatment of infants. The agent mildly irritates the rectum and softens the act of defecation. The active ingredient is not absorbed into the circulatory system and does not affect the tone of the uterus;
• Microlax is a drug that is used in the form of microclysters. After about ten minutes, the urge to defecate arises.

Diet food

Eating well is essential to treating constipation. All efforts can be wasted if you do not follow the dietary advice of the experts. Consider a list of foods that will help improve bowel motility:

• bran bread;
• dairy products;
• carrots, beets, zucchini, cucumbers, pumpkin;
• porridge: buckwheat, oatmeal, millet;
• dried fruits;
• apples, apricots;
• light soups;
• fruit juices.

The following foods are capable of causing difficulty in the digestion process:

• semolina, peeled rice;
• smoked meats;
• baking;
• sweets;
• jelly;
• strong tea and coffee.

Fermented milk products will help to quickly cope with constipation during pregnancy

Folk recipes

Herbal medicine recipes are used with great care during pregnancy. First, let's highlight the list of prohibited medicinal plants:

• aloe;
• senna and rhubarb leaves;
• sagebrush;
• yarrow;
• nettle;
• buckthorn bark;
• flax seeds;
• Castor oil;
• fruits of the joster.

All of the aforementioned herbs stimulate intestinal motor activity and affect the smooth muscle of the uterus. This process can lead to premature contractions of the genital organ. Now let's talk about allowed plants that have antispasmodic, analgesic and laxative effects:

• ginger;
• motherwort;
• plantain;
• currant and blueberry leaves;
• rosehip berries;
• mint;
• Linden blossom;
• Dill.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, even taking decoctions of medicinal herbs should be agreed with a doctor. As mentioned above, constipation is atonic and spastic. Treatment for each form may vary slightly. To begin with, consider useful recipes for traditional medicine for intestinal atony:

• combine the fruits of the anise, cumin and fennel. Pour a tablespoon of dry raw materials with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for one hour. The tool should be filtered, after which it is consumed in 100 ml each half an hour before a meal;
• for this recipe you will need rowan berries, fennel fruits, blackberry leaves and nettle herb. Dry ingredients are poured with boiling water. After an hour and a half, the agent is filtered. It should be taken three times a day for a third of a glass;
• after waking up, drink freshly squeezed carrot juice;
• Pour a tablespoon of wheat bran with two glasses of hot milk. The product should be infused for forty minutes. The filtered infusion is drunk in the morning.

Spasmodic constipation can be relieved with potato juice diluted in equal proportions with water. You need to drink it three times a day before meals, a quarter of a glass. You can also make a simple fig-based remedy.

Fruits should be poured with hot milk and infused until the liquid cools down. It should be taken in a tablespoon three times a day. Also, the populists advise to dissolve a small amount of honey in a glass of warm milk. The liquid should be consumed before going to bed for a third of a glass.

Carrot juice will help to cope with intestinal atony

The bowel movement can be improved by drinking a glass of cool water on an empty stomach upon waking and twenty minutes before breakfast. You can add a few drops of lemon juice and some honey. You can also add dried apples to hot tea, this will also help to provide a laxative effect. Prunes also improve bowel movements. It can be used in combination with other products, as well as separately raw, soaked or boiled.

Another effective way to normalize bowel function is beet broth. To prepare it, you will need to take one hundred grams of beets, prunes and oatmeal. Beets should be peeled and grated on a fine grater. Prunes must be washed under running water.

All ingredients are placed in a container and filled with two liters of water. The liquid is boiled for an hour. The filtered product is stored in the refrigerator. Drinking beet broth should be one glass at a time before going to bed. Narodniks also recommend preparing a honey mix. You will need to take prunes, dried apricots and raisins.

All dried fruits should be washed, dried and passed through a meat grinder. Bee nectar is added there and mixed. It is necessary to take such a remedy in two teaspoons before bedtime, it is allowed to drink it with water. At the same time, the honey mix normalizes the intestines and saturates the body of a pregnant woman with vitamins. If you are prone to allergies, the use of this recipe is prohibited.

Even pregnant women can drink a glass of fresh low-fat kefir with a tablespoon of olive oil before going to bed. It is extremely important that the fermented milk product is fresh, as otherwise it will have a bonding effect. It will also be useful to make natural candies from figs and prunes with the addition of a pinch of coriander. Dried fruits should be crushed and made into balls.

The candy can be kept in the refrigerator. For good bowel function, it is enough to consume two a day.

Prophylaxis

Constipation is easier to prevent than cure. Experts have developed recommendations that will help in this case:

• frequent meals in small portions;
• eating foods containing fiber: bran bread, raw vegetables, oatmeal, muesli;
• the diet should be balanced in terms of the amount of vitamins and minerals;
• the menu should include fermented milk products, dried fruits, unsweetened fruits, vegetable oils;
• it is important to exclude from the diet foods that have gas-forming and binding properties: white bread, fresh baked goods, strong coffee and tea, legumes, cabbage, fatty and fried;
• priority should be given to dishes of liquid and semi-liquid consistency;
• sufficient consumption of natural water;
• outdoor walks, moderate physical activity.

So, constipation in the early stages of pregnancy is a common occurrence that can and should be combated. The healing process largely depends on the cause that caused its appearance. In some cases, it is sufficient to simply change the diet. Great care should be taken when taking medicines and folk recipes.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, many of them are prohibited. It is better to consult your doctor regarding the safety of this or that remedy. Treating constipation is a comprehensive measure that includes lifestyle changes. Proper nutrition, adequate fluid intake, and moderate physical activity can all help prevent the development of chronic constipation.

Two-thirds of expectant mothers and every third of women who have given birth complain of constipation during pregnancy. At the same time, most of them prefer to cope with unpleasant symptoms themselves, finding them common for their condition. However, such a frivolous attitude towards the disease can be unsafe for both the mother and her unborn child. Timely initiated and correctly conducted therapy is very important for improving a woman's well-being. Let us find out what triggered constipation during pregnancy, what threats it carries for the mother and child, and how to solve the problem of eliminating it without negative consequences.

Constipation is a disorder of the functions of the intestinal tract, which is expressed:

1. in the long intervals between the processes of defecation, if we compare these periods before pregnancy;
2. in difficulties arising during emptying (even if the usual stool frequency remains);
3. in periodically repeated sensations of incomplete emptying of the intestines.

During such a complication, the volume of feces excreted from the intestines decreases, and its density also changes (it hardens, its structure resembles a stone). Often, with constipation, you have to push, experience pain and discomfort in the abdomen.

What is constipation associated with in pregnant women

Constipation during pregnancy is associated with prolapse of the uterus, a change in the location (displacement) of the intestine. Among the circumstances that cause constipation during pregnancy, of a psychological nature, is the fear of harming the child with prolonged complicated bowel movements. In addition, poor eating habits and unhealthy foods also lead to this problem. Constipation in pregnant women is divided into two types: alimentary and mechanical.

Conditions for the occurrence of alimentary constipation can be:

• sudden intra-intestinal decrease in the amount of water;
• reducing the amount of food and fluid in the body;
• the foods that prevail on the menu do not contain enough fiber.

The reasons for the occurrence of mechanical constipation can be:

1. Mechanical constipation occurs due to a violation or cessation of the movement of feces in the small or large intestine.
2. Often, the structure of feces and its passage are influenced by all kinds of diseases (renal failure, diabetes mellitus, hemorrhoids) and the intake of certain medications.

Causes of constipation at various stages of pregnancy

Constipation in pregnant women is triggered by many factors. This is a restructuring of the general hormonal background, an increase in the size of the uterus and a functional shift of the intestine due to fetal pressure. Often the reason for stool retention is a purely psychological reason, when a woman in an interesting position fears strong tension during bowel movements, so as not to harm her child. In addition, anxiety about the possible appearance of hemorrhoids interferes with normal emptying.

Constipation during early pregnancy is triggered by the following reasons:

• consequences of systemic diseases;
• a decrease in gastric secretion and a decrease in its evacuation capacity;
• increased production of progesterone by the body, which reduces the intensity of intestinal motility.

Constipation during pregnancy in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters occurs for a number of such reasons:

1. Transformations occurring at the hormonal level and increased production of progesterone by the body, which helps to reduce the muscle tone of the intestinal tract, which causes its hypotension.
2. Lack of the tough fiber found in vegetables, fruits and grains in the daily menu. This can also include changes in taste preferences, in which, for example, herbs or other necessary food products seem to a lady in a position tasteless or generally unpleasant in taste.
3. Insufficient water intake due to fear of possible swelling of the legs.
4. Emotional stress, which almost all women experience during pregnancy, it contributes to a decrease in the motility of the intestinal tract. Fear of the upcoming childbirth and changes at the psychoemotional level are a prerequisite for the occurrence of constipation of neurogenic etiology.
5. Lack of physical activity, especially in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, and with the threat of miscarriage, sometimes a woman has to comply with forced bed rest - leading to intestinal atony.
6. Taking some vitamins and minerals, which are sometimes recommended for pregnant women, is quite capable of provoking a decrease in colon motility.
7. A significant increase in the size of the uterus at a later date and a change in the location of any intestinal loop can dull the sensation of the urge to defecate.
8. Strengthening the manifestations of chronic gastrointestinal diseases, if they were observed before pregnancy.

In the human body, special compounds are formed that activate intestinal peristalsis. And when pregnancy occurs, in the intestinal tract, the ability to produce such a substance is significantly reduced, which becomes one of the causes of constipation. Since the uterus and intestines have a single innervation, as a result of which almost every excessive stimulation of intestinal motility can give an impetus to the contractile activity of the uterus, which can provoke the risk of termination of pregnancy. But, unfortunately, this reflex is capable of creating a significant problem - such a violation in the activity of the intestines, like constipation during pregnancy. The main thing is that there is no therapy for such constipation, since it is purely physiological in nature.

The main signs of constipation during pregnancy

• inability to empty properly for more than 3 days;
• reduction in the number of bowel movements;
• painful sensations in the abdomen;
• irritation in the anus;
• burning sensation in the rectum;
• feces are steep and almost stone;
• blood impurities in the feces;
• a very small proportion of feces excreted from the body;
• the intestines are not completely emptied;
• a feeling of bitterness in the mouth and nausea;
• rumbling in the stomach and flatulence.

How to treat constipation during pregnancy

The side effects of almost all medications, their ability to penetrate the placental barrier, discomfort in well-being are the reasons that prevent the use of most traditional methods of healing. Let's take a look at some of the more harmless options for treating constipation, both with traditional medicine and with home remedies.

What can pregnant women get from constipation: medications

The effects on the body of almost all means that facilitate defecation are to improve intestinal motility. Treatment of constipation during pregnancy with laxatives is used if dietary and lifestyle adjustments have not yielded the desired effect. Taking into account that most of the pharmaceuticals are characterized by serious side effects, it is exclusively the doctor who must prescribe them for the expectant mother, and only after correlating the benefits from their use and the likely danger to the unborn child.

Constipation in pregnant women can be treated with the following medications:

1. Rectal suppositories with glycerin - stimulate the rectum and do not affect uterine hypertonicity.
2. Duphalac, Prelax - contain substances based on lactulose, retain water in the intestinal tract, which facilitates softening of feces, activates motility and evacuation function of the intestines.
3. Microclysters (Mikrolax) - the drug is characterized by a quick onset of the result.
4. Vaseline oil - assists in softening the contents of the intestines and easy excretion.

Folk remedies for constipation during pregnancy

Undoubtedly, before using any of the home remedies in the fight against an ailment, you need to consult with your doctor, since it is not known how the body of a pregnant woman will respond to any drug.

The most famous methods of dealing with constipation that will not harm the expectant mother:

• Dilute freshly squeezed potato juice with water (1: 1), drink it three times a day, 1/4 cup before meals.
• Squeeze juice from 1 kg of red mountain ash, add 600 g of sugar to it, stir. Drink twice a day for a quarter of a glass. Store the juice in a cool place.
• Boil 1 teaspoon of flaxseed with boiling water (200 ml). Insist for several hours, drink at night, without first filtering out the seeds.

Should I see a doctor

Constipation during pregnancy is not something to be taken lightly. Harmful substances formed during constipation in the large intestine can cause severe harm to the baby and the well-being of a pregnant woman. The frequent consequences of constipation can, in turn, provoke uterine hypertonicity, which can lead to miscarriage.

Constipation in pregnant women can lead to abnormalities of the intestinal microflora, and contribute to the increased growth of bacteria. As a result of prolonged constipation, pathogenic bacteria freely enter the urinary system from the intestines. After a while, they will be able to infect the genitals, and also become the root cause of colpitis.

In addition, constipation during pregnancy in the first trimester exacerbates the risk of septic complications in the future. For example, the possibility of postnatal endometritis or hemorrhoids during pregnancy increases, the threat of premature birth is exacerbated.

In today's article we will consider, probably, one of the most unpleasant problems: severe constipation during pregnancy, what should we do.

The beginning of pregnancy is euphoria, joy and ... sometimes quite unpleasant ailments. Such an ailment is also strong constipation, which women hate. Constipation is a very common symptom during pregnancy, affecting more than 50% of expectant mothers.

They are caused by pregnancy hormones that slow down the digestive process and weaken intestinal function and the ever-growing uterus, which puts pressure on the digestive system.

Fortunately, movement plus a few dietary solutions is the best recipe for constipation. Thanks to them, you can effectively get rid of them.

Causes of constipation during pregnancy

Constipation is the result of elevated levels of progesterone, which relaxes the intestinal tract and slows down the passage of stomach contents through the digestive system.

An additional burden is the constantly growing uterus during pregnancy, which puts pressure on the intestines. If you also have anemia and need to take iron supplements, constipation problems can worsen significantly.

Therefore, in order to avoid the consequences of constipation, which in turn can lead to hemorrhoids, you should try to overcome them as soon as they arise.

What affects the occurrence of constipation

Unfortunately, a pregnant woman's diet is not complete without small weaknesses, especially when it comes to the increased intake of substances such as chocolate, white rice and bread.

In addition, constipation during pregnancy and its formation is influenced by the less active lifestyle of the expectant mother. The process of slowing down digestion also has a profound effect.

What you eat stays in the intestines longer, so more nutrients are absorbed by the body. However, the sooner you start thinking about preventing constipation, the better for you and your well-being.

How to get rid of severe constipation during pregnancy?

Eat foods that contain fiber:

• bran (up to a spoon per day),
• whole wheat bread,
• cereals,
• apples,
• kiwi,
• beet,
• broccoli,
• legumes.

Drink vegetable and fruit juices, boiled water with lemon or honey on an empty stomach. Herbal or fruit tea. Eat raw vegetables and fruits, dried fruits - plums, raisins, apricots, figs, cranberries. You can also use drinking yoghurts, kefir.

Drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day - excluding coffee or tea. Outdoor activities - a 20 minute walk or half an hour in the pool should help.

What should i avoid for constipation?

Avoid highly processed foods and laxatives - sudden, strong bowel movements caused by a laxative can cause uterine contractions that lead to premature birth.

For the same reason, you should not use enemas during pregnancy.

Severe constipation in late pregnancy

How to deal with severe constipation in the late stages? Food should be eaten often, it should not be very high in calories, contain a large amount of fruit and vegetable juices.

If all types of home remedies for constipation, such as diet and exercise, do not help, see your doctor. You don't have to treat yourself because even herbal medicines during pregnancy can backfire.

Mild osmotic and edematous laxatives are used only in late pregnancy.

Constipation during pregnancy

The problem of constipation during pregnancy occurs when bowel movements are infrequent (less than three times a week) and difficult: stools are thick or hard, difficult to clear, unpleasant and often painful.

Although the main cause of constipation during pregnancy is high progesterone levels and pressure from the uterus on the intestines, unhealthy diet also contributes to this. And if you have problems with stool during pregnancy, your first focus will be on changing your diet.

What to eat to relieve constipation

There are several general principles to be followed, as well as a few specific products with proven endpoints, all of which are effective.

In addition, sometimes it is worth using pharmacy products, but not all of them are safe and are recommended during pregnancy - so read carefully which ones you can use now.

In order for your fight against constipation to be effective, it is worth using several methods at the same time. If you are consistent in these steps, you will definitely get results.

Here are ways for easier, more frequent bowel movements.

Fiber in the daily diet

You should enrich your daily menu with foods that are a source of fiber, it is called the "broom of the digestive tract" because it effectively removes food debris from it.

The fiber, passing through the intestines, absorbs water, thereby relaxing the stool and making it easier to defecate.

Substitute buckwheat and whole grain noodles for potatoes, and eat brown or wild rice instead of white rice. Vegetables and fruits (raw or dried) are also high in fiber.

Richest Sources of Fiber:

• artichokes,
• green salad,
• sauerkraut,
• beet,
• tomatoes and fruits -
• dried: plums,
• figs,
• dates and a
• bricots,
• as well as fresh: blackberries,
• raspberries,
• currant,
• apples.

Fiber Sources:

1. 1. dried apples: 100 g - 10.3 g
   2. black currant: 100 g - 7.9 g
   3. raspberries: 100g - 6.7g
   4. green peas: 100 g - 6 g
   5. beans: 100g - 5.8g
   6. Graham rolls: 1 piece (90 g) - 4.9 g
   7. dried figs: 1 pc. (35 g) - 4.5 g
   8. wheat bran: 1 tablespoon (10 g) - 4.2 g
   9. Grapefruit: 1 piece (300 g) - 3.6 g
   10. beans: 100 g - 3.9 g
   11. almonds: a handful (30 g) - 3.9 g
   12. hazelnuts: a handful (30 g) - 2.7 g
   13. oatmeal: 30 g - 2 g
   14. cabbage: 100 g - 2.6 g
   15. peanuts: a handful (30 g) - 2.2 g
   16. raisins: a handful (30 g) - 2 g
   17. walnuts: a handful (30 g) - 2 g
   18. Graham Bread: 1 slice (33g) - 1.7g
   19. prunes: 1 pc. (15 g) - 1.6 g
   20. dried apricots: 1 pc. (10 g) - 1 g

Treatment with plums for constipation during pregnancy

In the evening, pour 5-6 prunes with a glass of hot water and leave overnight. In the morning, drink water and eat soaked plums, and only after 20-30 minutes have breakfast. Repeat this "treatment" daily - the treatment should last about a month.

Instead of water, you can also pour a cup of kefir into the plums - and eat the whole morning.

Good to know Don't eat it if you are constipated!

You must cancel certain foods if you do not want to aggravate the situation.

Do not eat:

• sugar (white and brown)
• white flour products
• chocolate,
• cocoa
• carbonated drinks,
• juices from the store,
• black coffee and tea
• highly processed products (ready-made meals, powder sauces, vegetable seasonings)
• bananas.

Kefir and buttermilk make bowel movements easier

In the prevention of constipation during pregnancy, fermented milk drinks are useful: buttermilk, kefir, natural yogurt, acidophilus milk. They contain lactic acid bacteria that improve bowel function.

Flax-seed

An old and proven method is to drink flaxseed jelly: pour 2 tablespoons of flaxseed with a glass of boiling water, wait until it cools down, then drink the resulting slimy liquid (preferably at night), perhaps adding a little warm milk for a better taste ...

Drink plenty of fluids.

Constipation is often caused by a lack of fluid. Drink plenty of water (6-8 glasses a day), preferably between meals. You can heat the water a little to get the peristalsis started better.

Many people are also helped to drink a glass of warm water every day on an empty stomach (20-30 minutes before breakfast) with the addition of a teaspoon of honey and lemon juice. Alternatively, you can drink fruit teas, fresh juices, and mild coffees with milk.

Watch out for iron

Constipation can be aggravated by adding iron to the diet. If you are taking medications with this element and find it harder to go to the toilet, talk to your doctor about it, because you may be thinking about changing the drug or even stopping the pill for a while.

Fiber tablets

In pharmacies, you can buy ready-made fiber preparations that are safe for pregnant women. Sollievo Liofibra Tablets (Aboca) contain several types of fiber and mallow leaf extract, which support the normal functioning of the intestinal mucosa.

Thanks to specially selected ingredients (for example, egg yolk, cellulose), the drug works in such a way that it absorbs and retains water in various parts of the intestine, increasing the volume of fecal matter and making it easier to flush out.

Babka psyllium capsules (Gorvita) contain rich powdery psyllium seeds, which also improve intestinal motility and facilitate movement of feces in the colon.

Pharmacy preparations

You can buy a lactulose drug (such as Duphalac) without a prescription that is well tolerated and does not react with other drugs.

Lactulose is a physiological regulator of intestinal function - it is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and absorbed in the large intestine. Decomposes to form acetic acid and lactic acid, which stimulate intestinal motility.

There are also pregnancy-safe candles in the pharmacy. They work gently to induce natural reactions in the body. They give a quick effect - after 15 minutes. It is also worth using ready-made probiotics (for example, Dicoflor 60, Enterol), which regulate bowel function.

Physical activity

Movement maintains intestinal motility, preventing constipation. Improvement will bring you a daily, energetic half-hour walk, and even better if it is regular, not too active gymnastics.

Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises), which strengthen the muscles that control the entrance to the intestines and vagina, are also helpful.

Herbs

Herbs are also worth trying, but not all of them. Do not use rhizome laxative tablets, seed tea, or buckthorn bark during pregnancy - they can cause uterine contractions.

You can safely drink extracts of chamomile, dill and dandelion, which improve digestion. And if you want to make something special, here's the recipe: In the evening, pour a spoonful of plum flowers, a spoonful of birch buds and 2 tablespoons of ground parsley seeds into a dish.

Pour 2 cups of boiling water over and leave covered overnight. Have one cup of tea before breakfast and one before bed. Use this treatment for 28-30 days.

Kiwi

They are ideal for fighting constipation because they have been scientifically proven! Kiwis have a very positive effect on intestinal motility and have a mild laxative effect.

It is worth eating 1-2 kiwis before each main meal: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Good to know: Good habits

• Eat slowly, chewing each bite thoroughly without swallowing air.
• Try to go to the toilet at the same time every day - preferably in the morning, soon after waking up, because then the colon is most active.
• Do not stop bowel movements when you feel the need - this weakens the muscles responsible for controlling this activity, making it difficult in the future.

Unfortunately, every woman has to deal with unpleasant surprises during 40 weeks of pregnancy. Constipation is one of them. They not only deliver uncomfortable sensations, but are also dangerous for a woman in position.

Symptoms of constipation during pregnancy

Each person has a different frequency of bowel movements. Someone has bowel movements 2-3 times a day, while others do it after 2 days. This is considered normal. Many people suffer from constipation, but expectant mothers are much more likely than others to face this problem.

The main symptoms of constipation during pregnancy:
- downward change in the frequency of bowel movements;
- a small amount of feces;
- dryness and hardness of feces;
- the presence of a feeling of incomplete emptying of the intestines after a bowel movement.

A woman in a position may show all of these signs or only some of them.

Causes of constipation during pregnancy

For women who are expecting a baby, the causes of constipation can be different. One of them - increased progesterone levels in organism. This hormone has a relaxing effect on the intestinal muscles (its peristalsis is disturbed, hypotension occurs).

Constipation during early pregnancy can be caused by iron and calcium... These are useful trace elements necessary for women in position. Doctors even sometimes prescribe medications that contain iron and calcium.

Pregnant women are not active enough. Some, with the threat of miscarriage, observe bed rest. Exactly low physical activity can cause constipation.
Video: Gymnastics and Yoga for Pregnant Women

During pregnancy, the expectant mother should monitor her diet. Because of lack of fluid bowel movement can be slow and difficult.

Constipation during pregnancy can also occur due to diseases of the anal area... For example, a crack in the anus or hemorrhoids can be the cause of this unpleasant phenomenon.
Anal fissures after childbirth (and during subsequent pregnancy): Treatment

Pregnancy is not complete without stress... They arise due to the physiological restructuring of the body, fear of childbirth, thoughts about upcoming sleepless nights and other worries. Experiencing negatively affects the frequency of bowel movements.

Why are constipation dangerous during pregnancy?

Women who have never previously suffered from delayed and difficult emptying may experience this during early pregnancy. Many of them experience constipation during late pregnancy. This unpleasant phenomenon does not pass without a trace. Constipation for the expectant mother and her unborn child is especially dangerous.

Due to the difficulties with emptying, harmful substances that are formed as a result of the breakdown of food are retained in the woman's body. They, being in the intestine, are absorbed into the bloodstream through its walls. This can adversely affect the mother and fetus.

Constipation can be uncomfortable. A woman in a position can feel a heaviness in the abdomen, pain. All this can cause unwanted experiences and frustrations.

Many women are concerned about the question of whether it is possible to push for constipation during pregnancy. During the period of bearing a child attempts are not desirable... If a woman has to push not hard and rarely, then this will not cause serious problems. Regular constipation is dangerous because tension in the abdominal muscles can lead to hemorrhoids or miscarriage.

Stagnation of contents in the intestines can cause complications. For example, proctosigmoiditis (inflammation of the rectum and sigmoid colon), secondary colitis, paraproctitis (inflammation of the peri-rectal tissue), fissure of the anus can occur due to prolonged constipation.

Products for constipation during pregnancy

Not every woman knows what to do for constipation during pregnancy. Food products play a huge role in their treatment. A pregnant woman should include in her diet food that contains substances that promote bowel movement. You should also be aware of the food, the use of which can cause constipation.
Proper nutrition (PP) and fasting days during pregnancy

Bowel emptying is facilitated by:
- raw vegetables and fruits;
- black bread;
- bread containing bran in significant quantities;
- dried fruits (especially prunes);
- buckwheat, oatmeal, barley groats;
- meat with a lot of connective tissue.

These foods for constipation during pregnancy should be included in your menu.

Pregnant women who complain of constipation and bloating should limit or eliminate fiber-rich foods.

To avoid constipation, you need to make sure that the intestines work correctly during the entire pregnancy and there are no digestive problems. The diet must contain foods rich in fiber.

These include:
- any types of cabbage,
- carrot,
- cucumbers,
- tomatoes,
- beet,
- zucchini,
- black bread,
- flour products made from black (or red) flour,
- nuts,
- fermented milk products with a shelf life of up to 3 days,
- pumpkin,
- beans,
- peas,
- apples,
- oranges,
- melons,
- peaches,
- apricots,
- plums,
- Strawberry.

And you also need to drink plain water without gases.

Vegetables can be eaten both raw and boiled (or baked), as well as as a dressing with vegetable oil.

Fruits can be eaten both fresh and baked, and in dried fruits, juices (or compotes).

Pregnant women need to eat often, but a little bit, 5-6 times a day, in small portions. Dry food is prohibited.
Before each meal, be sure to drink 1-2 glasses of warm water without gases.

From the diet you need to exclude foods and drinks such as:
- tea,
- coffee,
- cocoa,
- chocolate,
- White bread,
- flour made from white flour,
- slimy soups,
- semolina and semolina products,
- blueberries.

And to exclude fatty and fried foods.

Should be abandoned from dishes of spinach, sorrel, cabbage, beans, which cause increased gas formation.

From your diet, you should, if possible, exclude some mashed dishes (especially semolina and rice porridge), viscous substances (for example, slimy soups). Some expectant mothers do not know if there are constipation during pregnancy from cocoa and strong black tea, and they use these drinks. In fact, they should be removed from your menu, since they only interfere with the emptying of the intestines.

Pregnant woman in a day you should drink 1.5-2 liters of liquid... It can be plain water, juices, dairy products. It should be borne in mind that so much liquid can be consumed if there are no contraindications: heart disease or edema.

Normalizes stool well:
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Medicines for constipation during pregnancy

As you know, for women in a position, taking medications is undesirable, as they can adversely affect the fetus. Then how to treat constipation during pregnancy? The drugs should be prescribed only by the attending physician if there are serious indications for this. In no case should you self-medicate. By your actions, you can only harm yourself and the unborn baby.

Almost all pills for constipation during pregnancy are contraindicated. The substances that make up most drugs irritate the receptors in the colon. This enhances its peristalsis. In pregnant women, drugs can cause an increase in the tone of the uterus and its contraction, and the consequence of this can be a miscarriage.

Doctors may prescribe glycerin candles from constipation during pregnancy. They mildly irritate rectal receptors and do not affect uterine tone.

Therefore, the use of drugs is unsafe during pregnancy. Drugs can cause miscarriage, fetal development disorders. A mother-to-be who dreams of a healthy child should not take medications without a doctor's prescription. Only a specialist can determine whether it is necessary to treat constipation during pregnancy with drugs or if you can do without them.

Folk remedies for constipation during pregnancy

A good and safe folk remedy for constipation is decoction of prunes... To prepare it, you need to take 100 grams of washed dried fruits, 100 grams of rolled oats and 100 grams of beets. Mix all these ingredients, immerse them in a saucepan and pour 2 liters of water. Boil prunes, rolled oats and beets over low heat for an hour. After that, strain the broth and put the refrigerator. Before going to bed, you should drink 1 glass.

Also helps with constipation during pregnancy prunes, dried apricots and raisins with honey... To prepare this mixture, you will need dried fruits (100 g each) and 2 tbsp. l. honey. Rinse prunes, dried apricots and raisins well and mince. Then add honey and mix thoroughly. It is recommended to use this remedy before going to bed for 2 tsp with warm water.

It is good to drink for constipation dried apricot and prune compote... It has a mild laxative effect, which is especially important when carrying crumbs.

Ingredients:
Prunes - 100 gr;
Dried apricots - 150 gr;
Water - 2 liters.

Preparation:
Soak the fruit in hot water for 15 minutes.
Drain the water and rinse the fruit.
Transfer the steamed fruits to a saucepan and cover them with cold water.
After the compote boils, reduce the heat. Boil dried fruits for 7-10 minutes.
After, add sugar and remove from heat.
Let the stewed fruit stand for 1 hour, covered.
In such a compote, you can add honey (to taste), a little lemon juice or a pinch of cinnamon / vanilla (to taste).

It is worth noting that some folk remedies for constipation during pregnancy prohibited(for example, senna leaves, rhubarb, buckthorn bark, joster fruits).

Prevention of constipation during pregnancy

Pregnant women may not experience constipation if they follow some preventive measures.

First of all, you should pay attention to your nutrition. The diet should include foods rich in fiber. It improves the digestion process. It is advisable that the daily menu contains a liquid dish (for example, soup or borscht). Foods that contribute to constipation should be excluded from the diet.

Particular attention should be paid to the drinking regime. Many women are afraid to consume a lot of fluids because of the possible appearance of edema. This is totally wrong. A pregnant woman should drink enough water. Salty foods should be excluded from consumption. This is to ensure that the salt does not retain water in the body.

To avoid severe constipation during pregnancy, you should as much as possible move more... Modern mothers lead a sedentary lifestyle. Someone is afraid to move once again, believing that movements can harm the child, while someone is more busy communicating on social networks.

Lack of physical activity provokes a slowdown in digestion. Of course, in position you cannot do jogging or some difficult exercises, but you should not forget about walking in the fresh air, ordinary walking.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the most reasonable option, thanks to which a woman in a position can avoid difficult emptying, is prevention. If you still had to deal with constipation in the early stages of pregnancy or at a later date, then you can use folk remedies.

However, it should be borne in mind that not all of them are harmless. Do not be afraid to visit a doctor. He can advise on a good and safe remedy for constipation during pregnancy, and if necessary, prescribe a medication and explain how to take it.

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P. S .: Despite the fact that I follow a diet for berths, at 25 weeks I was so strongly fixed that microcracks formed, the chair went with severe pain and blood. First I turned to my G. She assigned me candles