Constipation While Pregnant — Acme Corp Wellness

Sometimes pregnant women have trouble passing stool. That’s called constipation. During pregnancy it can be caused by higher levels of progesterone, which slows down digestion. This helps the mother absorb more nutrients from her food.

Another cause of constipation is the growing uterus. It presses down on the colon, making it harder for waste to pass through.

Symptoms

Passing solid body waste less often
Swollen belly
Straining when passing solid body waste
Hard stools
Feeling full after passing solid body waste

Causes

Higher progesterone levels
Iron supplements
Not drinking enough fluids
Not being active enough
Not enough fiber in your diet
Using laxatives over a long period of time
Certain medicines. Examples: certain heart, pain, and anti-depressant medicines.
Not going to the toilet when you have the urge to pass body waste
Hemorrhoids
Underactive thyroid gland

You can probably ease constipation by changing some of your habits. Do medicines or health problems seem to be the cause? If so, talk with your health care provider.

Triage Questions

Question 1

Do you have any of these problems with the constipation?

Fever of 100^◦F or higher
Severe pain in your belly, especially in the lower left part
Bloating in your belly
Weight loss
Very thin, pencil-like stools (solid body waste)
Bloody stools
Nausea or vomiting
No relief after using a laxative

Self-Care

Every day, eat fiber-rich foods. Examples: bran, whole-grain breads and cereals, beans, lentils, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Fiber helps soften stools. Eat apples, raisins, and prunes. Drink prune juice. {Note: Don’t load up on high fiber foods all in one day if you are not used to eating them. Doing this can give you gas. It is better to add high fiber foods over several days.}
Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water and other liquids every day. Liquids help your system move things along.
Do mild to moderate exercise. Do the ones your health care provider suggests.
Don’t take mineral oil.
Go to the toilet when you get the urge. Don’t wait.
At the toilet, rest your feet on a footstool. This helps you keep from straining.
Only take antacids like Tums if your health care provider tells you to. Antacids can be binding.
Ask your health care provider about “bulk-forming” laxatives. Examples: Metamucil, Perdiem, Fiber Con. You can buy these without a prescription. Ask your provider about using one.