Constipation in Pregnant Women

Pregnant women often do not care about constipation during pregnancy. Many pregnant women and their families may be subjective because the symptoms of the disease are not too serious. The disease can be dangerous to the health of both mother and baby if not treated promptly. Some pregnant women suffer from constipation during pregnancy.

Constipation in Pregnant Women is a fairly common condition due to many factors that change the hormones in the body. This not only causes discomfort and fatigue but also endangers both the mother and the fetus. Western medicine treatment is not recommended. If you are facing this problem, try applying the following seven constipation treatments for pregnant women, all of which are safe and effective.

Wilimedia will explain to you the seven fastest ways to cure constipation for pregnant women at home without medication in the article below.

Constipation in Pregnant Women

When does constipation occur during pregnancy?

As progesterone levels rise around the second to third month of pregnancy, constipation often begins as early as this stage. As the uterus grows during pregnancy, the condition may worsen.

When progesterone levels peak during pregnancy, constipation will last longer. But your digestive system will be more stable if you change your diet and exercise regularly every day. You can fight constipation at any time during pregnancy.

Does Constipation in Pregnant Women Affect the Fetus?

Constipation during pregnancy is when a pregnant woman has fewer than three bowel movements per week and can cause uncomfortable symptoms. Constipation in pregnant women is often caused by hormonal changes, the fetus pressing on the intestines and dietary supplements. That is why many pregnant women with constipation, despite eating healthy, still suffer and must always look for the fastest way to cure constipation for themselves.

Constipation can occur in about 17–40% of pregnant women. Furthermore, it is likely to occur in the third trimester of pregnancy, when the fetus is growing the best.

Basically, you don't need to worry too much about constipation affecting the baby. Because the symptoms are almost unrelated to the baby and only occur in the mother's intestines. In short, even if the mother does not defecate for a long time, the fetus is still safe.

But don't be complacent. Constipation can be a sign of hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, or a tumor. If you notice blood in your stool, see your doctor right away.

Why Do Pregnant Women Get Constipated?

In addition to learning about the fastest way to treat constipation for pregnant women, you also need to know the causes of constipation during pregnancy to have an effective and suitable treatment method for yourself.

Hormonal changes in the body

To support the growth of the fetus, the body produces more hormones during pregnancy. One of these is progesterone, a hormone that relaxes the muscles in the body, including the intestinal muscles. This causes irritable bowel syndrome. This hormone can reduce intestinal motility, slowing down digestion and leading to constipation.

Fetal formation and development

As the fetus grows in the womb, it can put pressure on organs such as the stomach, intestines, nerves, and pelvic veins. As the fetus grows in the womb, the uterus presses on many nerves, pelvic veins, and inferior vena cava. As the fetus grows larger, it takes up more space in the abdomen, narrowing the digestive tract, causing food to move more slowly. That is why pregnant women often experience constipation in the third trimester.

Nutritional diet

– Many women’s diets change when they are pregnant. Dietary issues that can cause constipation in pregnant women include:

– Eat foods low in fiber.

– Constipation is the result of overeating, which causes the body to not digest in time, causing food to accumulate and cause constipation.

– In addition, many women have difficulty urinating frequently during pregnancy, so they drink less water to reduce the frequency of going to the toilet or hold their urine. This also contributes to constipation.

The intestines need fiber to function properly. A pregnant woman's diet is low in fiber because the fetus's body will need more nutrients to develop. This can make the intestines less elastic and cause constipation.

Morning sickness causes vomiting

Vomiting often occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy and may continue throughout the entire pregnancy. This can lead to dehydration and constipation.

Lazy to exercise the body

Pregnant women find it more difficult to move as the fetus grows, the belly becomes heavier and the legs become swollen and painful, especially in the late stages of pregnancy. The fatigue of the body due to these changes makes pregnant women lazy to move, which is also the cause of Constipation in Pregnant Women. Constipation can also be due to the nature of the job that makes pregnant women sit continuously for many hours.

Pregnant women with hypothyroidism and diabetes.

Pregnant women with diabetes or hypothyroidism may also experience frequent constipation. In addition, pregnant women who take too much iron and calcium will cause constipation because the body cannot absorb the excess nutrients.

Use of laxatives

Pregnant women who have been abusing laxatives in high doses will lead to constipation. Because when they stop using the medicine, their bodies will not be used to having normal bowel movements.

Look at the toilet

The habit of holding in bowel movements can also lead to constipation and other digestive problems. Constipation can also be caused by overeating, which prevents the body from absorbing food and digesting it properly.

Pregnant women need to overcome constipation early to ensure their health and that of their unborn baby because prolonged constipation will affect their quality of life and activities, and increase the risk of fetal malnutrition, miscarriage and premature birth.

7 effective and safe ways to treat constipation for pregnant women

Here are seven safe and effective ways to treat constipation for pregnant women without using special Western medicines to minimize negative impacts on the health of both mother and baby.

Use and supplement foods rich in fiber

A high-fiber diet is an effective way to treat constipation in pregnancy, whether you are constipated in the first trimester or in the last month of pregnancy. Eating plenty of fiber-rich foods will help soften stools and speed up the movement of waste through the intestines because fiber helps the body absorb more water.

To help prevent constipation, choose high-fiber foods such as whole grains (including oats and bran), breads, crackers, muffins, vegetables, and dried fruits.

In addition, pregnant women should eat plenty of fiber-rich foods to help relieve constipation, such as vegetables like spinach, Brussels sprouts, Malabar spinach, sweet potatoes, fruits like plums, kiwi, apples, citrus fruits and avocados, as well as nuts and beans.

Limit foods that can cause constipation, such as white rice, bananas, baked goods, cereals, sugary foods, and canned or processed foods.

During pregnancy, pregnant women should not use any stimulants such as beer, coffee, soft drinks, alcohol or smoke.

However, you don't need to measure every inch precisely. When you see soft, large stools, you'll know you're getting enough fiber and fluids. But remember that you can get diarrhea if you eat too much fiber.

How to reduce constipation for pregnant women: Eat more healthy foods

A diverse microflora, including both beneficial and harmful bacteria, exists in the human digestive system. Probiotics help maintain a balanced intestinal microflora and reduce constipation. Probiotics in foods such as yogurt, oatmeal, and kombucha encourage bacteria in the gut to break down food better, helping the digestive system function better in the body.

Drink enough water

A simple but effective way to treat constipation in pregnant women is to drink plenty of water, especially during the first three months. This habit will help substances pass easily through the body's digestive system.

To reduce constipation during pregnancy, drinking plenty of water is also very important. This is because fiber increases the need for water. If you do not drink enough water to digest the fiber, the fiber will cause constipation.

Pregnant women with constipation should drink plenty of water, about 2.5 to 3 liters per day. In addition to water, you can try smoothies, tea, low-fat milk or unsweetened fruit juice.

Change iron medication you are taking

This type of iron can cause constipation during pregnancy if you are taking it to provide extra nutrients for your pregnancy. Therefore, talk to your doctor if you are constipated or suspect that this is the cause. Your doctor will suggest switching to a different type of iron.

If this method of treating constipation in pregnancy is not successful, stop taking the iron tablets for a while. Your doctor may ask you to take a prenatal vitamin with a lower iron content.

Limit foods that cause constipation

In addition to making the above changes, the fastest way to cure constipation for pregnant women is to avoid eating foods that cause constipation. The reason is that eating these foods can make constipation symptoms last longer, take longer to go away, and become more severe. Pregnant women with constipation should avoid eating the following:

Chocolate: because they contain fats that make digestion more difficult.

Dairy products like milk and cheese : This is because the lactose in milk can cause gas and bloating.

Red meat : This iron-rich meat is one of the causes of constipation.

Green bananas : Contain a large amount of starch, a compound that is difficult to digest.

Foods made from refined grains, such as white rice and white bread.

Full exercise

During pregnancy, it is normal to move less and be less physically active. But your digestive system can be adversely affected by a sedentary lifestyle and sitting habits during pregnancy. This is especially true for those who suffer from constipation. Therefore, to help your digestive system work better, pregnant women should exercise 20–30 minutes a day, three times a week, with moderate exercises such as walking, swimming or low-impact exercises.

Treat constipation with black sesame and honey

This is also a popular constipation remedy for pregnant women because it is safe and effective. Black sesame is rich in fiber and has laxative properties, while honey acts as an intestinal lubricant. Therefore, constipation relief is more effective when used together.

How to treat constipation with honey:

Step 1: Ingredients include 50g black sesame and 30ml honey.
Step 2: Put the black sesame in a pan and put it on low heat until fragrant.
Step 3: Mix honey and roasted black sesame together and divide into two meals to eat during the day. You will see better digestion and constipation will be improved after using it continuously for a few days.

In addition, pregnant women should consider using medication if the above measures are not effective.

Although it is considered safe, pregnant women still need to be careful and avoid overusing it. Although medication can be the fastest way to cure constipation in pregnant women, it can also cause some side effects. Pregnant women should use them in the lowest possible dose.

Bulk-forming laxatives: used to treat hard, small-sized stools. They usually work after 1-3 days of use. To avoid reverse constipation or intestinal obstruction, this medication should be taken with plenty of water and should be taken away from bedtime.

Stool softener laxatives : These are not very effective, so they are not used much today.

Lubricant laxatives: These are helpful for people with anal fissures or painful bowel movements. They may reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Do not take this medication on an empty stomach. Also, do not go to bed or lie down immediately after taking this medication.

Stimulant laxatives: These are often used to clean out the bowels before surgery, so they are rarely used at home.

Osmotic laxatives: May have side effects such as bloating, flatulence, electrolyte imbalance during use. But quite rare.

Medications for constipation in pregnant women should only be used after other natural methods have failed to show results. Because long-term use of medications can affect the health of both mother and baby.