I believe that many pregnant women will have such a problem during pregnancy: constipation. Constipation in pregnant women makes everyone embarrassed, but everyone must pay attention to the problem of constipation, because constipation in pregnant women is very dangerous. Long-term constipation during pregnancy is not good for pregnant women and fetuses. To relieve constipation in pregnant women, we must first understand why constipation occurs during pregnancy.

Causes of constipation in pregnant women

Reason 1: Changes in hormones during pregnancy

Health experts point out that hormones in a woman's body change dramatically during pregnancy. The secretion of progesterone and somatostatin increases, and under the action of hormones, the emptying of the gastrointestinal tract is inhibited, and the residence time of feces in the body is prolonged. There is also increased reabsorption of water in the ileum and colon, leaving less water in the stool, which naturally becomes unusually hard. Over time, it can lead to constipation in pregnant women.

Reason 2: Mechanical reasons

Mechanical causes are also a major factor in constipation in pregnant women. Health experts point out that as the baby grows, it will inevitably put pressure on the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in slower bowel movements. The relationship between intestines and stool is actually like the relationship between conveyor belts and goods. When the conveyor belt slows down or stops, the expulsion of feces naturally slows down.

Reason 3: Diet and exercise

Health experts remind pregnant women to pay more attention to their daily diet and exercise properly during pregnancy. The proportion of starch and meat in the diet is too large, and the proportion of dietary fiber is too small. If you don’t like to drink water, you will naturally be prone to constipation. If you are always in a still position, sitting or lying down when you talk, then constipation will naturally come to you. Of course, the risk of constipation is higher if you prefer some nutritional supplements.

What should I do if pregnant women are constipated?

Method 1: Regular bowel movements in the morning

Make it a habit to have regular bowel movements in the morning or after breakfast. After breakfast, colon propulsion is more active, which is conducive to defecation. About an hour after breakfast is the best time to defecate. When you have the urge to go to the toilet, be sure to go to the toilet in time, don't ignore the urge to defecate, and don't force it if it's inconvenient. It is not advisable for expectant mothers to go to the toilet for too long, otherwise it will easily lead to an increase in abdominal pressure, which will bring difficulties to the reflux of the lower extremities.

Method 2: Pay attention to drinking skills

Expectant mothers who are troubled by constipation should drink more water and master water drinking skills at the same time. For example, drink water at set times each day and gulp water, but don't overeat. Drinking this way allows water to reach the colon as quickly as possible, making stools softer and easier to pass.

Method 3: Increase physical activity

Lack of exercise or prolonged inactivity can aggravate constipation, so expectant mothers should exercise regularly. Proper activities for expectant mothers can enhance gastrointestinal motility, get enough sleep, feel happy, relieve mental stress, etc. It is also a good way to relieve constipation. Walking is one of the best exercises for pregnant women. Take a 40-minute walk every night, keep clapping your hands as you walk, and keep your arms outstretched as effortlessly as possible. The five fingers also spread out and slapped the palm of the hand until the arm was a little sore and the palm was slightly numb. Palm clap can stimulate various acupoints on the palm, promote blood circulation, and dredge the meridians.

Method 4: Diet conditioning

Expectant mothers who are troubled by constipation should avoid spicy foods and eat more foods rich in fiber and vitamins, such as apples, radishes, celery and other vegetables, bananas, pears and other fruits, honey, beans, etc. These foods are beneficial to promote peristalsis of intestinal muscles, soften stools, lubricate the intestines, and help pregnant women with bowel movements.

Method 5: Use drugs with caution

In case the constipation of pregnant women cannot be relieved, you must seek medical attention immediately, take laxatives as prescribed by the doctor, and do not take medicines without authorization, but the key to solving the problem is to develop some good living habits.

Why is constipation during pregnancy? Through the above explanation, I believe everyone should understand the reason. During pregnancy, due to the particularity of the body, pregnant women are prone to constipation, no matter what kind of constipation, it is not good for the health of pregnant women and fetuses. Here to remind all pregnant women, if constipation occurs during pregnancy, first of all, we must find out the cause of constipation, and take active measures to relieve it, so as to avoid greater harm.