Is constipation normal for pregnant women?

Constipation is one of the common clinical complex symptoms, not a disease. Mainly manifested as decreased defecation frequency, decreased stool volume, dry stool, and laborious defecation. The judgment of constipation must be based on the characteristics of the stool, my usual defecation habits and whether it is difficult to defecate.

Constipation is also one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy, called constipation of pregnancy. Constipation in pregnant women is most common in the third trimester of pregnancy, manifested as no stool for several days, or even 1 to 2 weeks, which can lead to abdominal pain and bloating in pregnant women. Constipation is one of the often overlooked symptoms of pregnancy, but its impact can be small or large. Severe constipation can lead to intestinal obstruction, leading to premature birth and endangering the health of mothers and babies.

Causes of constipation in pregnant women

Reason 1: After pregnancy, the body will secrete a large amount of progesterone, resulting in weakened gastrointestinal muscle tone and slowed peristalsis. The enlarged uterus compresses the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the third trimester and after the fetal head enters the pelvis, and the mechanical pressure on the gastrointestinal tract, especially the rectum, becomes more and more obvious, which slows down the speed of defecation and makes it impossible to defecate normally.

Reason 2: Changes in eating habits during pregnancy. If pregnant women eat a lot of high-protein and high-fat foods, but ignore the intake of dietary fiber such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, it will lead to insufficient intestinal fiber, which is not conducive to the decline of chyme and stool, and lacks sufficient support for the intestinal wall. The stimulating effect can easily lead to constipation in pregnant women.

Reason 3: The body changes after pregnancy, and many expectant mothers feel tired easily. In addition, they are worried that the activity will hurt the fetal air, so they exercise less or not at all. A reduced ability of the gastrointestinal tract to digest food can exacerbate bloating and constipation.

Reason 4: Many expectant mothers have constipation problems before pregnancy. After pregnancy, due to physical inconvenience, not accustomed to squatting toilet, and the occurrence of hemorrhoids during pregnancy, pregnant women have a sense of fear of defecation, and consciously reduce the number of defecations, resulting in more serious constipation.

Reason 5: Pregnant women may take various drugs, such as sedative drugs, to relieve discomfort during pregnancy, but these drugs often have side effects on bowel function, which is another important cause of constipation in pregnant women.