Constipation is a frequent condition during pregnancy, with over half of all pregnant women experiencing it at some point. Constipation is characterised by abdominal pain or discomfort, infrequent and difficult bowel motions, and the passing of hard stools.

What causes constipation during pregnancy?
Constipation can be caused by a variety of factors, including concern, anxiety, lack of physical activity, and a low-fibre diet. Constipation is caused by an increase in progesterone hormones, which relax the intestinal muscle, permitting food and waste to pass through your system more slowly.

Iron pills might cause constipation in some people. If you're taking iron supplements, be sure you're getting enough water. It's possible that you'll need to switch to a different sort of iron tablet but talk to your doctor first.

How can I prevent or treat constipation during pregnancy?
Many of the steps involved in preventing and treating constipation are the same.

Here are some things you can do to help prevent constipation or treat it if you currently have it:

[*]Eat a high fibre diet: Fruits, vegetables, morning cereals, whole-grain bread, prunes, and bran should all provide 25 to 30 grammes of dietary fibre per day. This makes it easier to poop because the faeces are thicker.
[*]Drink a lot of fluids: It's critical to stay hydrated, especially when boosting fibre consumption aids to promote smoother stools. Each day, drink 10 to 12 cups of water. A high-fibre diet combined with plenty of liquids is the most effective way to remove waste. Sweat, hot/humid conditions, and exercise can all cause you to need more fluids.
[*]Routinely exercise: Constipation is more likely to occur if you are inactive. Walking, swimming and other moderate exercises stimulate the intestines, which helps them perform better. Schedule 20-30 minutes of exercise three times per week.
[*]Over-the-counter remedies: Metamucil (Category B) is an over-the-counter medicine that can help soften your bowel motions and relieve constipation. Always be with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter drugs.
[*]Reduce or eliminate iron supplements: Constipation may be exacerbated by iron supplementation. During pregnancy, good eating can often meet your iron requirements. Constipation can be reduced by taking lesser quantities of iron throughout the day rather than all at once. Check your iron levels and discuss how to regulate iron intake throughout pregnancy with your health care practitioner. Here are several natural ways to get iron.

What remedies for constipation should be avoided during pregnancy?
Because laxative drugs may increase uterine contractions and cause dehydration, they are not advised for the treatment of constipation during pregnancy. Consult your doctor about using a fibre supplement, a laxative, or a stool softener over-the-counter.

Because mineral oils impair nutritional absorption, they should not be taken during pregnancy.

Is constipation a serious problem during pregnancy?
Constipation during pregnancy is seldom a symptom of another problem, but it might be. Call your doctor or midwife right away if you have severe constipation that is accompanied by abdominal pain, alternates with diarrhoea, or you pass mucus or blood.

Haemorrhoids, which are bulging veins in the rectal area, can also be caused or worsened by straining during a bowel movement or passing a hard stool. Haemorrhoids are exceedingly inconvenient, yet they rarely cause major complications. They usually go gone after a few days of your baby's birth. Call your doctor if the discomfort is severe or if you have rectal bleeding.

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