Constipation

Up to one third of pregnant women could experience constipation during pregnancy. Feeling like you want to go for a poo but not being able to. Or having to push extra hard in order for any movements to happen. Going for a poo may become hard work and not much fun.

Luckily there are many ways you can keep your bowel movements active so you don’t have to spend your entire pregnancy constipated. Be aware of what is happening and when it is happening. Certain foods may become more difficult for your body to process.

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Why does it happen?
  • Constipation can be caused by an increase in the hormone progesterone and reduction of the hormone motilin.
  • Progesterone causes the intestines to relax which makes the muscles less reactive.
  • Less molitin slows the whole process down.
  • What’s more, the body’s new extra requirements cause it to draw water, calcium and iron supplies internally, which impacts on the intestines.
  • Your body needs more fluids due to the increase in blood volume (up to 50%). More fluids are being taken into the blood stream out of your stomach, leaving less fluids to support food waste travelling through your intestines.
  • The ultimate effect is a slowed down functioning of the intestines plus drying up, leading to constipation.
  • Later in pregnancy, as baby grows, there is less room for your intestines and they get squashed up.

Recommendations

    • Allow for a varied diet with enough fruit, fibres, calcium, iron and water.
    • If you are having problems with hard poos, then it is important to eat foods that will support the loosening of your bowels. Try dried prunes, figs and grapes.
    • Drink plenty of fluids. It is a fine balance between drinking enough and having to go pee every ten minute, but make sure you do drink enough.
    • Don’t push too hard when going for a number two. Allow poo to come out naturally. Too much pressing when going to the toilet could lead to hemorrhoids, so be careful!

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