Constipation, in general, is a very uncomfortable feeling that occurs when you cannot pass motion regularly. Constipation during pregnancy is a very unpleasant experience that a woman has to go through. It leads to discomfort and uneasiness. If you want to get checked by a gastrologist in Chennai, you can visit the credihealth website to get more information and details about the same. Let us see in this article when does constipation start in pregnancy?
Constipation and Pregnancy –
Constipation is the condition in which you are struggling to pass stools. There are a lot of people who experience constipation which is a very irritating feeling. But it gets worse and more widespread when someone is pregnant.
There are a lot of changes the body goes through during pregnancy, including hormonal changes that make constipation even more common in pregnancy.
What causes constipation in pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the primary reason for constipation is hormonal change. The causes of constipation during pregnancy are as follows:
- Progesterone levels –
When you are pregnant, your body produces more progesterone which relaxes the intestine and bowel and allows the feces to pass out of the body. This leads to drying the waste in the body and makes it hard to pass out of it.
- Fetus –
A fetus inside the body makes the uterus heavier in weight which can put a lot of pressure on the bowel, which makes it hard for the waste to come out of the body.
- Lifestyle –
Diet, water intake, and physical activity are significant factors for constipation. Pregnant people who are not eating proper food and not drinking enough water or getting enough exercise are at risk of constipation.
When does constipation in pregnancy start?
The feeling of constipation during pregnancy occurs once the hormone levels in the body start increasing to regulate the pregnancy. Usually, these hormonal changes occur during the second or third month of the first trimester of pregnancy.
After the hormonal changes in the first trimester, you can experience constipation by the third trimester as the fetus is the heaviest, which puts a lot of pressure on the bowel.
Constipation can last throughout the pregnancy and continue after the baby is born for up to three months.
Does constipation during pregnancy affect the baby?
This is a common misconception that many pregnant women have: will constipation affect the baby? The answer to this question is no. No, it does not affect the baby in any way.
You may worry that the pressure building up in the abdominal area due to constipation might harm the baby. But that’s not the case. It is in no way harming your baby. It just makes you uncomfortable.
When to worry about constipation during pregnancy?
Usually, constipation during pregnancy is not that serious. However, sometimes, constipation during pregnancy can be a symptom of some other problem.
Suppose you experience constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood, or mucus. If the condition is something serious, you should immediately call your doctor.
Tips to ease constipation during pregnancy –
Constipation can be relatively easy to cure if you make some changes in your lifestyle:
- Eating healthy and fiber-rich food
- Drinking plenty of water
- Exercising
- Getting enough sleep
Along with these tips, your doctor might prescribe a stool softener for constipation.
Stool softeners make the stools soft and make them easier to pass. They are safe to be taken during pregnancy and do not affect the baby in any way.
Your doctor may also recommend a laxative that is also considered safe during pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) –
What can I expect if I am constipated during pregnancy?
You can expect some discomfort along with the pregnancy. After you have delivered the baby, your hormone levels will start returning to normal, making constipation less of a problem.
When should I see a doctor for constipation during pregnancy?
You should call your doctor if you have been constipated for over a few weeks. It would help if you also inform your doctor about your medications.
What can I eat to cure constipation naturally?
You should eat good fruits and vegetables rich in fiber and vitamins. Good sources include Apples, Bananas, Raspberries, Lentils, etc.
What food should I avoid during constipation?
It would help if you avoided hard-to-digest foods and fried foods such as chips, meats, and processed and frozen foods.
Conclusion –
Constipation is a condition in which a person cannot pass stools easily, leading to a lot of discomfort in the body. When you are pregnant, there are changes in your body that cause you to get constipation. Constipation usually occurs during the third trimester and can also happen after you deliver the baby. Increase your body’s fiber, increase your water intake, and moderate exercise to relieve constipation. If you want to consult a gastrologist in Chennai, you can visit the Credihealth website, which will give you a list of gastrologists along with their timings, cost, and hospital locations.
