Constipation in Pregnancy

Although well represented in the entire adult population, constipation is a phenomenon typical of pregnancy.

The main cause of constipation in pregnancy is progesterone, a hormone essential to avoid inappropriate contractions of the uterus in the first 7-8 months of pregnancy. Its muscle relaxant action is not confined to the genital area but extended to all the muscles of the body, including the gastroesophageal junction (reflux, heartburn, stomach acid) and the intestinal muscles.

Decreasing the intensity of peristaltic contractions, progesterone is responsible for hard, dehydrated and compact stool.

In the early weeks of gestation there are generally a spontaneous reduction intake of fruits and vegetables, caused by nausea. This may remove more liquid from intestine, aggravating the risk of constipation.

From third to fourth month, the increase in volume of the uterus is a further obstacle to the passage of stool. The last trimester of pregnancy, the increased levels of circulating aldosterone represents a new and valuable ally of constipation. This hormone increases the absorption of fluids and electrolytes, further slowing the intestinal transit.

For all these reasons, in general constipation during pregnancy does not occur abruptly, but tends to worsen gradually.

Constipation in pregnancy may ultimately be linked to drug, for example, intake of iron preparations, antacids and some painkillers. Iron pills can aggravate constipation, so if you are taking iron supplements, ask your practitioner whether it makes sense to stop until constipation is no longer a problem.

The first and most effective measure to combat constipation is the regular daily intake of at least a couple of gallons of water. Water is the major constituent of the body and even laxatives lose much of their effectiveness when not accompanied by abundant fluid intake.

A glass of fuit juice a day, especially prune juice, can be helpful. Some women find that any warm liquid first thing in the morning helps to improve bowel movements.

The consumption of foods rich in fiber like whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables, is a good starting point, primarily because these foods provide all the trace elements necessary for the health of the fetus, and secondly because they help to cover the water needs of the pregnant woman.

Consumption of 25 to 30 g. per day of dietary fiber from fruits and vegetables, high-fiber breakfast cereals and powdered bulk forming supplemental fiber such as psyllium can help prevent or reduce constipation.

The practice of regular physical activity can also be very useful to combat constipation. The act of walking, in particular, stimulates intestinal motility and promotes the return of venous blood to the heart, limiting, among other things, the risk of other unpleasant conditions such as varicose veins, swellings and haemorrhoids.

It is also recommended that you take the right quantities of vegetables rich in cellulose (radicchio and lettuce in particular), fruits (plums, kiwis, figs and other fruit with seeds), without forgetting the importance of an adequate protein intake.

It is therefore not advisable to use laxatives because no one can solve the problem of constipation in a definitive manner but it tends merely to postpone it and secondly because the choice of a wrong drug could have bad repercussions on pregnancy.

The consultation with your gynecologist is therefore a must, especially when the constipation is not resolved with simple dietary and behavioral therapy