Constipation describes a condition when you have to strain to pass hard, dry stools. Constipation is an uncomfortable condition that can occur any time after conception and may lead to hemorrhoids.
There are a number of factors, which all work together to cause constipation during pregnancy. During pregnancy progesteroneOne of the two naturally occuring female hormones (the other is estrogen) used to regulate and maintain the pregnancy. Produced first by the corpus luteum in the ovary, production is subsequently taken over by the placenta as it develops. During pregnancy a mother's production of progesterone ten times the level it was prior to conception. Progesterone and estrogen are responsible for giving many mothers a sense of tranquility, shiny hair and glowing skin.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. relaxes the muscles in the intestinal walls and reduces the number of contractions pushing the food through the body. This results in a slowing of your metabolism and bowel function permitting more nutrients and vitamins to be absorbed from the food you eat. More water is also absorbed from the food you eat making your stools hard and dry.
Constipation is also a side effect of taking iron, which is found in prenatal vitamins. Iron is an important part of your prenatal nutrition and if constipation is a problem, you should discuss adjusting your dose with your doctor.
As the pregnancy progresses the growing uterus puts pressure on the intestinal tracts further slowing the passage of food. If you are experiencing constipation you will find that it increases in frequency and severity during the third trimester and may result in hemorrhoids.
Constipation affects about thirty percent (1 in 3) pregnancies. It occurs most frequently during the first and third trimesters.
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Delivery causes your abdominal muscles to stretch and relax. This reduces the pressure within the abdomen and slows the passage of food through the intestinal tract. Most doctors recommend using the toilet as soon as possible after delivery, but because of the reduction is abdominal pressure and the clearing of the bowels before you deliver, you may not feel ready for twenty four hours or more.
You will feed an urge to bear down later, and if you have an episiotomyA surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening and faciliate delivery of the baby or prevent tearing of the perineum. It is closed with absorbable sutures.
There are two types of episiotomy; the medilateral, cut at 45 degrees with midline, and median cut in the midline. The former offers more room for delivery but is more painful postpartum, while the latter heals more easily, but provides less room for delivery.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. you may consciously or subconsciously worry about stretching the tissues and causing pain. Use a clean pad to press upwards firmly against the stitches while you bear down. Your doctor will prescribe a high fiber diet, plenty of fluid and exercise to relieve the constipation. Walking around will help get your bladder and bowels to start working normally again after delivery.
If you have constipation during pregnancy there are several things you can do to relieve the discomfort. One of the best things you can do is drink more fluid: up to four pints (2 liters) of water. Extra fluid alone may be enough to cure the condition.
Introduce more fruit, vegetables and fiber to your diet. An old-fashioned remedy for constipation, a couple of tablespoons of unsulphured blackstrap molasses in warm water taken twice a day, is a reliable way to relieve symptoms. Eating dried figs, and prunes and drinking prune juice can also prove effective. You may also want to try eating rice cakes which are high in dietary fiber.
Herbal remedies including fenugreek, cascara sagrada, barberry, turkey rhubarb, dandelion, red raspberry, goldenseal, cayenne and he shou wu are all helpful in relieving constipation. You should be aware that fenugreek and goldenseal have been shown to stimulate uterine contractions in animals, and should be used only on the recommendation of your doctor. Some practitioners recommend making infusions of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and cramp bark (Virburnum opulus), which may stimulate the liver and act as a gentle laxative.
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Mild exercise such as a brisk twenty minute walk every day is also beneficial and will help get your bowels functioning properly. Practicing squats each day can help relieve constipation. And pelvic floor exercises can also help relieve constipation by toning your anal muscle and anal sphincter. Ensure that your bowels are full, with the pelvic floorThe body wall consisting of the levator ani and coccygeus muscles that is stretched across the pelvic cavity, supporting the abdominal contents, the uterus and is pierced by the anal canal, urethra and vagina.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. fully released and bulging down when on the toilet. Avoid straining your bowels, which can increase the risk of hemorrhoids.
Avoid drinking milk, and eating foods rich in calcium and simple sugars. Other foods to avoid include bananas, rice, apples or toast. These foods form part of the 'B.R.A.T.' diet your doctor may recommend if you have diarrhea. Bread is high in gluten, so you may want to try eating gluten-free bread to help relieve constipation as well.
Although some oils will help to lubricate the bowels, you should avoid liquid paraffin during pregnancy: it reduces your body's ability to absorb vitamins A, D and K. If your baby is lacking in vitamin K there is a risk that it may develop blood clotting disorders.
You should also avoid taking medication such as laxatives, stool softeners or suppositories without consulting your doctor first. Stool bulk producers such as Colace, laxatives, including senna-based laxatives such as Senokot, cascara and Dulcolax, all seem to be safe for use during pregnancy, but you should be wary of letting your system become dependent on them.
There is a risk that uncontrolled use of these medications may cause you to lose too much fluid which may adversely affect the development of the baby. Saline laxatives such as milk of magnesia and magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) can also cause dehydration but seem to be safe for the developing baby. Avoid taking oral medications for constipation if you are breastfeeding since they can pass into the breast milk and cause you stomach cramps.
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