Causes
Release of Progesterone Hormone: The primary cause of constipation in the early stages of pregnancy is due to the body releasing the progesterone hormone which is essential for the female body, that starts carrying a child inside it. These hormones are released to soften the muscles and ligaments which is an essential procedure, to prepare a woman's body for the necessary expansion, needed to accommodate the developing baby and also for childbirth. However, this softening of the intestinal muscles result in slowing down of the digestive system, which can inadvertently lead to constipation in early pregnancy.
Prenatal Vitamins: Another reason for constipation during pregnancy is the consumption of prenatal vitamins which pregnant women may need to take in order to supplement their regular diets. The constipation is caused by the presence of iron in these vitamins. Many pregnant women need the extra iron in their bodies, to be able to cope with the tremendous growth and change in the body. In addition, iron supplements also help keep anemia at bay and keep the blood stronger.
Diet: Women who are prone to morning sickness may lose much of their water through vomiting. In addition, women who lose their appetites during pregnancy due to nausea and vomiting, may not consume enough dietary fiber, thus increasing the chances of constipation during pregnancy. Also, high consumption of dehydrating fluids like caffeine, enriched tea, coffee and alcohol or even a simple change in the dietary habits may cause constipation during early pregnancy.
Stress: Stress can also result in constipation during pregnancy. This is often aggravated by insufficient amounts of sleep.
Certain Diseases: Diseases such as the Parkinson's disease, stroke, diabetes, uremia, scleroderma can induce constipation in pregnant women.
Symptoms
Constipation in early pregnancy is accompanied by certain characteristic symptoms. These include:
Straining
Hard stools
Painful elimination and bloating
Backaches
Heartburn
Mental Stress
Other mental and physical problems
Tired and sleeplessness
Gas and bloating are usually more intense for a pregnant woman, as are the chances of developing hemorrhoids or unintentionally creating tissue tears and cracks in the anus and rectum from straining, which causes bleeding.
Treatment
Fiber
There are two kinds of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Both soluble and insoluble fiber pass through undigested/unabsorbed by the body. Soluble fiber forms a gel when mixed with liquid (think of a fiber supplement such as Metamucil), while insoluble fiber passes through largely unchanged. Insoluble fiber is the one that helps promote regular bowel movement. Soluble fiber is associated with cardiovascular benefits (improvement in blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels).
Many good sources of fiber contain both types. Here are some high-fiber foods:
Leafy dark green vegetables (high in insoluble fiber).
Fruits
Diet: Women who are prone to morning sickness may lose much of their water through vomiting. In addition, women who lose their appetites during pregnancy due to nausea and vomiting, may not consume enough dietary fiber, thus increasing the chances of constipation during pregnancy. Also, high consumption of dehydrating fluids like caffeine, enriched tea, coffee and alcohol or even a simple change in the dietary habits may cause constipation during early pregnancy.
Stress: Stress can also result in constipation during pregnancy. This is often aggravated by insufficient amounts of sleep.
Certain Diseases: Diseases such as the Parkinson's disease, stroke, diabetes, uremia, scleroderma can induce constipation in pregnant women.
Symptoms
Constipation in early pregnancy is accompanied by certain characteristic symptoms. These include:
Straining
Hard stools
Painful elimination and bloating
Backaches
Heartburn
Mental Stress
Other mental and physical problems
Tired and sleeplessness
Gas and bloating are usually more intense for a pregnant woman, as are the chances of developing hemorrhoids or unintentionally creating tissue tears and cracks in the anus and rectum from straining, which causes bleeding.
Treatment
Fiber
There are two kinds of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Both soluble and insoluble fiber pass through undigested/unabsorbed by the body. Soluble fiber forms a gel when mixed with liquid (think of a fiber supplement such as Metamucil), while insoluble fiber passes through largely unchanged. Insoluble fiber is the one that helps promote regular bowel movement. Soluble fiber is associated with cardiovascular benefits (improvement in blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels).
Many good sources of fiber contain both types. Here are some high-fiber foods:
Leafy dark green vegetables (high in insoluble fiber).
Fruits
dried ones such as prunes (dried plums) or dried apricots, and fresh berries, kiwis, apples and oranges. Typically the insoluble fiber is found in the peel part.
Root vegetables (the peel is high in insoluble fiber, while the flesh is high in soluble fiber).
Nuts and seeds - high in both types of fiber.
Legumes - high in soluble fiber.
Whole grains such as oatmeal, hulled barley, popcorn, brown rice, and wheat berries - high in both types of fiber.
Breakfast cereals that are high in fiber (meaning they offer 5 g or more per serving) can be a high-fiber snack alternative; check our Packaged Foods section for specific brands and pay attention to the amount of added sugar.
Find out which fiber supplements or powder work.
Fluid
Making sure you stay well hydrated is the other piece of the puzzle in preventing constipation. The fluids can be a combination of water, milk (including non-dairy milk), tea, or clear soups/broth. If you must flavor your water, simply add a bit of 100% fruit juice. Watch how much caffeine you are getting from drinks such as coffee, tea, soda, or energy drinks because caffeine has a diuretic effect.
Note: Watch your caffeine intake if you're pregnant. Limit your caffeine intake to no more than 300 mg a day.
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity helps with regular bowel movement. Another reason to get moving and keep a regular exercise routine.
Although, constipation is not a severe problem, in case it is accompanied by abdominal pain, alternate bouts of diarrhea, passing of mucus or blood, then you need to call your doctor or midwife immediately, in order to evaluate the condition.
Root vegetables (the peel is high in insoluble fiber, while the flesh is high in soluble fiber).
Nuts and seeds - high in both types of fiber.
Legumes - high in soluble fiber.
Whole grains such as oatmeal, hulled barley, popcorn, brown rice, and wheat berries - high in both types of fiber.
Breakfast cereals that are high in fiber (meaning they offer 5 g or more per serving) can be a high-fiber snack alternative; check our Packaged Foods section for specific brands and pay attention to the amount of added sugar.
Find out which fiber supplements or powder work.
Fluid
Making sure you stay well hydrated is the other piece of the puzzle in preventing constipation. The fluids can be a combination of water, milk (including non-dairy milk), tea, or clear soups/broth. If you must flavor your water, simply add a bit of 100% fruit juice. Watch how much caffeine you are getting from drinks such as coffee, tea, soda, or energy drinks because caffeine has a diuretic effect.
Note: Watch your caffeine intake if you're pregnant. Limit your caffeine intake to no more than 300 mg a day.
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity helps with regular bowel movement. Another reason to get moving and keep a regular exercise routine.
Although, constipation is not a severe problem, in case it is accompanied by abdominal pain, alternate bouts of diarrhea, passing of mucus or blood, then you need to call your doctor or midwife immediately, in order to evaluate the condition.
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