Pregnancy Constipation

What is pregnancy constipation?

Having constipation means that you’re struggling to poop (have a bowel movement). It happens when food waste lingers too long and hardens in the lower part of your digestive tract (your large intestine or large bowel). Most people have had the unpleasant experience of being constipated before, but it’s even more common when you’re pregnant. The hormone changes in your body that make pregnancy possible can increase your chances of becoming constipated.

What month does constipation start in pregnancy?

You may start to feel constipated once the hormone levels in your body increase to support your pregnancy. This can happen as early as the first or second month you’re pregnant. It can also last your entire pregnancy up until delivery.

You’re most likely to get constipated in the third trimester, when the fetus is heaviest and putting the most pressure on your intestines. Constipation can happen in all three trimesters, though. Sometimes, you’ll continue to be constipated up to three months after your baby’s birth.

How common is constipation in pregnancy?

About 1 in 5 women gets constipated at some point during pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of constipation?

Releasing a stool (poop) feels satisfying. Constipation feels just the opposite. You can tell you’re constipated when:

• You’re only able to poop one or two times per week.
• You strain to poop, and your belly feels swollen and gassy.
• When you poop, your stools are lumpy and hard. They may be so dry that passing them is painful.

What causes constipation during pregnancy?

Hormone changes in your body during pregnancy can increase your chances of constipation. So can your daily habits. Causes for constipation during pregnancy include:

• Progesterone: Your body makes more of the hormone progesterone when you’re pregnant. Progesterone relaxes your intestines, or bowel, so they don’t work as hard to squeeze waste out through your body. The longer the food remains in your bowel, the more time it has to absorb the moisture out of it. The waste becomes dried out and hard to pass when you try to poop.
• The fetus: A growing fetus makes your uterus heavier. This extra weight can put more pressure on your rectum and bowel, making it harder for waste to travel out of your body.
• The iron from your prenatal vitamin: The iron you’re getting from your prenatal vitamin (or an extra iron supplement) can make it harder for bacteria in your bowel to break down food. The waste can build up, causing you to become constipated.
• Lifestyle: Your diet, the amount of fluids you drink each day and how much exercise you get all play a role in making you constipated. Many pregnant women don’t eat enough fiber, drink enough water or get enough exercise to help their digestive systems move waste out of their bodies.

Is constipation a sign of pregnancy?

You may feel constipated during pregnancy, but being constipated doesn’t mean you’re pregnant. There are better ways to tell if you’re pregnant, like taking a pregnancy test. There are also many other reasons why you might be constipated, besides being pregnant.

What are the risk factors?

You may be more likely to get constipated during pregnancy if you:

• Got constipated before pregnancy
• Have overweight or obesity
• Take an iron supplement (many prenatal vitamins also contain extra iron)
• Don’t eat enough fiber-containing foods or drink enough water

What are the possible complications of pregnancy constipation?

Having constipation during pregnancy doesn’t cause any long-term complications. Your healthcare provider can help you and recommend safe and effective ways to treat it. But constipation can lead to uncomfortable side effects, like:

• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissures
• Fecal impaction

How is constipation during pregnancy diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider may ask you how much you’re pooping and what your stools look like. Other questions about your daily habits can help your provider find out what’s likely causing your constipation or making it worse. Your provider may ask:

• What you typically eat and drink each day.
• If you’re getting enough physical activity.
• What medicines and/or supplements you’re taking.

How do you relieve constipation during pregnancy?

You can’t stop pregnancy hormones from making it harder for you to poop, but you can make other changes that can help.

• Eat 25 to 30 grams of fiber-rich foods each day. It can be easy to ignore health advice that sounds too simple, like “just eat right.” But fiber really can help. Fiber softens your stools so they’re easier to pass. You can get fiber from fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, peas and lentils. Take the time to read food labels (or use an app) to see how many grams you’re getting each day. If you’re constipated, it’s possible that you’re not eating enough fiber.
• Drink eight to 12 cups of water each day. Ignore the standard advice that you only need eight cups of water a day. Eight cups is the bare minimum you need when you’re pregnant. You need more fluid than usual to support your pregnancy and to soften your stools. Water is best, but other drinks can also help. Low-fat milk, smoothies, tea and juices with no added sugar are good options.
• Get 20 to 30 minutes of moderate exercise three times a week. It’s common to move around less when you’re pregnant. You’re carrying extra weight. Pregnancy can put strain on your pelvic area and joints that may make moving around hard to do. But sitting isn’t good for your bowel if you’re constipated. Speak with your healthcare provider about exercises for you that are safe and that can help jumpstart the muscles in your bowel.
• Try a different prenatal vitamin. The iron in your prenatal vitamin may be too much for your digestive system to handle. Your provider can suggest another vitamin with less iron.

What medications can I take to relieve constipation when I’m pregnant?

If you can’t get constipation relief through lifestyle changes, your healthcare provider may prescribe a stool softener or a fiber supplement that can help. But always check with your provider before taking any laxatives or supplements. Not all of them have been tested for safety and effectiveness during pregnancy. And avoid home remedies for constipation, like castor oil or mineral oil, unless your provider recommends you take them.

Can you take laxatives when pregnant?

Maybe. Speak to your healthcare provider before you take a laxative. Some laxatives can cause you to become dehydrated and imbalance your electrolytes. This is why it’s so important to be sure that you’re taking the right laxative and that you’re taking it for the right amount of time.

What can I expect if I’m constipated during my pregnancy?

After you deliver your baby and your hormone levels begin to return to their pre-pregnancy levels, your bowel movements will likely return to normal.

It’s also common to have constipation in the postpartum period due to medications like anesthesia still in your body, stress, changes in sleep patterns and other factors. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about treatment for constipation if it doesn’t get better after your baby is born.

How can I reduce my risk of becoming constipated during pregnancy?

You can reduce your risk of becoming constipated by doing the same things you would do to manage constipation. Pay attention to how much fiber you’re eating and fluids you’re drinking. Schedule exercise that feels doable for you. Walking, swimming, yoga and light aerobics are all good options to keep your bowel active.

What can I eat to avoid constipation during pregnancy?

Eating foods high in fiber can help prevent constipation. You should aim for about 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day. How much this equates to in actual food may surprise you.

Foods high in fiber are:

• Fruits like apples, raspberries, strawberries and mangoes. For reference, a medium apple has about 4 grams of fiber.
• Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, artichokes and beets. One cup of broccoli contains about 3 grams of fiber (most of it is in the stalk, not the floret).
• Whole grain breads and certain cereals. A slice of whole wheat bread contains about 2 grams of fiber.
• Beans like black beans and kidney beans, and lentils. A cup of black beans comes in at about 15 grams of fiber.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Reach out to your provider if you’ve been constipated for longer than a few weeks. Don’t dread trips to the bathroom when your provider can help you. Be sure to get your provider’s OK on any medication or supplements you take when you’re pregnant. This includes fiber supplements and laxatives.

Can constipation hurt the baby during pregnancy?

No. The pressure that builds up in your belly because of constipation is uncomfortable for you, but it won’t affect the fetus. It’s well protected in its fluid-filled amniotic sac.

Is it OK to push hard to get your poop out during pregnancy?

Your poop may become hard due to constipation. You may find yourself straining to push your poop out. This won’t affect the fetus, but continuing to strain to have a bowel movement can cause complications for you, like anal fissures and hemorrhoids. It’s best to seek treatment from your pregnancy care provider if you find it’s hard to get your poop out.