What are the symptoms of constipation and pregnancy?

Constipation and pregnancy

        Pregnancy constipation is defined as the expulsion of a pregnant woman for less than three times a week, and constipation is a common problem during pregnancy, as there are four out of ten pregnant women who suffer from constipation at some point during their pregnancy, and it is worth noting that pregnant women may suffer from constipation during any Time of pregnancy, including the first trimester, and the occurrence of constipation during pregnancy is attributed to two main reasons. As for the second reason, it is often explained by the pregnant woman’s taking iron supplements or some other supplements and vitamins that are spent during pregnancy. In addition, some researchers indicated that the advanced stages of pregnancy in which the fetus grows significantly, putting its weight on the mother’s rectum, causing slowing down the bowel movement, and thus Suffering from constipation.

Treating constipation in pregnancy

home remedies

        In fact, there are many tips that a pregnant woman can follow to avoid constipation and treat it in the event of suffering from it, including the following:

1. Eating more fiber, in addition to its richness in vitamins and antioxidants, is one of the best ways to avoid and treat constipation as well, and it is recommended to eat approximately 25-30 grams of fiber on a daily basis to help achieve a healthy pregnancy, and sources of fiber that are recommended to be eaten are fresh fruits and vegetables. Such as peaches, peas, and whole-grain bread.
2. Make sure to eat large amounts of water, and researchers have estimated this by doubling the volume of water usually consumed, ie the equivalent of eight cups.
3. Dividing meals into five or six small meals to reduce the burden on the stomach, thus giving the stomach enough time to digest food, as well as enabling it to pass food easily and smoothly to the small intestine and colon.
4. Exercising and making physical effort, pregnant women are advised to exercise for approximately 20-30 minutes three times a week, and the types of sports recommended are yoga, walking, and swimming, but it is worth noting the need to ask the specialist doctor about the nature of sports appropriate for the pregnant woman and her fetus Before doing this, in fact, the main goal of exercising in cases of constipation is to stimulate a bowel movements.

pharmacological treatments

        The nature of the pharmacological treatments used lies in controlling constipation in general by using laxatives, and with regard to the use of laxatives during pregnancy. Their fetuses did not suffer from any problems or imbalances, but this does not preclude the need to warn not to use laxatives for a long period of time, as this may result in the woman suffering from dehydration, and losing many important salts and minerals in the body, and more details about the use of some Types of laxatives during pregnancy: 

1. Bulk-forming laxatives: These laxatives increase the volume of stool without being absorbed into the bloodstream, thus facilitating the process of stool excretion, an example of which is methylcellulose.Walbohn (in English: sterculia).
2. Lactulose: It is a type of sugar, but it is not digested, but rather draws water into the intestines, causing easy movement, and it should be noted that the manufacturer has indicated the permissibility of its use in pregnancy when necessary.
3. Macrogol: This drug increases the amount of water in the stool, thus aiding the excretion process. Glycerin suppositories: These suppositories activate the intestines, and are used in severe cases of constipation.
4. Bisacodyl: This type of laxative stimulates the intestines and increases the water content of stool.
5. Senna: It stimulates the muscles of the intestines, to help rid the body of waste, and it is worth noting that there are some studies conducted on the use of senna during pregnancy to treat the problem of constipation, and the study was conducted on women who used it during the first weeks of pregnancy. Pregnancy, and more precisely during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. The results revealed that the fetuses born to these women did not suffer from any problems or abnormalities compared to women who did not use senna during pregnancy.
6. Docusate sodium: It also stimulates bowel movement, and it should be noted that there were three studies conducted on its use in pregnant women between the first and twelfth week of pregnancy, and the results resulted in the nullity of the fetuses of these women. From any disturbances or problems compared to women who did not use this type of laxative.
7. Sodium picosulfate: This is also a type of laxative that stimulates the intestines and thus facilitates the passage of stool.
8. Linaclotide: In addition to the use of this type of laxative in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), this type of laxative is also used in cases of constipation in pregnancy, and is considered a stimulant for the intestines and thus facilitates its movement.
9. Lubiprostone: It lubricates the contents of the intestine, thus facilitating the passage of stool.
10. Prucalopride: This laxative also stimulates bowel movements.