Avoid Getting Stuck with Constipation
Too much or too little of something is never good. That's certainly true about the hormone progesterone. When it's low, getting pregnant may be tricky. During pregnancy, progesterone increases. This causes your muscles to relax. As a result, the wavelike contractions that move stool through your digestive tract also slow down. The result: constipation.
Constipation is passing hard, dry stools fewer than three times a week. You may also have stomach pain and bloating. You may strain during bowel movements.
Buck the trend
Fortunately, you aren’t doomed to an uncomfortable fate because of your hormones. There are steps that you can take to prevent and ease constipation. These tips also are good for your health and your baby:
-
Exercise. Experts say that healthy pregnant women should get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. Ask your healthcare provider about exercises that are safe for you.
-
Eat high-fiber foods. These include whole grains, wheat bran, raw or dried fruits, and vegetables.
-
Drink eight to 10 glasses of water or other fluids each day. You can even try the old standby, prune juice.
-
Try to ease stress and anxiety.
Also, know that progesterone isn’t the only culprit. The pressure that your growing uterus puts on your digestive tract can also cause constipation. Iron can trigger it, too. This may be in your prenatal vitamins.
When you need a little help
If these tips don’t help your constipation, talk with your healthcare provider. He or she may recommend taking an over-the-counter bulk stool softener, such as methylcellulose or psyllium.
Online Medical Reviewer: Bowers, Nancy, RN, BSN, MPHFoley, Maryann, RN, BSN
Date Last Reviewed: 4/12/2016
© 2000-2019 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Related Conditions
- 5 Pregnancy Myths
- Be Wary of These Three Items
- Bleeding During Early Pregnancy
- Ease Nausea with Natural Remedies
- Ease the Aches of Pregnancy with Exercise
- For the Sake of Your Baby, Skip the Alcohol
- For Twins or More: What to Consider in Your Third Trimester
- Gentle Approach Can Beat Pregnancy-Related Hair Loss
- Having Multiples? Take Extra Care in the First Trimester
- Healthy Habits Are Extra Important During Pregnancy
- How are Low Birthweight and Smoking Related?
- How to Avoid Heartburn During Pregnancy
- How to Handle Dizziness During Pregnancy
- How to Keep Gestational Diabetes at Bay
- Keeping Up with the 9-to-5
- Lifting the Burden of Pregnancy Depression
- Manage Issues in the Workplace
- Managing Gestational Diabetes
- Managing Your Diabetes During Pregnancy
- Medicine and Pregnancy Don't Always Mix
- Pregnancy and Oral Health
- Pregnancy and Skin Changes
- Pregnancy: Common Questions
- Pregnancy Rhinitis: Relief for Ongoing Nasal Congestion Is Possible
- Pregnancy Safety for You and Your Little One
- Pregnant? Why You Should Know About Lead
- Safe Sleep During Pregnancy
- Steps to Reduce the Pressure on Your Legs
- Take Precautions When You Travel
- Take to the Water for Exercise
- What Dad Can Expect When You’re Expecting