The Pregnancy Poop

CONSTIPATION DURING PREGNANCY

2 min read

Definition: 'Constipation is the infrequent passage of stool. It is generally defined as ≤ 3 bowel movements per week

72 percent of women experience constipation during pregnancy. This means nearly three out of four women. Granziano, associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Loyola University Chicago, says the reason why constipation or irritable bowel movement has a minimal impact on quality of live is most likely that pregnancy women already expect such problems in pregnancy and are therefore better able to tolerate them. But why do women experience constipation during pregnancy? In pregnancy, the hormone progesterone increases gradually until birth. It is there to keep the pregnancy ongoing, supports growth of the endometrium, inhibits contractions and a lot more. However, since it inhibits contractions in the uterus, which is a 'smooth' muscle it also affects the smooth muscles of the intestine. This means it takes longer for the food to move through the bowl system, which can cause constipation. Also another hormone, called aldosterone, increases the water absorption out of the intestine into the blood system. This happens because the vascular system needs more volume, meaning water, during pregnancy. Nevertheless, hormones are not the only reason. Vitamins, calcium and iron supplements that women take during pregnancy can also cause constipation, Graziano says. But how can one prevent this? Here are some evidence based tips:

1. One should drink at least a minimum of 1,5 liters of water or tea per day. Avoid soft drinks

2. One should eat at least 25 - 30g of fibre per day

3. Movement is key!

4. One can take some stool softener after consultation with a gynaecologist

5. A toilet stool will enable you to pass stool more easily

6. A big glass of lukewarm water in the morning can release the gastro colic reflex. If something enters the stomach the colon reacts with the need to 'get rid' of some stuff. You then may feel the need to poop.

7. Communication. Talking about what you are going through and what changes you are noticing during pregnancy is so very important, especially with your partner. If you do not talk about it, they will not know what is going on and how they can help.

Sources

Amboss - Constipation

Graziano, Johnson - Loyola University Chicago - May 2013