The inability to expel hard stool from the rectum is a frightening physical discomfort. When you experience this condition, it is probably constipation. It is a condition of the digestive system, which occurs when the colon absorbs too much liquid from food. Simultaneously, the slow movement of food through the digestive tract makes it easier for the colon to absorb more of its liquid content and hardens it. This makes the stool dry and hard, and creates difficulty in bowel movement.
This is the most common reason for constipation. But, for pregnant women, the underlying reasons trigger other reasons for the condition. And when it happens to pregnant women, it is quite painful and intolerable as other pregnancy complications are still raging.
The reasons for constipation in pregnant women
Difficult evacuation or infrequent bowel movements are what is known as when pregnant women develop the condition of constipation. It is estimated that between 11% and 38% of pregnant women suffer from this bowel movement complication.
During pregnancy, the female gastrointestinal tract undergoes anatomical and physiological changes. As a result, you can see many hormonal changes in pregnant women. For example, progesterone levels go up, while motilin hormone levels go down. And together they influence the time of defecation through the tract. Simultaneously, it also increases the absorption of fluid from the intestines, which contributes to dry stools. Apart from hormonal changes, there are also other factors that favor fecal impaction in pregnant women.
During pregnancy, you also tend to take other pills and vitamin supplements. In most cases, pregnant women stop doing any physical activity. Therefore, increasing the number of vitamin pills and decreasing maternal exercises lead to constipation. You may experience serious complications from constipation later in pregnancy, when your uterus enlarges and creates an obstacle to the movement of stool.
Health complications of constipation during pregnancy
Although impactions are rare, many pregnant women can develop this condition. And when this happens, the result becomes a drastic physical condition. This is the most common gastrointestinal health problem, followed by nausea faced by pregnant women. Common complications of constipation during pregnancy can include anxiety, discomfort, and anxiety. These complications interfere with your daily life and activities.
Ways to prevent constipation condition during pregnancy
The first line of therapy to treat constipation symptoms includes increasing dietary fiber intake, along with a moderate level of daily exercise.
Take a high fiber diet
During pregnancy, it is ideal to incorporate a dietary fiber in your diet of 25-30 grams. Fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals, bran, bread, cereals, and prunes are rich in dietary fiber.
Increase your dependence on fluids
When you increase your daily fiber intake, it becomes necessary to drink plenty of fluids. This helps you avoid developing bloating, gas, and cramps from overuse of fibers or bulking agents. Be sure to drink at least 10-12 glasses of fluids, including fruit juices and water. If you don’t feel like drinking fluids, you may sweat a lot through the exercises. This increases your need for more fluids.
exercise daily
You become inactive when you do nothing. And this becomes evident during pregnancy. Do a moderate level of daily exercise. A brisk walk or swim may help. They are good enough to stimulate bowel movement. Do workouts for 30 minutes three a day.
Things to avoid during pregnancy
Laxative products are a strict no no. They provoke contractions of the uterus and therefore lead to dehydration. At the same time, remember not to use too many iron supplements. You can use natural ways to replenish your iron needs.