The reason for constipation during pregnancy is hormonal changes and the pressure that the growing baby exerts on the intestines. Many believed that constipation during pregnancy could cause poisoning in the past. One of the most critical complaints of women during their pregnancy is constipation. The problem of constipation that occurs later in pregnancy is an uncomfortable condition for the expectant mother. Still, it is possible to alleviate these complaints with some measures.
Constipation problem, which is generally present in expectant mothers during pregnancy, increases slightly. When the emotional sensitivity of the expectant mother is added to this situation, constipation can be perceived as a more serious problem than it is. Therefore, constipation is one of the most common complaints among pregnant women.
The factors that cause constipation during pregnancy are hormonal changes and the pressure exerted by the baby on the intestines. It was believed that constipation during pregnancy could cause poisoning in the past. However, due to the lack of absorption in the large intestines, the stool remaining here for a long time does not have any significant side effects (provided that it does not stay for too long). It is also a fact that the loss of salt and electrolytes due to diarrhea, which can be caused by giving laxative drugs to expectant mothers with constipation problems, leads to greater negativities.
Fissures (cracks in the anus) and hemorrhoids are the leading diseases that occur during pregnancy. As a result of delaying the defecation process due to pain and delaying going to the toilet due to these diseases, the rectum expands over time and becomes lazy. Constipation settles well with damage to the nerves due to excessive straining. The most appropriate way to alleviate the complaints is for the expectant mother to force herself to go to the toilet at the same time every day. When going to the bathroom, it is necessary to be in the optimal position to ensure increased intra-abdominal pressure, which causes the rectum to empty. If the pregnant mother has conditions that cause painful defecation, such as anal fissures, hemorrhoids, and as a result, infrequent visits to the toilet, she should be treated. The best remedy for treatment is the pregnant woman’s effort and making small enemas. Enemas can be repeated every two days until a normal reflex is formed.
Other factors that increase constipation caused by hormone changes during pregnancy are inactivity, eating pulp-free foods, and drinking little water. One of the most critical measures that can be taken against constipation is to pay attention to nutrition and exercise. Especially fibrous vegetables and fruits, carbohydrate-containing foods, meals with olive oil, and plenty of water increase bowel movements. In addition, dried fruit compotes can be drunk in the evening to reduce complaints. A few dried figs eaten in the morning often reduce discomfort. Drinking a glass of warm water in the morning can also increase bowel movements.
Here are some recommendations for pregnant women to prevent constipation:
- You can consume plenty of all kinds of fibrous foods (raw vegetables and fruits) provided that you wash them very well.
- You can drink fresh juices, compotes of dried apricots, prunes, and dried figs.
- During breakfast in the morning, you can drink a glass of warm water with sugar. You can add a spoonful of oil to the water if you wish.
- Do not forget to exercise. Especially try to do walking as much as possible.
- If there is no change in your complaints due to the measures you have taken, consult your doctor.
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REFERENCES:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25769434/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23768623/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26986742/
