The inability to expel hard stools from the rectum is a fearsome 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 liquid content from it and hardens it. This makes the stool dry and hard, and makes it difficult to pass a 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 continue to rage.
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 experience 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 experience an increase, while levels of the hormone motilin decrease. And together they influence the time of defecation through the tract. Simultaneously, it also increases the absorption of liquid from the intestines, which contributes to drying out the stool. Apart from hormonal changes, there are also other factors that advocate fecal impaction in pregnant women.
During pregnancy, she also tends to take other pills and vitamin supplements. In most cases, pregnant women stop doing any physical activity. Therefore, the increase in the number of vitamin pills and the decrease in maternal exercises lead to constipation. You can 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 impacted fecal matter is 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 life and daily activities.
Ways to prevent constipation condition during pregnancy
The first line of therapy to treat the symptoms of constipation includes increasing dietary fiber intake, along with a moderate level of daily exercise.
Eat 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 plums 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 overusing 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 can 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 cause contractions of the uterus and thus 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.
