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What Causes Chronic Constipation During Pregnancy?
hey I went to the bathroom a few mins ago and I have been kinda constipated the past couple days and I went poop and I had like a sting clear sac kinda looking thing in the toilet and I m also 16 weeks pregnant I don t have any pain or anything should I be worried?
Mon, 21 Aug 2017
Hello Dear. Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy: Up to half of pregnant women get constipated at some point.
One reason for constipation during pregnancy is an increase in the hormone progesterone, which relaxes smooth muscles throughout the body, including the digestive tract. This means that food passes through the intestines more slowly.
And the problem may be compounded later in pregnancy by the pressure of your growing uterus on your rectum. Iron supplements, especially in high doses, can make constipation worse.
Here are some tips for preventing and easing constipation when you're pregnant:
1. Eat high-fiber foods, including whole grain cereals and breads, brown rice, beans, and fresh fruits and vegetables every day. It can help to add a couple of tablespoons of unprocessed wheat bran (available at health food stores) to your cereal in the morning, though it may take a few days before you notice a difference.
2. Drink plenty of water. Try to have 10 8-ounce cups of water or other beverages daily. (Or sip throughout the day until your urine is clear or pale yellow in color – a sign of adequate hydration.) Drinking a glass of fruit juice every day, especially prune juice, can also be helpful. Some people find that drinking a warm liquid right after waking up helps get things moving.
3. Exercise regularly. Walking, swimming, riding a stationary bike, and yoga can all ease constipation and leave you feeling more fit and healthy.
4. Listen to your body. Your bowels are most likely to be active after meals, so make time to use the bathroom after you eat if you need to. Don't put off going to the bathroom when you feel the urge.
5. Try another prenatal vitamin. If your prenatal multivitamin contains a large dose of iron (and you're not anemic), ask your healthcare provider about switching to a supplement with less iron.
6. If the measures above don't help (or it's hard for you to follow them), talk to your provider about taking an over-the-counter fiber supplement or a laxative or stool softener.
With regards- Dr Sanjay Kini
One reason for constipation during pregnancy is an increase in the hormone progesterone, which relaxes smooth muscles throughout the body, including the digestive tract. This means that food passes through the intestines more slowly.
And the problem may be compounded later in pregnancy by the pressure of your growing uterus on your rectum. Iron supplements, especially in high doses, can make constipation worse.
Here are some tips for preventing and easing constipation when you're pregnant:
1. Eat high-fiber foods, including whole grain cereals and breads, brown rice, beans, and fresh fruits and vegetables every day. It can help to add a couple of tablespoons of unprocessed wheat bran (available at health food stores) to your cereal in the morning, though it may take a few days before you notice a difference.
2. Drink plenty of water. Try to have 10 8-ounce cups of water or other beverages daily. (Or sip throughout the day until your urine is clear or pale yellow in color – a sign of adequate hydration.) Drinking a glass of fruit juice every day, especially prune juice, can also be helpful. Some people find that drinking a warm liquid right after waking up helps get things moving.
3. Exercise regularly. Walking, swimming, riding a stationary bike, and yoga can all ease constipation and leave you feeling more fit and healthy.
4. Listen to your body. Your bowels are most likely to be active after meals, so make time to use the bathroom after you eat if you need to. Don't put off going to the bathroom when you feel the urge.
5. Try another prenatal vitamin. If your prenatal multivitamin contains a large dose of iron (and you're not anemic), ask your healthcare provider about switching to a supplement with less iron.
6. If the measures above don't help (or it's hard for you to follow them), talk to your provider about taking an over-the-counter fiber supplement or a laxative or stool softener.
With regards- Dr Sanjay Kini
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