Constipation in pregnancy, also known as constipation, is very common, but uncomfortable, as it can cause abdominal pain, bloating and hemorrhoids, and can interfere with labor, making it difficult for the baby to pass.
Women who have already suffered from constipation may become pregnant during pregnancy, because progesterone, which is a hormone present in high concentrations during pregnancy, causes a slowness in the digestive system, causing foods remain longer in the intestine, making the situation worse. In addition, baby growth slows down the space for the bowel to function properly.
What to do
To relieve the symptoms of bowel constipation of pregnancy, it is recommended:
- Increase consumption of fiber-rich foods such as papaya, lettuce, oats and wheat germ;
- Drink at least 2 liters of water daily and consume foods also rich in water such as watermelon and carrot, for example. Know which foods are high in water;
- Practice physical exercise in a light but regular way, such as a 30-minute walk daily, for example;
- Go to the bathroom whenever you feel like it and try to go to the bathroom after meals so as to create a routine.
The doctor may recommend iron supplementation or the use of laxatives or drugs that soften the stool to relieve the symptoms of constipation.
Signs of Constipation in Pregnancy
In addition to not feeling like or unable to go to the bathroom at the ideal frequency, constipation in pregnancy can be perceived through abdominal pain, cramps and bloating, for example. If the pregnant woman notices the presence of blood in the stool or if she is not evacuated for many days, it is important to consult the doctor for the best treatment.
Also see what to do when you have abdominal pain in pregnancy.
