What causes constipation during pregnancy?


It is fairly common to experience constipation during pregnancy. The symptoms of constipation in early pregnancy can be uncomfortable for the woman. Constipation in pregnancy usually persists throughout pregnancy.


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Causes of Constipation during Pregnancy

 Constipation is a sign of pregnancy. Several elements trigger constipation in pregnancy. During pregnancy, a woman's body experiences many changes, both physical and emotional. These changes are the main contributing factors for constipation during pregnancy.

Common Causes of Constipation during Pregnancy

1. Hormones
Constipation occurs during early pregnancy because of hormonal changes. Pregnancy constipation in the first trimester is caused by pregnancy hormone progesterone, which slows down intestinal activity. During pregnancy, hormonal changes happen may relax the bowel and alter the digestive system.

2. Supplements
Pregnant women are required take iron supplements during pregnancy. Iron supplements cause constipation in some women, especially if the dose is high.

3. Altered Diet
Change in diet also contributes to the development of pregnancy constipation. Morning sickness can cause dietary changes and habits which may cause constipation. This change in eating habits can affect affects bowel movement, particularly if is a low fiber diet.

4. Pressure on the Bowel by the Heavy Womb
Another cause for being constipated in later months of pregnancy is the pressure from the uterus sitting on the rectum. This pressure can obstruct the free flow of intestinal contents.

5. Anxiety, Worries, and Tension
Fatigue and mood swings are very common in pregnancy. Stress and anxiety can cause severe constipation during pregnancy. So, in order to get constipation relief, pregnant women should keep their stress under control.


Hemorrhoids during Pregnancy

If the woman is constipated, it can, unfortunately, lead to hemorrhoids. Severe constipation in pregnancy often leads to chronic straining to have a bowel movement, which can cause or aggravate anal fissure and hemorrhoids during pregnancy.


Pregnancy Constipation Relief

Here are some tips for relieving yourself of this common pregnancy discomfort.
1. Getting dehydrated can add to the problem. Drink plenty of water to keep the stools from getting hard.
2. Eating fruits and vegetables is certainly beneficial in reducing hard, dry stool while pregnant.
3. Start adding fiber-rich foods into your diet like whole grains, raw or cooked leafy green to have effortless bowel movements and get pregnancy constipation relief.
4. It is also a good practice to avoid the foods that may cause constipation. It will help get relief from constipation during pregnancy.
5. If your prenatal supplements are causing pregnancy and constipation problems, talk to your doctor about alternative sources of prenatal vitamins.

Constipation can cause great discomfort during pregnancy. Sometimes solving the problem of pregnancy constipation may be relatively challenging. You can follow some simple constipation remedies to treat and prevent constipation and hemorrhoids during pregnancy.