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Even if we are not particularly prone to constipation as normal, since we are pregnant, our intestines seem to be functioning in slow motion! A great classic… This disorder affects one in two women at some point during her pregnancy. Why do the intestines suddenly become finicky?
Why is a pregnant woman often constipated?
The first reason is biological: progesterone, a hormone secreted in large quantities during pregnancy, slows down the work of the intestinal muscles. Then, the uterus, by increasing in size, will put pressure on the digestive system. Not to mention that a future mother, in general, reduces her physical activity, which, as we know, disrupts transit.
Iron supplementation, administered to pregnant women who suffer from anemia, also promotes constipation.
During pregnancy, each has its own transit
Some pregnant women will have a bowel movement several times a day, others only every other day. As long as you don’t suffer from bloating or an upset stomach, there is no need to panic. We talk about constipation when an individual goes to the toilet less than three times a week.
Laxative, glycerin suppository… Which medication to use against constipation?
A constipated future mother would be tempted to pick up any laxative in her pharmacy. Big mistake! Some are contraindicated during pregnancy so avoid self-medication when pregnant. Also, consumed in high doses, certain drugs against constipation irritate the digestive system and may slow down the absorption of essential foods providing vitamins and minerals to pregnant women. Your doctor will recommend suppositories containing glycerin, paraffin oil or fiber in oral solution instead. Do not hesitate to seek advice from your gynecologist and pharmacist as soon as you have the slightest doubt, and to consult the CRAT website, which details the possible teratogenic effects (leading to fetal malformations) of drugs.
What to do when you are constipated and pregnant? The cures
Here are some recommendations and hygiene measures to put in place to boost your transit and avoid or fight against constipation during pregnancy.
- Eat fiber! Prefer foods in their “complete” version (bread, pasta, cereals, etc.). Also think about pulses, dried fruits, green vegetables, etc. Otherwise, prunes, spinach, beetroot, apricots, honey … It’s up to you to experiment and find beneficial foods for your transit. They vary from woman to woman.
- Drink at least 1,5 liters of water per day. The more dehydrated you are, the harder and harder your stool will be. It is advisable to start as soon as you wake up, with a large glass of water or fresh fruit juice. Then, during the day, consume water (if possible rich in magnesium), herbal teas, diluted fruit juices, vegetable broths, etc.
- Start your meals with a fatty food, avocado type, raw vegetables with a spoonful of vinaigrette or olive oil. Fat activates bile salts, which play an important role in digestion.
- Avoid foods that bloat (such as Brussels sprouts, bananas, sodas, white beans, lentils and other legumes, leeks, cucumber, soft drinks, etc.) and foods that are difficult to digest (dishes in sauce, fatty meat, fatty fish, pastries, fried foods, etc.).
- Prefer dairy products with active bifidus, a natural probiotic, which, consumed daily, helps regulate transit.
Watch out for the sound! It has a good reputation in the treatment of constipation, but consumed in too large a quantity, it can decrease the absorption of calcium and iron, essential for the health of the mother-to-be.
Pregnant, have a new lifestyle
Physical exercise is known to improve transit! During pregnancy, favor gentle sports such as walking, yoga or gentle gymnastics.
On a daily basis, also adopt a good posture: avoid “squeezing” yourself, stand up straight, trying as much as possible to erase your arch.
Constipation: acquire good gestures
- Relieve your urge to go to the bathroom when it presents itself! If you miss an opportunity, the stool will harden and accumulate, then it will be more difficult to pass it. Such a need often arises after meals, especially breakfast. Make sure you are not in transport or in a meeting at this time!
- Adopt a good position on the toilet. The most suitable to facilitate the evacuation of the stool: sitting, the knees raised above the hips (almost squatting). Place your feet on a step stool or stack of books to be comfortable.
- Protect your perineum. Don’t push too hard to try to pass a bowel movement or you’ll feel like you’re pushing your baby too! By forcing, you further weaken the ligaments that hold the bladder, uterus and rectum. It would be silly to risk organ descent …