Constipation during pregnancy: what to do and take

physiological changes in the body of a pregnant, hormonal changes, weight gain, and the number of circulating blood, growing uterus - all this provokes a change in the state of health of expectant mothersAnd they are not always positive. One of the frequent problems that most women face in pregnancy is constipation.

Constipation is a stool retention for more than 2 days. But when carrying a child it is very important to empty the intestines daily to prevent intoxication. With a competent approach to nutrition, the regimen of activity and the use of liquid, such a problem can be avoided.

Causes of

Bloating and constipation during pregnancy may appear on different terms. The reasons will depend on when exactly there was a stool delay.

most common disorders in the intestine cause :

• changes in hormonal background in the early stages. The increased production of progesterone leads to a decrease in the tone of the smooth muscles of the internal organs. This reduces the risk of miscarriage, preventing the development of hypertension of the uterus. Side effect - hypotension of the intestine. The wall contractions become less active, and the stool masses do not move.
• The pressure of the uterus at a later date. The child gradually increases in size, the organs located side by side are somewhat displaced and squeezed. The contents of the intestine are transported more slowly, constipation develops.
• Psychological problem: fear of pushing. Such fears often occur in women with the risk of abortion and premature birth.
• Unbalanced power supply. Changes in eating habits, heartburn, nausea often lead to a woman beginning to use a limited set of products. The lack of fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals, an overabundance of fresh pastries, sweets, fried and fatty foods - all this leads to disruption of digestion and constipation.
• Lack of physical activity. Constipation during pregnancy in the early stages may be the result of hypodynamia due to severe toxicosis, fear of miscarriage, especially if there is a threat of interruption. In later terms, many women become a burden because of the large size of the abdomen, a set of extra pounds, swelling.

also causes of constipation can be a problem that existed before pregnancy: congenital intestinal structure features, polyps, scars, intestinal worms. In such cases, a doctor is required.

Symptoms Symptoms of constipation are determined by its type:

• atonic constipation .Peristalsis of the intestine is flabby and unproductive in this type of disorder. Characterized by pulling, aching pain in the lower abdomen, increased formation of gases, decreased appetite. There is a feeling of overflow of the intestine, attacks of nausea. The general state of health worsens, lethargy, apathy, and working capacity decrease. Another symptom, alarming during pregnancy - blood in the stool, which in atonic constipation occurs due to tears of mucous membranes of the anus and rectum. Similar symptoms during pregnancy are manifested not only constipation, but also hemorrhoids.
• Spastic lock .The intestine tonus is elevated, the movement of stool is difficult due to spasm of the walls. The abdominal pains are paroxysmal, localized in the left side along the thick colon and spread to the inguinal region. Gradually develops flatulence, reduces appetite, fatigue, irritability, drowsiness increases. Feces are dense, in the form of small balls( "sheep feces").The urge to empty the intestine appears several times a day, but as you can not go to the toilet, the symptoms only increase.

Than constipation in pregnancy is dangerous

Strong and prolonged constipation during pregnancy can affect not only the mother's well-being, but also the condition of the unborn child. The delay of stool leads to inflammation in the intestine. Stagnant phenomena create a favorable environment for the development of pathogenic microflora, gradually decay begins.

The products of the vital activity of bacteria are absorbed through the walls of the intestine into the bloodstream and cause intoxication of the mother and child. Ammonia, indole and hydrogen sulphide poison the body, this is manifested by a decrease in appetite, dizziness, general weakness, headaches. When they get to the fetus, these compounds can provoke intrauterine growth disorders.

The main thing that constipation is dangerous at later stages of pregnancy is an increase in the tone of the uterus and the premature onset of labor. Stool mass lingers in the rectum, irritating its walls and causing their contraction. At 37-39 a week it is already impossible to push, as the head of the baby is lowered, and the flow of water can begin. Therefore, you can not leave the problem without attention, but before you deal with constipation, pregnant women need to consult a doctor.

Treatment

Constipation during pregnancy always requires treatment. In most cases, the normal operation of the intestine can be restored with the help of proper nutrition, physical activity and elimination of stress factors. But if these measures do not help to get rid of constipation during pregnancy, it is necessary to use medicines or folk remedies.

Medications

All medicines for pregnancy can be taken only after consulting a doctor. To medical treatment resorted in those cases where safer methods do not bring results.

What pregnant women can take from constipation? Of laxatives, only those that gently stimulate peristalsis are allowed without causing sharp contractions of the intestinal wall.

These drugs include Mucofalk tablets, Fayberlex powder. Their action is based on the presence of enzymes and fatty acids in the composition. The result does not appear immediately, but several days after taking the drug.

After the first trimester osmotic laxatives are allowed. They soften the stool masses, and the defecation process is restored. This group includes Forlax, Fortrans.

Another remedy for constipation during pregnancy is - Dufalac. This drug has a probiotic effect - it eliminates the pathogenic microflora and replaces it with lacto- and bifidobacteria.

Folk methods

What is allowed to do at home if constipation occurs during pregnancy?

You can use the following folk remedies:

• From fresh potato tubers squeeze the juice, dilute in half with water. Drink 50 ml 30 minutes before meals. The daily norm is 100-150 ml.
• From the apples of figs, prepare a decoction: 2 tbsp. L.Pour a glass of boiling water, cool. Take 1 tbsp. L.Up to 4 times a day. Instead of water, you can use milk.
• In a glass of boiling water pour 1 tsp. Flax seeds, infuse for 4 hours. Take before bedtime without filtering.
• Boil half a glass of milk, pour 1 tbsp. L.Wheat bran and leave in a thermos for half an hour. Strain and drink in the morning.

From constipation for pregnant women are absolutely safe drinks such as milk with honey, compote of apples and gooseberries, infusions of anise, caraway and fennel, carrot juice, prunes. The only thing you need to pay attention to before they take it is an individual intolerance.

Exercises

Daily physical activity - that's how you can get rid of constipation during pregnancy without harming the baby. Walking in the fresh air is allowed at any time, if there are no complications requiring bed rest.

Special gymnastics for pregnant women is recommended in the second and beginning of the third trimester. The complex of exercises includes taking the knee-elbow position, circular movements of the pelvis sitting on the fitball, light twisting, swinging legs, shallow squats - all this activates the intestinal motility, restores its emptying.

Diet

The daily diet of a pregnant woman should include fresh vegetables, fruits, prunes, grains. Of porridges, oatmeal and buckwheat are recommended, but rice should be discarded. Also banned fresh bread, baked pastries, fatty and fried dishes, beans.

It will benefit the habit of drinking kefir or fermented milk before going to bed, there is a fresh salad with vegetable oil for lunch and dinner, oatmeal for breakfast. It is important to drink during the day at least 1.5-2 liters of fluid, better - clean water.

Another component of the correct power supply is the mode. Take food often, up to 5-6 times a day and in small portions. This will not create unnecessary strain on the intestines. Overeating and large amounts of food lead to stretching the walls and disrupting the peristalsis.

What can not be done with constipation in a future mother

When pregnancy is contraindicated the following methods of eliminating constipation:

• physiotherapy;
• strong laxatives, especially those that stimulate the intestinal wall;
• glycerine candles for constipation for pregnant women are used only in extreme cases and under the supervision of a doctor, since there is a risk of miscarriage or premature birth, other suppositories are prohibited;
• an enema from constipation during pregnancy can provoke the tone of the uterus and miscarriage, premature birth.

Prevention

Constipation in early and late pregnancy can be prevented by adhering to 3 recommendations:

• Balanced power supply .In the diet should always be present fresh vegetables and fruits, sour-milk products, oatmeal, buckwheat, prunes, dried apricots.
• Drinking mode .Using 1.5-2 liters of water makes the stools soft, facilitates their movement through the intestines.
• Motor activity .Walking, easy work around the house is a necessary minimum of physical activity. Hypodinamy leads to a decrease in intestinal motility.

Constipation during pregnancy can occur at any time. Most often it can be eliminated by balancing the diet, restoring the drinking regime and physical activity. If these methods do not help, you need to see a doctor in order to find out the cause of the disorder and find the most effective and safe medicines.

Author: Olga Khanova, doctor,
specially for Moizhivot.ru

Useful video about the causes and treatment of constipation during pregnancy