Jahnavi Sarma
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Written By: Jahnavi Sarma | Updated : October 14, 2020 8:34 AM IST
Constipation during pregnancy is more common in women who have suffered from it already before pregnancy, or during their possible earlier pregnancy. @Shutterstock
Bloating, gas, and other gastrointestinal problems are common during most pregnancies. Constipation usually happens when the levels of progesterone rise in your body. This happens around the second to third month of pregnancy. However, it is likely that you may see a worsening of this problem as your pregnancy progresses and your uterus grows. Now researchers of a new study warn that women are two-three times more likely to suffer from constipation during pregnancy and right after childbirth than at any other time in their life. Constipation is common, and the risk of infrequent bowel movement is increased by a diet that is low in fibre. It becomes more common with age, and women tend to have constipation more often than men. However, constipation-related problems subside surprisingly quickly after delivery.
Published in the International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (BJOG), the new study focuses on the incidence of constipation in the second and third trimester, as well as immediately after vaginal and caesarean delivery. The research team explored the incidence of constipation and other gastrointestinal problems in more than 1,000 fertile age women. The study found that 44 per cent of women have constipation in the second trimester, and 36 per cent in the third. The incidence of constipation after vaginal delivery increases to 47 per cent, and as many as 57 per cent of women who had a caesarean delivery reported gastrointestinal problems and constipation.
According to the researchers, the percentages are surprisingly high and, since gastrointestinal problems have an effect on both physical and mental well-being, their prevention should be discussed in pre-natal clinics early on in pregnancy. Severe constipation increases the risk of haemorrhoids, urinary and faecal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse. Constipation during pregnancy is more common in women who have suffered from it already before pregnancy, or during their possible earlier pregnancy.
One of the new discoveries of the study is that normal bowel function is restored quickly after childbirth. Researchers say that their findings show that constipation and other gastrointestinal problems are very common. This is why it is important to invest in their prevention and treatment, and in the related counselling, both during pregnancy and after childbirth.
In pregnancy, placental hormones cause bowel movements to slow down, and the growing uterus can make it difficult to pass stool normally. In addition, pregnancy changes the way fluids get absorbed from the gut. According to the researchers, daily exercise, eating a balanced diet that is rich in fibre, and drinking enough fluids are the most important ways to prevent constipation. You need to add a lot of fruits and veggies to your diet. These foods will give you fibre and are a rich source of vitamins and minerals too. However, if you find that these lifestyle changes are not enough to alleviate constipation, you may need to consult a doctor who will prescribe laxatives (substances that loosen stools and increase bowel movements) to help you deal with your problem.
(With inputs from IANS)
