How to deal with constipation in pregnant women. Constipation During Pregnancy - What To Do? Medicines and folk remedies for treatment. Medication methods of treatment

At the beginning of bearing a baby, a lot of changes occur with the female body. In most cases, they are not very pleasant. These include problems with the digestive system, in particular Why do they occur? What should women do in situations like this? And how can you avoid them?

Causes of constipation during pregnancy

Therapists consider bowel movements less than two to three times a week problematic. And if before the onset of pregnancy a woman did not experience problems with stool at all, then in the early stages they are quite possible. The thing is that the body of the expectant mother during this period is prone to stagnation in the intestines. This is facilitated by an increase in the level of progesterone - a female hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy. It weakens intestinal motility. Progesterone relaxes the smooth muscles that move the intestinal wall.

Constipation in expectant mothers in the early stages can begin with severe toxicosis. Regular nausea reduces appetite, and vomiting and dehydration of the body leads to inadequate stool volume.

And at an early stage, pregnant women are often prescribed iron supplements to normalize their performance. These medications also lead to congestion and constipation. The feces are compacted.

Another reason for the problem is the lack of physical activity of women. Some in the early stages are shown bed rest with, while others very strongly feel a decrease in immunity and a breakdown, others simply become sleep-lovers.

Another common cause of first trimester constipation is malnutrition and a lack of fiber in the diet.

Also, stress and even the news of pregnancy itself, if it was not planned, can cause stagnation. Psychologists, by the way, explain it this way: while a woman is thinking about whether to keep the pregnancy or not, weighing all the "pros" and "cons", she is in a kind of stagnation. This is reflected in the processes in the intestine. And when she decides exactly what to do next, stagnation will pass.

What is the danger of constipation in pregnant women

The problem cannot be underestimated. After all, the intestines are in close proximity to the reproductive organs. Therefore, the well-being of the expectant mother also depends on his condition.

Stagnant phenomena violate the intestinal microflora, and the multiplication of pathological bacteria leads to their penetration into the reproductive organs.

Colpitis during pregnancy can be triggered just by chronic constipation. If the intestinal microflora of the expectant mother is disturbed, then the baby, in the future, also has a risk of dysbiosis in the form of problems with stools and colic.

And constipation is also dangerous because a large amount of toxins is absorbed into the blood. Intoxication develops, which harms the development of the fetus and the health of the woman.

If a woman is pushing with constipation, then intra-abdominal pressure rises. And this is also negatively reflected on the developing baby, and his mother is at risk of getting it.

Treatment of constipation in the first trimester of pregnancy

In this matter, a competent approach is needed, because medicines and traditional laxatives are strictly prohibited for women in the early stages. This also applies to enemas, as they stimulate the so-called explosive bowel movements, which, in turn, can cause the uterus to contract.

Vaseline oil, as a mild laxative, has a gentle effect. But its high fat content puts a strain on the digestive system, in particular on the liver.

Laxatives based on buckthorn bark, hay and others usually cause intestinal cramps. And this is a factor provoking miscarriage.

Traditional drugs with irritating effects are prohibited during early pregnancy: Regulax, Senade, Gutalax, Dulcolax.

You can take Fortrans powder and other polyethylene glycol laxatives. Duphalac, a syrup containing a prebiotic, is suitable. You can use glycerin candles.

As for folk remedies for constipation, women prone to such phenomena are advised to introduce boiled beets, a mixture of dried apricots, raisins and honey, kefir into the diet. These products prevent constipation, normalize stool, and serve as natural sources of vitamins.

Immediately after the conception of a child in a woman's body, the restructuring of most organs and systems begins. This process is manifested by various symptoms, one of which is constipation during early pregnancy.

Doctors of the antenatal clinic note a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract in the first trimester of pregnancy in more than half of their patients. Constipation in expectant mothers cannot be considered a disease, since they have completely physiological reasons and are caused by changes in the mother's body. However, such digestive disorders can provoke serious disorders in women.

Digestive disorders in the expectant mother are often expressed by the absence of stool for more than three days. This symptom is a consequence of changes in physiology and biochemistry during pregnancy, as well as various errors in the diet and lifestyle of a young woman.

Experts refer to the physiological reasons for constipation during this period:

• Hormonal changes in the blood of a pregnant woman. Immediately after the moment of fertilization, the endocrine glands begin to intensively produce the hormone progesterone, which is responsible in the female body for the successful course of pregnancy and preparation for childbirth. This substance has the property of relaxing the smooth muscles of many organs, including the small and large intestines.
• A similar effect of the hormone leads to a decrease in peristalsis and causes stool retention in the expectant mother.

• To stabilize metabolic processes in a woman's body in the first trimester of pregnancy, doctors recommend that she take a special complex of vitamins and minerals, the basis of which is iron and calcium. These substances indirectly affect the gastrointestinal tract of a woman, causing stagnation in the large intestine, reducing its muscle contractility, thereby provoking constipation in a pregnant woman.
• The process of carrying a child provokes a change in the hormonal balance in the expectant mother. Hormones not only reduce bowel function, they have a negative effect on the patient's nervous system. A woman in the first trimester of pregnancy is prone to stress, and any disturbance from the gastrointestinal tract can cause her severe irritation. A malfunction of the central nervous system often provokes a stool retention in the patient.

The expectant mother herself, by her actions, often leads to disorders in the activity of the digestive system.

If a woman experiences constipation during early pregnancy, the reasons are often rooted in the patient's diet and lifestyle:

• For the expectant mother, it is very important to be correct in the first weeks after conception. A large amount of foods containing fiber should be included in the daily diet, which is very important for the restoration of the motility of the large intestine. An example of such food can be beet dishes, which can positively resolve the issue of constipation.
• Many expectant mothers, under the influence of the advice of friends or after reading the recommendations on popular pseudo-scientific sites, sharply limit themselves in liquid from the first days of pregnancy. So they try to fight the possible, completely without understanding the mechanism of their occurrence.

Lack of fluid will not only cause constipation in a young woman. It is fraught with a violation of the fluid composition of the blood, its thickening and various pathological conditions as a result. There is evidence of an increased risk of blood clots in these patients and various disorders of the central nervous system with a lack of fluid.

Any woman, even those who had excellent health before pregnancy, can experience a similar problem in the first trimester of pregnancy. Constipation in expectant mothers is not considered a disease, nevertheless, they pose a certain threat to a pregnant woman and her unborn child.

Why constipation is dangerous in early pregnancy

Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract in patients expecting a baby is most often expressed in stool retention for several days. If such a condition lasts more than 3 days, it is necessary to take appropriate measures, since constipation can provoke various problems in the expectant mother:

• A woman will most often be bothered by the severity and, possibly, severe pain in the abdominal cavity. Since in the first 2 to 3 months of fetal development, patients are not recommended to use many of the usual medicines, it will be difficult to cope with such symptoms.
• Persistent constipation can increase the pressure in the abdominal cavity, which can provoke. This is already a direct threat to the possible.
• In the first trimester, all the main organs of the unborn child are laid, and a disruption in the work of the gastrointestinal tract contributes to stagnation in the intestines. This situation often leads to the fact that food decay products enter the patient's bloodstream. This is already an immediate threat to the fetus.
• The problem of constipation is best solved early in pregnancy and not postponed until the onset of labor. Pathological microflora of the large intestine can provoke various inflammatory diseases of the birth canal, which can adversely affect childbirth.

• Disruption of the normal functioning of the intestines often becomes the cause of the development of hemorrhoids in the expectant mother. A pregnant woman is already more likely to have problems with hemorrhoids, since the process of bearing a fetus is accompanied by stagnation in the veins of the pelvis, and constipation only aggravates this problem.

There are quite a few reasons why constipation during early pregnancy occurs. Even psychological problems can become an impetus for irregular bowel movements. Doctors of the antenatal clinic can recommend a whole range of measures to a pregnant woman to combat this ailment. The basis of all these measures is the prevention of intestinal stagnation and the stabilization of the gastrointestinal tract.

Watch the video about the causes of constipation:

What can help an expectant mother

Since the disruption of the intestine, in addition to discomfort, poses an immediate threat to the health of the woman and the unborn baby, it is necessary to act decisively. For the treatment of constipation, one cannot be limited to medication or diet alone. Only a combination of efforts will make it possible to successfully cope with this problem.

The nutrition of the expectant mother is a rather serious problem. On the one hand, the patient should receive a sufficient amount of nutrients, on the other, food should not provoke gastrointestinal disorders and contain ingredients harmful to the unborn child.

Experts believe that the key to preventing constipation in an expectant mother is a clear implementation of the following recommendations:

• For a complete and timely bowel movement, a woman's food must contain a large amount of fiber. Doctors recommend that you include plenty of raw vegetables and fresh fruits in your diet. Preference should be given to those gifts of nature that are not capable of causing allergic reactions in the expectant mother. Beets, apples, pears, plums are well suited for the diet.

• Meat should contain a lot of connective tissue. Fatty varieties should be limited. Young veal, lamb, and poultry have proven themselves to be excellent for the nutrition of pregnant women.
• A large amount of vegetable or olive oil should be included in the daily diet. This product is excellent for the restoration of bowel function.
• It is advisable to give preference to oat and buckwheat porridge, brown coarse bread, dried fruits, especially prunes in the diet of such patients.

The doctors of the antenatal clinic will definitely tell the expectant mother what she should refuse. If you have such problems, it is not recommended to eat rice, cabbage, white bread and other foods that cause constipation.

Separately, it should be noted the importance of the water regime for solving the problem. A pregnant woman should consume at least 3 liters of fluid per day. Preference should be given to juices, decoctions of fruits and vegetables. Loved by many ladies and coffee will only aggravate the difficulties in bowel movement.

Products for constipation during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the following foods will help with constipation, which have a laxative effect:

Vegetable oils also have a strong laxative effect; they can replace all fats in ready-made dishes. For severe / persistent constipation, you can consume 30 ml of vegetable oil on an empty stomach in the morning.

What can you drink for constipation for pregnant women

For constipation for pregnant women, you can drink the following drinks:

• dried fruit compote - cooked without adding sugar;
• mineral water with magnesium and sulfates in the composition - "Essentuki" No. 4 and 17 ½ cup 2-3 times a day;
• rosehip decoction - prepared without sugar, drunk without adding honey;
• fennel tea - sold in pharmacies, consumed in an amount of no more than 300 ml per day;
• chicory drink - the best time to drink is morning and lunch.

In general, with constipation, pregnant women are advised to drink more pure water - it helps to soften the feces in the intestines. But recommendations regarding the use of any liquid must be coordinated, received from a doctor - for example, with diseases of the kidneys and urinary system, some drinks will be contraindicated.

If a pregnant woman has constipation, then she should not drink black tea, coffee, any carbonated sweet drinks.

Exercise as a remedy for constipation in pregnant women

Regular gymnastics can be an excellent remedy for constipation, an additional effect will be to increase the general tone of the pregnant woman's body, strengthen muscle fibers. A total of 6 exercises are performed daily 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal:

• Starting position - on all fours, knees and arms apart shoulder-width apart. It is necessary to tear the right hand off the floor and, slightly bending forward and transferring the weight to the resting hand, reach the left knee with your palm. After returning to the starting position, immediately perform the exercise for the other limb.
• Sit straight on the floor with your legs extended forward and your hands on your hips. You need to turn your head and body to the sides. Hands, legs remain unchanged, the back is straight.
• Take a sitting position on the floor with your back against the wall, bending your knees. Take deep breaths in and out with your stomach for no more than 3 minutes in a row.
• Starting position - lying on your back, legs bent at the knees, but not at full amplitude. The right leg should be lifted and the heel should touch the knee of the left lower limb. Then the exercise is repeated for the other leg.
• Without changing the starting position, you need to bend your knees, spread them to the sides and connect your feet together. The task is to lower your knees as close to the floor as possible.
• From the previous position, rest your feet on the floor and bend your knees. The task is to touch the floor with your knees, rotating your pelvis to the right / left.

Each exercise is repeated 10-15 times, gymnastics should not cause strong tension and discomfort. If the pregnancy is proceeding with complications, then the advisability of performing the proposed complex should be consulted with a doctor.

Traditional methods

Traditional medicine specialists have at their disposal a sufficient number of medicinal plants to solve gastrointestinal problems in expectant mothers. In the special literature, there is a positive effect of beets, prunes or grapes on the work of the intestines in the patient. You can suggest using the following folk remedies for the prevention of constipation:

• 200 grams of ground fresh beets are mixed with 100 grams of dried fruit and 150 grams of oatmeal. The resulting mass is poured with 3 liters of cold water and boiled over low heat for 60 - 90 minutes. The drink is cooled and stored in a dark and cool place. 200 grams of broth before bedtime will help the expectant mother to forget about constipation for a long time.
• Not devoid of interest for pregnant women and a medicinal mixture of equal shares of dried apricots, raisins, prunes and honey. These ingredients are thoroughly mixed with a mixer or blender and transferred to a special form. The mixture is infused for 12 hours, after which it is recommended that a woman eat 50 grams of this healing potion before bedtime.

But not all familiar folk laxatives can be used by expectant mothers. Experts are categorically against the patient's use of broths and infusions based on buckthorn, senna leaves and rhubarb. These herbs can cause a malfunction of the hormonal system, which is fraught with the threat of termination of pregnancy.

Traditional medicine

If, with the help of diet and folk recipes, it is not possible to prevent constipation in a woman during early pregnancy, the treatment of this problem should be entrusted to doctors. The thing is that after conception, most of the usual medications are contraindicated for young ladies. What doctors advise:

Solving the problem of constipation in the early stages of pregnancy requires an individual approach, since the likelihood of pathological reactions to any medication in such patients is very high.

Pills for constipation during pregnancy

If the correction of the diet and the use of various drinks does not give a positive result, then constipation during pregnancy can be cured with pills and powders, and the latter are especially effective:

Even the most mild remedies should only be taken in consultation with your doctor. Stronger tablets (Senade) are often prohibited during pregnancy, because they increase peristalsis too much and are absorbed by the intestinal walls.

Constipation in the first trimester: what to do

For constipation in the first trimester, you can use enemas, while the best solution would be to use microclysters - for example, Microlax. Their volume is only 15 ml (this is the maximum), they are distinguished by a gentle effect, gentle cleansing of the intestines. A woman should consult a gynecologist about the treatment of constipation, he will give permission for enemas only under certain circumstances:

• constipation lasts more than 5 days;
• conservative methods do not give a positive result;
• due to the accumulation of feces, symptoms of intoxication (poisoning) of the body appear.

In general, this method of solving the problem is considered extreme when other means do not help, and the stagnation of fecal masses takes on a chronic course. It is strictly forbidden to perform such procedures when:

• a woman's history of miscarriages;
• increased uterine tone;
• diagnosed threat of premature termination of pregnancy;
• previously detected isthmic-cervical insufficiency.

Bowel problems in early pregnancy: constipation, diarrhea, pain

In most cases, pregnant women note problems with the intestines in the early stages - spasms / colic, constipation, diarrhea, doctors associate them with the restructuring of the body, new conditions for its functioning. Intestinal colic can occur against a background of hormonal imbalance, which leads to bloating of the large intestine and severe muscle tension. Constipation and diarrhea are a consequence of intestinal colic, unbalanced diet.

To solve problems, you just need to follow the general recommendations of doctors:

• adjust the diet - the body in early pregnancy needs vegetables, fruits and any low-fat foods;
• drink more water - clean and not carbonated;
• give preference not to black tea and coffee, but to rosehip broth, dried fruit compote and other healthy drinks;
• eat fractionally - in small portions and often, avoid overeating.

Watch this video about nutrition during pregnancy:

The best treatment for constipation in a pregnant woman is to prevent their occurrence

To avoid disorders in the gastrointestinal tract and the associated need for treatment, a woman who is preparing to become a mother needs to follow a few simple rules:

• You cannot limit yourself to liquid. A day you need to drink at least 2 - 3 liters of compotes, juices, mineral water or medicinal broths. If edema develops, the ratio of the drunk and discharged fluid should be carefully monitored and be sure to seek the advice of a doctor.
• To a woman. Stress will surely cause constipation in the expectant mother.
• Such ladies should adhere to a diet that specialists in the antenatal clinic will help her develop. All gas-forming and constipating foods should be avoided from your diet.

• Pregnancy is not a reason to reduce the physical activity of the expectant mother. It is the metered load, walks in the fresh air and an active lifestyle that will help prevent gastrointestinal disorders during pregnancy.

Constipation as a Sign of Pregnancy

Up to 2-3 weeks, the signs of pregnancy are almost invisible, and the woman simply does not suspect that conception has taken place, but there are also pronounced changes in well-being - pain in the lower abdomen, a feeling of intestinal distention and constipation. Additionally, severe heartburn may be present even after eating familiar foods. What can be done to alleviate the condition:

• revise your menu and exclude pickled, smoked and fried foods from it;
• drink a lot of liquid, but give up morning coffee and strong tea for several days;
• introduce fresh vegetables, weak meat broths, cereals on the water into the diet;
... From it you will learn about the reasons for the malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract in a pregnant woman, care and the danger of diarrhea for the mother and fetus.

And in more detail about what sensations arise in the early stages of pregnancy.

These simple tips are useful to all the fair sex. And if a lady is in the early stages of pregnancy, then careful control of her well-being and health care is simply necessary for her.

Constipation causes serious discomfort to pregnant women and is dangerous for her health and the health of the baby. Why do they so often bother women during this period?

The main causes of constipation during pregnancy:

1. At the beginning of pregnancy, the main cause of constipation is hormonal changes in the body of the expectant mother - the content of progesterone, the main hormone of pregnancy, increases. Its “side effect” is that it relaxes the intestinal muscles, reducing peristalsis.
2. Another reason for constipation is changes in the diet of the expectant mother - some women suffer from toxicosis and cannot look at food, others have a brutal appetite. Both lack of food and overeating have a negative effect on bowel function.
3. The next reason is a decrease in activity. In case of a threat of termination of pregnancy, the expectant mother is recommended to bed rest, and the intestines do not like lack of physical activity.
4. Constipation can occur due to taking medications with high levels of calcium, magnesium or iron, which are often prescribed during pregnancy.
5. With the growth of the fetus, new problems are added - the growing uterus squeezes and displaces all organs, including the intestines.
6. In the second half of pregnancy, many women are worried about edema and fluid restriction, which is often recommended, immediately responds to bowel function.
7. Another reason is nervous strain. During pregnancy, a woman becomes very suspicious and susceptible to external factors, she worries about the health of the baby, about the upcoming birth. If problems at work, financial difficulties or family troubles are added to this, the expectant mother is experiencing serious emotional overload.

Constipation during pregnancy can be accompanied by nausea, abdominal pain, poor appetite, and constant tiredness. What should a future mother do with constipation? The problem can be dealt with with medicines and home remedies.

Laxatives for pregnant women

The main rule when treating a pregnant woman is “do no harm”. Therefore, self-administration of drugs is out of the question. Medicines that enhance intestinal contraction, such as Senade, are absolutely contraindicated for pregnant women. They tone the muscles of the uterus and can provoke labor.

There are several groups of laxatives approved for use during pregnancy. But they must be prescribed by a doctor:

Glycerin candles

Approved for emergency use, not suitable for frequent use. in the composition of the candle irritates the walls of the rectum, causing increased peristalsis, and the oils included in its composition help soften the feces. The action comes quickly - in 15-30 minutes. Cannot be used with the existing threat of miscarriage.

The active ingredient sodium citrate softens and liquefies stool and gently enhances peristalsis. Bowel emptying occurs after 15 minutes.

Lactulose

• Eat small meals often.
• Drink water. It is very important. An expectant mother should drink about two liters of water every day. Edema is not an indication for fluid restriction unless it is caused by an abnormality of the heart, liver, kidney, or thyroid gland.
• Meals should be complete in terms of protein, fat and carbohydrate content. But it is better to eat protein foods in the first half of the day, so that it has time to digest well before going to bed.
• Take advantage of light meals in the afternoon. Fermented milk products, fruits and vegetables are suitable.
• Eat dried fruits, especially dried apricots and prunes - they have a pronounced laxative effect and help fight constipation. Make it a rule to eat a few a day and you will see the result soon.
• Season vegetable salads with vegetable oils, they improve intestinal motility. Olive, sunflower, pumpkin or flaxseed oil will do.
• It is better to replace tea and coffee with compote, water with honey and lemon juice, fruit drink.
• Limit your intake of fatty and fried foods.
• Replace simple carbohydrates with complex ones: sweets, cookies, buns, white bread for buckwheat, oatmeal, millet, bran bread.

These simple dietary guidelines will not only prevent constipation, but also help get rid of existing problems.

Why is constipation dangerous during pregnancy?

• Food products that enter the body must be processed and removed from the body within 24 hours. Decay products that were not removed in time begin to rot in the intestines, poisoning the body. The toxins enter the bloodstream and harm the baby.
• Harmful putrefactive microorganisms can enter the reproductive organs, provoking inflammatory processes, and can also cause infection of the baby during childbirth.
• The enlarged uterus compresses the organs and blood vessels in the abdomen. Blood circulation in the intestine is impaired, the risk of development increases. This risk increases many times over with constant intestinal overflow.

Expectant mothers often have a question - is it possible for pregnant women to push with constipation? If you push with strong tension, intra-abdominal pressure increases, which in late pregnancy can provoke a rupture of the membrane of the fetal bladder. But do not be afraid, this can happen with very strong tension, which can also provoke hypertonicity of the muscles of the uterus. In addition, with strong straining, the risk of developing hemorrhoids or loss of nodes with the existing one increases, but this applies to all people, and not only to pregnant women, so proctologists advise no one to push hard.

Constipation has the most negative effect on pregnancy, but it is in our power to minimize the consequences by taking timely measures.

We bring to your attention a video about changes in the digestive tract of a pregnant woman:

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A problem like constipation during pregnancy sooner or later worries almost every woman. There is nothing strange in this, since cardinal changes are taking place in the body. The solution to the problem is simple, but for treatment you need to know the exact cause of this condition, as well as take timely measures when the first symptoms appear. We will talk about this in this article.

Why is constipation dangerous in pregnant women?

This state of the body is not as harmless as it might seem at first glance.

• In a woman's body, decay products of incoming food accumulate, which is in the intestines for a very long time. Due to a long stay there, harmful substances are absorbed through the intestinal walls and enter the bloodstream. This negatively affects the general condition of the pregnant woman and the child. Scientists have determined that at the moment there are 36 types of toxic substances that are formed in the large intestine.
• With constant bloating, the tone of the uterus may increase.
• A healthy microflora in the intestines of a pregnant woman is the key to the formation of a normal microflora in a child. Since the baby passes through the birth canal during childbirth, he receives all the bacteria from the mother.
• Constant constipation causes heaviness in the abdomen, constant bloating. This can be accompanied by pain, which causes discomfort for mom and baby.

The consequences can be the most unpleasant: the general condition worsens, the rectum becomes inflamed, fecal matter poisoning occurs, the tone of the uterus increases, and the skin condition worsens (peeling, flabbiness).

Causes of constipation during early and late pregnancy

The reason for this condition in the early stages may be:

1. Active production of progesterone (a global restructuring occurs in a woman's body, and the hormone is responsible for maintaining pregnancy: smooth muscles relax and the intestines too);
2. Changes in the mode of activity and nutrition (some pregnant women are shown bed rest, many limit themselves to physical activity - with its lack, the intestinal tone decreases);
3. Taking medications for anemia (calcium and iron make the feces denser);
4. Reducing the amount of fluid you drink (with toxicosis, a woman refuses the usual food, malnourishes);
5. Stress (a new state does not always bring joy).

In later stages, a pregnant woman may be haunted by the same problem, which is caused by:

1. growing uterus pressing on the intestines;
2. decrease in fluid intake (to avoid swelling of the extremities);
3. stress;
4. improper nutrition;
5. minimal physical activity;
6. pressing the fetal head on the intestines.

Treatment of constipation during early pregnancy

Constipation in pregnant women causes unpleasant consequences for the mother and baby, since the intestines are located next to the uterus and birth canal. Not all laxatives are allowed during pregnancy.

The danger is that a woman, in an attempt to get rid of the feces accumulated in the intestines, is pushing, and this causes contractions in the uterus. This can lead to miscarriage and premature birth.

• decreased stool frequency;
• hard stools;
• there is pain during bowel movements;
• anal fissures form;
• no feeling of complete emptying;
• there is bloating.

Symptoms can appear individually or collectively.

Habitual laxatives should not be used for the following reason:

• their irritating effects;
• due to the effect on smooth muscles;
• due to their effect on mineral and enzyme balance.

In any case, for constipation, only a doctor should prescribe treatment. Physiotherapy treatments are contraindicated due to the negative effects on the fetus and the stimulation of uterine contractions.

If the doctor permits the use of an enema, then you can prepare the following solutions:

• With soda. Dissolve 1 spoon of baking soda in 500 ml of warm water, cool the solution to room temperature. 500 ml - the amount that you need to enter at a time.
• With vaseline oil. This oil does not irritate the intestines and does not increase peristalsis. 30 ml of oil is diluted with water (70 ml). The water should be at a temperature of 37 degrees.
• With vegetable oil. Oil is not dissolved in water, injected into the large intestine. 20-80 ml of oil is heated to a temperature of 36-38 degrees. Oil is injected at night, it is able to soothe hemorrhoids.

An enema is an emergency aid and cannot eliminate the cause of constipation. Such a procedure cannot be carried out more often than once a week.

The doctor may advise the following:

• use kefir and other dairy products without sugar;
• eat dried fruit (or make a decoction);
• eat kiwi, plums, fresh apricots;
• drink a teaspoon of vegetable oil or add to the dish;
• eat oatmeal (rich in fiber).

Sweet and flour foods should be practically banned.

Vaseline oil can be used as a laxative, but its high fat content loads the liver, therefore, the drug cannot be taken without a doctor's recommendation.

Treatment of constipation in late pregnancy

When treating an ailment in the later stages, special care should also be taken, since laxatives can provoke an increase in the tone of the uterus. The best remedy is microclysters. Their advantage is that they do not expand the intestines, getting into it, unlike a regular enema.

The doctor prescribes osmotic laxatives that normalize the consistency of the feces and stimulate the emptying process without irritating the intestinal walls.

The use of decoctions and infusions based on hay leaves, rhubarb and buckthorn is strictly prohibited, since these herbs can cause disruptions in the hormonal system of a woman, which threatens to terminate pregnancy.

There are also recipes for traditional medicine that a doctor can advise:

• Peel and grate potatoes, squeeze out the juice, dilute it with water in equal amounts. Take 50 ml before each meal.
• Cut five apples into small pieces and boil in 1 liter of water, leave the broth for 4 hours, strain, drink instead of tea.
• Rinse with 1 kg of viburnum, grind in a saucepan. Squeeze out the juice and add 600 g of sugar, stir, put on fire, it is not necessary to boil. Refrigerate and drink 70 ml on an empty stomach. Also, using this tool, you can increase hemoglobin.

Medicines for constipation during pregnancy:

• Duphalac. The main component is lactulose, which eliminates and prevents constipation. The agent does not penetrate into the bloodstream, it is excreted unchanged. When prescribed by a doctor in the form of a syrup, you need to use the daily rate once or divide it into two doses.
• Defenorm is a herbal laxative. Has a mild effect, does not irritate the rectum, changes the consistency of feces. Can be used after a doctor's prescription.
• Phytomucil- a dietary supplement, not a drug. With the help of natural dietary fiber, the volume of feces is increased. Treatment is possible only after the recommendation of a doctor.
• Glycerin candles slightly irritate the colon mucosa and cause it to contract. Petroleum jelly and glycerin soften stool. Even if the pregnancy is proceeding normally, you should not self-medicate, as the tone of the uterus may increase.
• Microlax represents microclysters with an active ingredient sodium citrate. The agent acts locally, does not penetrate the intestinal walls and does not enter the bloodstream.
• Fortrans is an osmotic laxative containing polyethylene glycol and electrolytes. After oral administration, the volume of fluid in the intestine increases, which provides a laxative effect. The drug can be used during pregnancy only after a doctor's prescription.

Prevention of constipation in expectant mothers

Before prescribing medications to relieve constipation, doctors recommend revising the diet. There are a large number of foods that help the feces not to linger in the intestines.

Foods that normalize stool during pregnancy:

1. Dairy products. It is best if they are prepared by yourself. Live bacterial cultures have a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora. These foods contain a lot of lactulose, which reduces intestinal pressure.
2. Bread. Allowed to eat varieties with bran and wholemeal flour. There is a lot of fiber, which helps to scrape off "debris" from the intestinal walls.
3. Fruits. Be sure to eat berries or an apple on an empty stomach. Fruits are rich in fiber and connective fibers.
4. Vegetable soups. The diet should not contain meat broths, as they provoke constipation. You can add some chicken by boiling it separately.
5. Purified water. Boiled water does not contain nutrients, so it should be replaced with still or purified water. You can cook soups and decoctions on it. Carbonated drinks are prohibited.

By far the most effective remedy is diet. It is best to switch to fractional meals: you need to eat in small portions several times a day. In this case, constipation will not make itself felt.

Also, doctors advise:

• exclude strong black tea and coffee, bananas from the diet - these products cause constipation and contribute to the formation of gas;
• spicy, fatty, fried and salty are also prohibited;
• high protein meals should be consumed in the morning;
• for dinner it is better to drink kefir or eat fruits and vegetables.

A complete and partial ban applies to pasta, rice and semolina porridge, fatty meat. Canned food and preserves, marinades, spices, chocolate should be limited. Compliance with such a diet can be difficult, but it will have a beneficial effect on the development of the baby.

In addition to diet, you should move a lot: do morning exercises or evening exercises, walk in nature. However, in some cases during pregnancy, you cannot walk a lot - you need to consult a doctor.

If the doctor permits, you can do the following gymnastics:

1. Smooth squats.
2. Exercises "scissors" and "bike".
3. Tighten and relax the sphincter.
4. Lift your pelvis while lying on your back.

They should be repeated at least 10 times.

So, for the treatment of constipation, it is imperative to consult a doctor, since the presence of some contraindications and the duration of pregnancy may make it impossible to use medicines. Preventive measures are considered a good method of dealing with this ailment: diet, physical activity, and drinking enough fluids.

Specially for- Elena Kichak

Every second expectant mother complains about the difficulty with emptying the intestines. Constipation during pregnancy causes changes in hormonal status, the situation is aggravated by errors in nutrition and a decrease in physical activity. You can cope with the problem with a diet. In difficult cases, a woman is prescribed laxatives that do not affect the course of pregnancy.

When can we talk about constipation during pregnancy

The normal frequency of bowel movements in an adult is in the range from 3 times a day to 3 times a week. If a woman consumes normal amounts of food, and there has been no bowel movement for more than 3 days, and she still cannot go to the toilet, we can talk about constipation.

A variant of constipation is too little stool that comes out with significant straining. At the same time, the feces look like a hard, excessively dry mass, there is no relief after defecation. Often, pain and heaviness in the abdomen and gas are added to the feeling of defective emptying of the colon.

Long-term (more than 5 days) constipation leads to intoxication of the mother and baby's body in the early and late stages of pregnancy. It manifests itself as nausea, apathy, drowsiness, and loss of appetite. Pain in the anus may occur due to local inflammation, hemorrhoids, cracks. Sometimes blood appears in the stool.

Chronic constipation during pregnancy is considered periodic (at least once a week) difficulty in defecation, long emptying, even if everything goes well as a result. Treatment should be started already at this stage, since the problem is rapidly progressing and after a couple of days there is a risk of getting acute constipation, that is, a complete absence of stool for several days.

Causes of constipation during pregnancy

The risk of constipation during pregnancy is higher in women who have suffered from this problem before, have irritable bowel syndrome, or have had to drastically change their lifestyle and eating habits, for example, due to toxicosis or the threat of termination of pregnancy.

A single constipation can be treated with medication. Recurrent constipation can only be dealt with by addressing the cause. In early pregnancy and later in pregnancy, the causes of bowel problems are different.

In the early stages

The main reason for constipation in the early stages is a rapid change in hormonal levels. Progesterone promotes the growth of the uterus, its relaxation, and prevents embryo rejection. A side effect of this hormone is relaxation, or atony, in other parts of the body: blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract.

During pregnancy, there is a high risk of circulatory disorders in the pelvis due to vascular compression by the uterus. This condition is dangerous by the development of hemorrhoids. Atony under the influence of progesterone can be seen as the body's defense against this problem. On the other hand, atony leads to a slowdown in the processes of digestion and elimination of waste products.

Progesterone begins to rise immediately after conception, even before menstruation is delayed. Interestingly, folk signs consider constipation as a sign of pregnancy, as well as drowsiness, breast swelling. They are completely correct: all these symptoms are caused by hormonal changes.

Deterioration of intestinal motility during pregnancy is also facilitated by:

1. A sharp decrease in activity. With a lack of movement, intestinal activity decreases, the muscles of the abdominal wall lose their tone.
2. Anemia. If, when registering, a reduced hemoglobin is diagnosed, a woman is prescribed iron preparations, in most of which constipation is a side effect. Refusing to take these drugs can be dangerous as the baby will experience oxygen deprivation. In addition, untreated anemia itself is one of the causes of constipation in the first trimester of pregnancy.
3. The need for bed rest due to the high risk of miscarriage. In the supine position, intestinal motility slows down.
4. Hospital stay. The inability to empty out on time, an uncomfortable toilet, constant presence in people, stress - all these factors provoke constipation during pregnancy.
5. Toxicosis in the early stages leads to alimentary constipation. It develops when normal digestion is impossible: an insufficient amount of fluid, a small amount of food, a deficiency of coarse food.

At a later date

In the 3rd trimester, to the above reasons for constipation during pregnancy, the pressure of the uterus on the internal organs and blood vessels is added. The stomach moves up and back, the pressure in it increases, and the tone decreases even more. In these conditions, all digestive problems are aggravated, including constipation.

If a woman has severe swelling, she may limit her daily fluid intake or take diuretics, which can lead to dehydration and additional difficulty in defecating.

Closer to childbirth, the woman's motor activity is still reduced, the baby's head squeezes the intestines through the uterus. In addition to these factors, stool retention is exacerbated by anxiety before childbirth.

Why constipation is dangerous during pregnancy

To come to terms with periodic constipation during pregnancy means to doom yourself and your baby to a number of unpleasant consequences:

1. In the digested food debris, bacteria actively multiply, which can lead to inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract and genitals.
2. Prolonged retention of feces leads to intoxication of the mother. From the mother's blood, toxins penetrate into the baby's bloodstream.
3. With severe constipation, you have to push for a long time, which can lead to premature rupture of the membranes.
4. With untimely excretion of feces, the intestinal microflora is disturbed, and therefore the entire process of digestion. At the same time, appetite worsens. As a result, the woman stops receiving nutrients in the same volume.
5. Frequent straining significantly increases the risk of hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

What to do and how to get rid of constipation

It is often possible to eliminate the problem with defecation only by correcting the diet. Constipation products can be widely used during pregnancy. The use of drugs is limited, since for many of them pregnancy is a contraindication to taking them.

The use of drugs and drugs

During pregnancy, the main requirement for laxatives is their safety. Only products with a mild effect are allowed, which allow the consistency of feces to be brought closer to normal, thereby facilitating its excretion. The drugs of choice are drugs with an osmotic effect:

To eliminate the inflammatory process in the rectum after eliminating constipation, you can use sea buckthorn suppositories. They accelerate the healing of minor mucosal lesions, can be prescribed for hemorrhoids, cracks. Use during pregnancy is completely safe.

Diet rules for constipation

The first thing to correct for constipation is water intake. Minimum for a pregnant woman - 1.5 liters excluding liquid in products... It is advisable to drink a glass of warm water with lemon before each meal. Mineral water will also be useful. It is advisable to exclude drinks with a diuretic effect. These include coffee and tea, including green tea.

Prevention measures for chronic constipation during pregnancy also include:

Unwanted foods for constipation during pregnancy: all viscous and pureed dishes (jelly, mashed soups, boiled rice and pasta, semolina), food with tannin (tea, blueberries, cocoa, persimmon, bird cherry), mushrooms, whole milk. Gas-generating foods (legumes, apple and grape juice) will also have to be temporarily eliminated.

What exercises can help

An important means of preventing constipation during pregnancy is active movement. The most beneficial are long walks, exercise bikes, swimming, and water aerobics. Yoga and Pilates for pregnant women also have a good effect. Exercises should increase the tone of the body, strengthen the abdominal wall, but not lead to overwork.

Exercises to help relieve constipation during pregnancy:

• retraction-relaxation of the abdomen in a standing position;
• very slow squats. In the later stages, they should be abandoned or performed by holding onto the wall;
• lifting the hips while lying down, legs bent. The body rests on the feet and shoulder blades;
• lying on your back, legs bent, we spread our knees to the sides;
• leg movements in a prone position: circular (bicycle) or oncoming (scissors);
• walking with raising the knees.

All these exercises are prohibited if there is a risk of miscarriage.

Folk remedies for constipation

Some folk remedies are safe, but they are quite effective. In 2/3 of women, they avoid the use of drugs. What to do at home to get rid of constipation:

1. Relaxing breakfast: Brew oatmeal, add cubes of boiled beets, soaked and finely chopped prunes.
2. Grind plantain seeds into powder. Take raw: half teaspoon before each meal with water. The seeds that have already been crushed are sold under the names psyllium or isfagula. It has been established that this remedy does not affect the course of pregnancy, therefore it can be used for a long time.
3. A decoction of plantain seeds. Pour half a glass of seeds with a glass of water. Simmer for an hour over low heat under the lid. Drink 50 g before meals.
4. Flax seeds during pregnancy can be consumed in their natural form. Every morning eat 1 tablespoon, chewing well. They can also be added to fermented milk drinks, salads, porridge. Recipe with kefir: add a teaspoon of ground seeds to a glass of drink, leave for half an hour to swell.
5. Flaxseed tea is a more potent remedy for constipation. A tablespoon of seeds is boiled in a liter of boiling water for 1 hour, stirring regularly. You can drink up to 4 glasses of this broth per day. Plantain and flax seeds have a mild, rather slow action. Bowel cleansing during pregnancy occurs 1-2 days after the start of treatment. For the best effect, they are washed down with a large volume of water.
6. Infusion of prunes. In the evening, put 100 g of prunes in a thermos, pour 2 cups of boiling water, leave until morning. During this day, the infusion is completely drunk, the steamed prunes are eaten.

To normalize stool with constipation, choose one of the above recipes. The use of several drugs at the same time can lead to diarrhea.

How constipation cannot be treated during pregnancy

Speaking about how to cope with constipation, one cannot fail to mention the means that are prohibited during pregnancy.

Laxatives with a pronounced irritating effect are contraindicated, since when stimulating intestinal motility, the contractile activity of the uterus also increases. There is evidence that these drugs can disrupt the development of the child. In addition, when taken for a long time, they lead to frequent diarrhea, loss of fluid and electrolytes, and abdominal pain. Irritating drugs include castor oil, bisacodyl (tablets and suppositories for constipation Dulcolax, Bisacodyl), senna herb and preparations based on it, buckthorn bark, sodium picosulfate (Slabilen, Guttalax, Slabikap).

During pregnancy, you cannot use any physiotherapeutic methods that are often prescribed for constipation: CMT, interference therapy, electrophoresis with drugs, mud and paraffin wraps. They can cause uterine contractions and negatively affect the fetus.

Bran during pregnancy can only be eaten if the woman can drink plenty of water. If the consumption per day is less than 1.5 liters, the bran will absorb liquid from the intestines and further aggravate the constipation. If fluid is limited during pregnancy due to edema, dietary fiber can only be consumed in its natural form - in juicy vegetables and fruits.