Constipation in pregnancy, what to do?

By Cristiano Antonino On Mar 17, 2023

A very common problem among pregnant women is constipation

Causes of constipation in pregnant women

There are many causes of constipation in pregnancy, the most common being the following

change in diet with a tendency to ingest more solid foods in the first few months, to counteract nausea and vomiting;
decreased physical activity, especially in the case of patients who are restrained due to threatened miscarriage or premature birth;
oral iron therapy.

The disorder predisposes to pain in the abdominal area, often mistaken by the woman for uterine contractions, to the appearance of vaginitis and cystitis, particularly from bacilli coli formis, and to haemorrhoids due to straining at the time of defecation, which can bleed and further worry the pregnant woman.

Sometimes, if the bowel function has been blocked for a few days, annoying faecalomas can form, causing real colic.

What can be done about constipation during pregnancy?

Daily evacuation should be promoted by encouraging moderate physical activity, especially walking, an abundant intake of water (pregnancy and lactation require the intake of about 2 litres a day) and semi-liquid foods rich in waste, such as vegetable purées, wholemeal bread and pasta, fruit, especially kiwi, and cooked and raw vegetables.

If possible, it is better to avoid the use of oral laxatives, especially irritants such as Senna, because in the long run they hinder the intestinal absorption of nutrients.

If one must use them, it is better to use non-irritating products, evacative perceptions or suppositories, on the advice of a doctor.

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