Pregnancy can be joyful, moving, tender, but also difficult. The body reaches its biological limits for a woman to be able to give birth to her baby. A very common adversity of pregnancy is constipation, which may seem like a small problem, but it is not, as it complicates daily life and burdens both the female body and the mood. Surely, your gynecologist and gastroenterologist will have already informed you that there is no cause for concern, as constipation in pregnancy is a very common issue.
Below we analyze the phenomenon of constipation in pregnancy and the causes behind it, but we also present the safest and most effective solution.
What is constipation?
It is difficult to define a specific frequency of bowel movements as "normal", as each person's gastrointestinal system works differently. However, the term "constipation" usually refers to less than 3 bowel movements per week with hard stools. Also, another sensation that accompanies constipation is that of incomplete emptying. It is worth noting that 7 out of 10 patients with constipation are women and 1 in 4 women will experience constipation during her pregnancy.
The most common causes of constipation in pregnancy:
The first reason for the appearance of constipation in pregnancy is the increase in the hormone progesterone. Progesterone increases normally during pregnancy because it is responsible for securing the uterus. However, at the same time it reduces the contractions of the intestine and thus makes it difficult for the food to move along it.
A second reason for the occurrence of constipation in pregnancy is the size of the uterus. During pregnancy, the size of the uterus increases in order to accommodate the baby and ensure the optimal environment. This, however, puts a strain on the gut, which is squeezed and can not function properly.
Finally, taking certain supplements during pregnancy leads to constipation, such as iron. Iron supplements are essential in pregnancy, as they contribute to the normal development of the fetus. A known side effect, however, is the appearance of constipation.
If I had constipation before, will I have it in pregnancy?
Women who were affected by constipation before pregnancy are more likely to develop it during pregnancy. If this is the case, consult your gastroenterologist and try to adopt some good habits before you get pregnant, such as drinking plenty of fluids, exercising regularly, eating a high-fiber diet to regulate your bowel movements.
How is constipation treated in pregnancy?
If lifestyle changes do not solve the problem of constipation, then a more invasive method is required. However, the pregnancy period is the period when only the least invasive methods are allowed, so consult your gynecologist and gastroenterologist before taking any preparation. The safest and at the same time most effective solution for treating constipation in pregnancy, as supported by the World Gastroenterology Organization, is Macrogol. Specifically, Macrogol 3350 is an osmotic laxative, which is not metabolized and absorbed by the body and is therefore safe for all trimesters of pregnancy, something that no other laxative achieves. This way your baby is not affected at all and you are relieved of constipation.
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The safest and most effective way to get rid of constipation!