Constipation During Pregnancy

July 18, 2017

Many pregnant women complain of constipation. Signs of constipation include having hard, dry stools; fewer than three bowel movements per week; and painful bowel movements.

This occurs for basically three reasons:

  1. Iron – in the prenatal vitamins
  2. Mechanically – the uterus puts pressure on the bowels
  3. Progesterone – a hormone released during pregnancy slows the muscle action of the bowels

There are remedies for constipation:

  • Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily
  • Eat fiber-rich foods, such as fresh or dried fruit, raw vegetables, and whole grain cereals and breads
  • Mild physical activity
  • One tablespoon of “old fashioned oatmeal” in a glass of water

Medications OK to use for constipation:

  • Metamucil, Citrucil
  • Stool softeners such as: Colace or Surfak
  • MiraLax, Milk of Magnesia, Magnesium Citrate
  • Dulcolax Pills or Suppositories
  • Glycerine Suppositories, Fleet Enemas
Posted in Pregnancy