Constipation is a very common symptom that many women experience during pregnancy. Some women have constipation at an early stage of their pregnancy, while it does not affect other women until much later on. Almost three out of four pregnant women will experience constipation and other bowel issues at some point, according to a study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica.
During pregnancy, an increase in the progesterone hormone causes the relaxation of your body’s muscles, which includes your intestines. And slower moving intestines mean slower digestion, this can lead to constipation. In addition, prenatal vitamins are chock-full of iron, a crucial mineral that can sometimes be deficient during pregnancy. Iron can cause constipation and hard, black stools.
What Is Safe To Take For Constipation While Pregnant?
Although some medicines for constipation are considered safe during pregnancy, certain over-the-counter pills and remedies for constipation can be harmful to a developing baby when taken during the first three months of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant.
It can be hard to know if a home remedy or medicine is safe for your baby. Most medicines are not studied in pregnant women. That’s because researchers worry about how the medicines might affect the baby. But some medicines have been taken for so long by so many women that doctors have a good idea of how safe they are.
Here is a list of medications and remedies that are available and safe for relieving constipation during pregnancy:
Stool softeners: These are used on a short-term basis to relieve constipation by people who should avoid straining during bowel movements because of heart conditions, hemorrhoids, and other problems. They work by softening stools to make them easier to pass. Stool softeners are generally considered safe during pregnancy. Stool softeners, such as Colace, moisten the stool and make it easier to pass.
Probiotics: Studies suggest that probiotics may relieve constipation related to pregnancy, certain medications, or digestive issues like IBS. Probiotics are largely safe and effective, making them an excellent addition to a healthy diet to improve bowel regularity. Probiotics may help repopulate the gut bacteria with healthy strains that encourage normal and regular bowel movements. Foods high in probiotics include yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Probiotics are popular supplements that are safe to take if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. In fact, taking them during pregnancy has been linked to benefits like fewer pregnancy complications, reduced risk of eczema in babies, and improved markers of metabolic health in expectant mothers.
Bulk-forming agent: This medication is used to treat constipation. It increases the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass. Studies reveal that Bulk-forming agents are not absorbed or associated with an increased risk of malformations; therefore, they are considered safe for long-term use during pregnancy. However, they are not always effective and might be associated with unpleasant side effects such as gas, bloating, and cramping.
Osmotic laxatives: Osmotic laxatives are a type of laxatives used for treating constipation. In the intestine, osmotic agents pull water from the surrounding tissues using a process known as osmosis. Excess moisture in the intestine results in softer stools that are easier to pass. They are not expected to be associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies. However, it is recommended that osmotic and stimulant laxatives be used only in the short term or occasionally to avoid dehydration or electrolyte imbalances in pregnant women.
Fiber-rich Foods: Soluble fiber gives stool bulk and insoluble fiber helps speed up the transit of food in the digestive tract and helps prevent constipation. Foods containing high levels of soluble fiber include dried beans, oats, oat bran, rice bran, barley, citrus fruits, apples, strawberries, peas, and potatoes. Foods high in insoluble fiber include wheat bran, whole grains, cereals, seeds, and the skins of many fruits and vegetables. Aim for about 25 grams each day and avoid consuming excess dietary fiber. Too much fiber in the diet can cause bloating, gas, and constipation. A person can relieve this discomfort by increasing their fluid intake, exercising, and making dietary changes.
Water: Increasing water content inside the gut can help soften stools and stimulate bowel movements. Mild dehydration can cause constipation. Increasing water intake may help relieve constipation. Typically at least eight 8-ounce glasses of clear liquid per day is necessary for normal bowel movements. If you’re constipated and haven’t been drinking an adequate amount of water, consuming a large glass of water or other clear liquid may trigger a bowel movement.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a pregnant woman should drink 8 to 12 cups (64 to 96 ounces) of water every day. Water has many benefits. It aids digestion and helps form the amniotic fluid around the fetus. Water also helps nutrients circulate in the body and helps waste leave the body.
