Digestive Discomfort | Constipation during Your Pregnancy

Digestive Discomfort | Constipation during Your Pregnancy: As you begin your third week of pregnancy, you are likely to go through bouts of constipation. Don’t worry, this is one of the most common symptoms that appear in an expecting mother. The reasons for constipation in pregnancy can mainly be attributed to various physiological changes taking place in the mother’s body. The other reasons are also associated to an altered lifestyle patterns.

Some of them are as discussed below:

Delayed digestion – As a high level of progesterone hormone is released in the body during pregnancy, it affects the gastro-intestinal activity and slows down the process of digestion and excretion, leading to constipation. The growing uterus also exerts pressure on the intestine that further makes the system sluggish, thus contributing to constipation.

Growing demands of water – As the baby in the womb develops, her own need of water arises. To fulfill the demands of the baby, fluids from the mother’s body are passed on to the baby, creating fluid deficiency in mothers. One of the functions of water in the body is to soften the stool. This lack of fluid can make stool harder and more difficult to eliminate.

Improper diet – During the first trimester of pregnancy, expecting mothers tend to lack proper and balanced diet since they may lose taste of certain food or due to morning sickness. This may also cause constipation.

Inactive lifestyle – Another reason for pregnancy related constipation is that many mothers start leading a sluggish lifestyle. They stop doing much work and become sedentary. This not only makes you constipated but also reduces the chances of normal delivery.

Stress – Stress and tension are also some factors that contribute to constipation. It is highly advisable to avoid such situations during pregnancy.

Iron supplements – During this period, chances are that your doctor is going to prescribe you iron supplements. These make you prone to constipation. Moreover, you are more susceptible to constipation if you had this problem during the pre-pregnancy days.

Note: Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

Source: https://bangalore.apollohospitals.com/

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