Constipation during pregnancy
There are many simple joys in life. You don’t think they are so good when you have them, but you realize how important they are when you lose them. Diarrehea and constipation during pregnancy is common and troublesome so in this article we suggest some 3 tips.
The basic physiological functions of human beings are nothing more than eating, drinking, defecating, urinating and sleeping. The simple happiness of life can be summarized into three things: being able to eat, sleep and defecate. However, you may become less happy after pregnancy. Most people will have different degrees of inability to eat, sleep and defecate.
Constipation is a common symptom in pregnant women, with an incidence rate of 11%-38%. Don’t underestimate constipation, the discomfort is written on your face, and the “constipation face” is visible.
There are many causes of constipation during pregnancy
Hormonal effects : After pregnancy, the secretion of progesterone and somatostatin increases, and the secretion of motilin decreases, which will lead to prolonged colon transit time.
Mechanical factors : The enlarged uterus can cause obstruction of intestinal motility, and the restricted movement of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles leads to a lack of motivation for defecation.
Increased water absorption in the colon : After pregnancy, the secretion of renin-angiotensin and aldosterone increases, which slows down intestinal peristalsis, leading to increased water absorption in the colon and constipation.
Drug factors : It seems that not many people do not take medicine after pregnancy. The most commonly used medicine during pregnancy is iron supplements, because the probability of anemia and iron deficiency during pregnancy is relatively high. Even if you do not supplement iron, you will supplement calcium. Both iron and calcium supplements can cause constipation to varying degrees.
Diet and activity factors : After pregnancy, many expectant mothers are unable to ensure the amount of vegetables they eat, and their dietary fiber intake is insufficient. In addition, their activity level is less than that of the non-pregnant period, which is not conducive to colon motility.
How to deal with constipation during pregnancy?
Constipation is a minor problem, but it is troublesome and not so easy to deal with.
Although there are medicines available, expectant mothers are first advised to adjust their lifestyle: a reasonable diet, drinking plenty of water, moderate exercise, and establishing good bowel habits are the basic treatment measures for constipation.
1. Diet
Increase fiber and water intake, that is, eat more vegetables and drink more water. It is recommended to consume 25-35g of dietary fiber per day and drink at least 1.5-2.0L of water per day. If you really don’t like eating vegetables, or eating vegetables can’t relieve the symptoms, it is recommended to take cellulose extracted from plants, which can be bought in general pharmacies and health food stores.
2.Moderate exercise
This is especially beneficial for expectant mothers who have been bedridden for a long time and have little exercise. “Bed resting to protect the fetus” is strongly not recommended. First of all, “bed resting to protect the fetus” is useless, which is proven by evidence-based medicine; secondly, “bed resting to protect the fetus” has many side effects, in addition to increasing the risk of lower extremity venous thrombosis, it can also cause constipation. Therefore, it is best to maintain moderate exercise during pregnancy.
3.Establish good bowel habits
Colon activity is most active when waking up in the morning and after meals. Patients are advised to try to defecate within 2 hours after waking up in the morning or after meals. Concentrate on defecation and reduce interference from external factors.
Medical treatment for constipation during pregnancy
If the above treatments still cannot relieve constipation, medication can be used.
Lactulose
Lactulose is a disaccharide osmotic laxative. It will not be absorbed into the blood after taking it, and will not affect nutrient absorption, fetal growth and development, breastfeeding, or blood sugar fluctuations. It is also suitable for people who are lactose intolerant. For constipation during pregnancy, lactulose has a better therapeutic effect, is safe, and has fewer side effects.
Taining Suppository
Pregnant women with hemorrhoids and constipation can use Taining Suppository. This medicine is a rectal suppository containing seaweed extract (carrageenan ester), which has a lubricating effect, making it easier to excrete feces. Taining Suppository also contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which has the effects of relieving itching, reducing congestion and inflammation of the anal canal and rectum, astringing, and promoting healing.
Drugs that are prohibited or should be used with caution during pregnancy
Pregnant women are prohibited from using Chinese herbal suppositories and creams containing musk. Please use lubricating laxatives such as enema with caution, as enema has the potential to increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. Consult your obstetrician and gynecologist before using the drug.
This article refers to the “Expert Consensus on the Rational Use of Laxatives in Obstetrics and Gynecology” . Please use drugs during pregnancy with caution under the guidance of a doctor. I have only listed the drugs that I am more familiar with and commonly used, and it does not include all the drugs that can be used during pregnancy.
This article is best read while sitting on the toilet if you are constipated.
Well, now that you have finished reading, you can put down your phone, drink a glass of water, and go out for a walk. Otherwise, your husband will come back and say that you have a “constipated face” again!
