Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy, about 38% of pregnant women face varying degrees of constipation during pregnancy.

Reason

1. Hormonal changes: hormonal changes during pregnancy, digestive motility during pregnancy slows down, at this time food stays in the large intestine longer, the process of water absorption in the large intestine increases leading to to poor defecation.

Along with the pressure on the rectum by the distended uterus during the second and third trimesters, the frequency of gastrointestinal motility will also be slowed, and the strength of the abdominal muscles will also be weakened, causing difficulty in defecation.

2. Dietary factors: mainly due to high protein or refined foods, the diet is not enough fiber. Some pregnant women do not drink enough water, or lose water due to vomiting, food residues will be small and dry, stools will stay in the large intestine and difficult to pass.

3. Multivitamin nutritional supplements taken during pregnancy often contain iron, calcium, and nutritional supplements such as iron or calcium tablets added individually, which can cause constipation.

4. Unbalanced diet and rest of pregnant women will also affect regular bowel movements and easily cause constipation.

5. Sedentary: Some pregnant women do not like to be active during pregnancy and are sedentary or bedridden for a long time. Other reasons such as threatened miscarriage.

6. Psychological factors: Some pregnant women suffer from mental stress such as anxiety, stress during pregnancy, poor sleep quality is also one of the factors that make working women prone to constipation.

and treatment of constipation during pregnancy

1. Eat more foods rich in fiber: whole grains, eat more vegetables, fruits, … to promote gastrointestinal motility.

2. It is necessary to form a habit of adding water: the daily amount of water during pregnancy is 1700-1900ml, timely replenish water instead of waiting for thirst to drink.

3. It is necessary to increase the amount of food containing probiotics.

4. Pay attention to eat less spicy food, reduce carbonated drinks.

5. It is recommended that pregnant women avoid sitting, lying down and standing for a long time without obstetric indications. Regular moderate exercise can promote digestion and defecation.

6. Practice the habit of going to the toilet on time.

7. Make sure to get enough sleep, maintain a happy mood, reduce anxiety and stress.

8. If after the above adjustments, the pregnant woman still has constipation, go to the hospital in time to reduce the symptoms of constipation during pregnancy as soon as possible.