What to do if you have severe constipation during pregnancy

Severe constipation in the early stages of pregnancy can have a great impact on the absorption of nutrients by the fetus. This is mainly because the increase in progesterone in the body affects gastrointestinal motility, which can lead to symptoms of constipation. For severe constipation in the early stages of pregnancy, it is recommended that you eat more vegetables and exercise appropriately, which can effectively treat the symptoms of constipation.

There will be many pregnancy reactions when you just get pregnant, which causes many pregnant mothers to not adapt to the habits. For example, constipation during pregnancy is a common reaction during pregnancy. The gradually enlarging uterus will compress the intestines, and hormonal changes can also cause physical abnormalities. As long as you treat it correctly, you will slowly recover and there is no need to worry too much.

What to do if you have severe constipation during pregnancy

1. Causes of constipation in pregnant women: The amount of progesterone in the body increases after pregnancy. Progesterone has the effect of inhibiting intestinal peristalsis, so intestinal peristalsis weakens during pregnancy. Also, as the uterus gradually enlarges, it can compress the rectum, causing feces to stay in the intestines for a longer time, so pregnant women often suffer from constipation.

2. Women who suffer from constipation during pregnancy should pay attention to maintaining proper physical activities every day, such as taking a walk. They can also do some light housework and develop a good habit of regular bowel movements every day. Even if they cannot defecate, they should go to the toilet on time and gradually form a conditioned reflex. Some people with constipation can automatically defecate at regular intervals after such training.

3. In terms of diet, you should eat some coarse grains and whole grains regularly, and eat more vegetables and fruits rich in fiber. Long-term constipation can cause hemorrhoids, which can cause bleeding. Excessive bleeding can cause severe anemia in pregnant women, thus affecting the growth and development of the fetus. Therefore, constipation during pregnancy must be corrected, and those with severe anemia must receive active treatment. In addition to medication, diet therapy is also a good way to correct constipation.

Dietary principles for pregnant women to avoid constipation

1. Eat foods rich in fiber: sweet potatoes, whole grains, and various green leafy vegetables;

2. Eat foods with a lot of residue: leeks, celery, kelp;

3. Eat foods rich in water: fruits rich in water such as pears;

4. Eat foods that can promote intestinal peristalsis: honey, bananas, taro, apples;

5. Eat foods rich in organic acids: yogurt;

6. Eat foods containing fatty acids: pine nuts, black sesame seeds, melon seeds;

7. Eat foods containing vitamin B1: whole grain cereals;

8. Drink a glass of cold water every morning when you wake up;

9. Do not use strong laxatives to avoid causing miscarriage, premature birth or premature rupture of membranes.

Properly handling constipation problems in pregnant women can provide a good foundation for maintenance in the later stages of pregnancy. Therefore, when it comes to constipation in pregnant women, don’t ignore it thinking that the problem is rare or not serious. Small problems accumulated will lead to big problems, so in addition to the usual diet therapy, you should also follow the doctor's instructions and not take medicine blindly on your own.