Amei is a mom-to-be over four months pregnant. Her bowel movements were always regular, but recently she started experiencing constipation, unable to go for several days. Being pregnant, she dares not strain too much when using the restroom. Now Amei feels uncomfortable in her abdomen and dares not eat too much. What to Do About Constipation During Pregnancy: Expert Advice (Public Health Network) Experts say Amei's condition is caused by multiple factors.First, the placenta secretes large amounts of progesterone during pregnancy. This hormone inhibits gastrointestinal motility, reducing gastric acid secretion, lowering muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract, and weakening muscle contractions. Second, as food remains in the intestines longer, water from food residues is reabsorbed by intestinal wall cells, causing stool to become dry and hard, making it difficult to pass.Third, physical activity typically decreases during pregnancy, making it harder for intestinal muscles to propel stool outward. Additionally, the enlarging uterus may compress the rectum, prolonging stool retention in the intestines and further hindering elimination. Compounding this, weakened abdominal muscles often result in insufficient abdominal pressure during bowel movements.Therefore, even when pregnant women feel the urge to defecate and contract their abdominal muscles, the stool accumulated in the rectum remains difficult to expel.
It is recommended that expectant mothers engage in appropriate daily physical activity, such as walking, or perform light household chores. They should also develop the habit of regular bowel movements, ideally in the morning. Since colonic propulsive activity is more active after breakfast, the optimal time for defecation is approximately one hour after eating.Do not ignore the urge to defecate, and never forcefully suppress it. Prolonged squatting on the toilet not only increases abdominal pressure but also impedes blood return to the lower limbs.
Additionally, dietary therapy is an effective method to alleviate constipation. Drinking honey water in moderation can aid bowel movements. Many pregnant women experience difficulty defecating due to overly refined diets, so it is important to consume more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains rich in dietary fiber.This softens stool, making it easier to pass. During late pregnancy, many women become less active due to increased physical bulk, making constipation more pronounced. Moderate exercise strengthens abdominal muscle contractions, promotes intestinal motility, and helps prevent or alleviate constipation.