Along with the joy of future maternity pregnancy brings many and various troubles. One such problem is the occurrence of constipation. According to statistics, 17-50% of women experience constipation during pregnancy How to deal with constipation during pregnancy? . The incidence of this condition is higher in those pregnant women who have disorders of the gastrointestinal tract before pregnancy. Most expectant mothers hesitate to complain to the doctor to the problem of having a bowel movement, and try to overcome it by yourself. But not all the methods of struggle with constipation may be used during pregnancy.

What is constipation?

The frequency of bowel movements is dependent on the individual, so the concept of constipation should be defined not by the frequency of bowel movements, and the emergence of lean, dry and sparse feces. The consistency of feces is determined by the amount of water contained therein. In normal feces about 70% water, diarrhea water content is 95%, constipation - less than 40%. Constipation - a violation of the intestine, manifested his lack of evacuation for three or more days.

Causes of constipation in pregnancy

Status pregnancy provokes constipation following factors:

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy

As a result of increased production of progesterone, which reduces the tone of smooth muscle of the uterus, not only, but also urinary tract and intestines, is weakened intestinal peristalsis. The consequence of this is the occurrence of constipation. This factor is the cause of constipation in the first trimester of pregnancy.

• Compression of the large intestine and the growing uterus grows in size

In the later stages of pregnancy the uterus displaces the intestines up that breaks its peristalsis and emptying difficult. Furthermore, as a result of squeezing it disturbed intestinal blood flow, venous stasis occurs, and this leads to the development of hemorrhoids.

• The use of some drugs

Appointment during pregnancy drugs containing progesterone and relaxes the muscles of the uterus (tocolytic agents) also aggravates impaired functional activity of the intestine.

• Stimulated long horizontal position

Most pregnant as a result of certain conditions prescribed bed rest. Reduced physical activity reduces the contraction and emptying of the bowel.

• Fear push during a bowel movement

Fear of harm to the child and caused the hemorrhoids causes pregnant push at half strength, not completely emptying the bowel.

• Malnutrition

Excessive consumption of sugary, fatty and high-calorie food hampers bowels. Inadequate fluid intake and irregular, cold food, nutrition weakens the motor function of the colon.

• Psychological problems

Stress, fatigue, anxiety also affect internal organs, including the bowel and to work.

Clinical manifestations of constipation

In future mothers constipation accompanied by a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowel, abdominal pain (usually in the left half of it), feeling of heaviness, swelling and rumbling. Join the bitterness in the mouth Bitterness in the mouth , Nausea, loss of appetite Loss of appetite: the struggle for the ideal shape   and general lethargy. With concomitant hemorrhoids veins appear in the stool blood, appear itching and burning in the anal area. Long-term constipation lead to a decrease in efficiency, sleep disturbances, muscle and headaches. Toxic substances resulting in constipation, worsen the skin condition, it becomes flabby, with a yellowish tinge. Constipation can cause disease in other organs of the digestive tract. Strong straining increases uterine activity, which leads to the threat of termination of pregnancy. Malfunction causes the development of intestinal dysbiosis in it and in the vagina, as a result - rising infection of the fetus.

Treatment of constipation during pregnancy

First of all, it is necessary to review and adjust the diet. The diet should contain a lot of fiber that is not digested, and the swells and increases the amount of feces. As an advocate of fiber fresh fruits and vegetables (carrots, squash, beets, squash, cabbage, apples), whole-grain bread, oatmeal, millet and barley grains. It is useful to use dried fruits (prunes, dried apricots), one can make infusions.

Limit intake of strong tea, chocolate, coffee, wheat bread and hard cheese. Not recommended for traditional laxatives without a doctor's prescription. Some of them are teratogenic, and increased bowel can cause a reduction in the threat of termination of pregnancy.

Anna Sozinova

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