Constipation During Pregnancy

Many pregnant women complain of constipation. Signs of constipation include having hard, dry stools; fewer than three bowel movements per week; and painful bowel movements.

This occurs for basically three reasons:

1. Iron – in the prenatal vitamins
2. Mechanically – the uterus puts pressure on the bowels
3. Progesterone – a hormone released during pregnancy slows the muscle action of the bowels

There are remedies for constipation:

• Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily
• Eat fiber-rich foods, such as fresh or dried fruit, raw vegetables, and whole grain cereals and breads
• Mild physical activity
• One tablespoon of “old fashioned oatmeal” in a glass of water

Medications OK to use for constipation:

• Metamucil, Citrucil
• Stool softeners such as: Colace or Surfak
• MiraLax, Milk of Magnesia, Magnesium Citrate
• Dulcolax Pills or Suppositories
• Glycerine Suppositories, Fleet Enemas