“Does pregnancy cause constipation?”
I'm 5 months pregnant with my first child, and I don't know exactly what to expect. But I have had trouble with my bowel movements. Does pregnancy cause constipation?
3 Answers
Thank you for your question.
Essentially pregnancy by itself as a stand alone does not impede colonic mobility, thus causing constipation. This event may be secondary to other supplements taken during pregnancy - and notoriously iron supplements. It is thus recommended to prevent this with increase daily fiber intake, with laxative and other stool softeners on as needed basis. Hope this helps.
Essentially pregnancy by itself as a stand alone does not impede colonic mobility, thus causing constipation. This event may be secondary to other supplements taken during pregnancy - and notoriously iron supplements. It is thus recommended to prevent this with increase daily fiber intake, with laxative and other stool softeners on as needed basis. Hope this helps.
Absolutely. Prenatal vitamins and progesterone slow you down.
Doug Young, MD
Doug Young, MD
Unfortunately yes, pregnancy is associated with constipation, sometimes pretty severe. There are a number of mechanisms involved, the most important one the effect of Progesterone, the main pregnancy hormone that decreases bowel motility ("peristalsis"). Additionally, as pregnancy progresses the woman's mobility is also decreased due to the abdominal size, further exacerbating the problem.
That is why we always advise our patients to increase both their water as well as their fiber intake, trying to maintain normal bowel motility.
Congratulations and best of luck with your pregnancy.
VTG
That is why we always advise our patients to increase both their water as well as their fiber intake, trying to maintain normal bowel motility.
Congratulations and best of luck with your pregnancy.
VTG
