What to do if you have severe constipation before delivery

Constipation in pregnant women is a common problem during pregnancy, but it also depends on the type of constipation. If constipation occurs before delivery, it may be because the uterus begins to slowly grow and presses on the intestines. In addition, lack of exercise during the delivery stage can lead to constipation. Appropriate exercise not only helps delivery, but also promotes intestinal peristalsis.

Causes of constipation in pregnant women

1. Secretion of progesterone

In order to nurture a new life, the secretion of various hormones in the pregnant woman's body will change, which is one of the main causes of constipation. Large amounts of progesterone can hinder intestinal motility and make defecation difficult for pregnant women.

2. Uterine compression on the intestine

As the fetus in the mother's abdomen grows in size and weight, the pressure exerted by the uterus on the large intestine becomes greater and greater, gastrointestinal motility is restricted, blood circulation is hindered, and bowel movements are not smooth and natural. When excrement stays in the intestines for a long time, water is gradually absorbed and the stool becomes drier and drier. This is a vicious cycle.

3. Lack of exercise

After pregnancy, the pregnant woman's body becomes less active, which makes it difficult for the intestinal muscles to push the stool out; and it puts pressure on the rectum, making it difficult to excrete stool; in addition to the weakening of the pregnant woman's abdominal wall muscles, there is not enough defecation pressure to promote defecation. Therefore, even if the pregnant woman intends to, she will force the abdominal muscles to contract, but the accumulation of feces in the rectum is still difficult to expel.

How to relieve constipation during pregnancy

1. Exercise more

The fetus is not as fragile as we think. After pregnancy, the mother still needs a small amount of exercise. Exercise can enhance gastrointestinal motility, improve the physical fitness of expectant mothers, and constipation is beneficial to the health of the baby. However, mothers should avoid strenuous exercise during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters.

2. Regular bowel movements in the morning

Develop the habit of having a bowel movement in the morning after waking up or after breakfast. After breakfast, the large intestine becomes more active, which is conducive to the start of defecation. The best time to have a bowel movement is about an hour after breakfast. When you have a constipation, you must go to the toilet in time. Don't ignore it, and don't try to hold it in. Expectant mothers should not spend too much time in the toilet, otherwise the abdominal pressure will easily rise, causing difficulties for blood flow back to the lower limbs.

3. Diet adjustment

Expectant mothers who suffer from constipation should avoid eating spicy foods and eat more foods rich in fiber and vitamins, such as vegetables such as apples, radishes, celery, fruits such as bananas and pears, honey, beans, etc. These foods are beneficial to promote intestinal muscle peristalsis and soften stool, thereby playing a role in lubricating the intestines and helping pregnant women to defecate.