An expert guide to keeping you regular

Constipation & pregnancy

Constipation in pregnancy is a common problem and around 40% of pregnant women suffer from it at some point during their pregnancy.

It is caused by your body dramatically increasing its production of hormones. The hormone progesterone is needed to help sustain a pregnancy and also acts as a muscle relaxant to help ‘soften’ muscles which need to expand and accommodate your growing baby and prepare for giving birth.

One of the effects of the high levels of progesterone flooding the blood stream is a slowing down of the passage of food and waste through the digestive system. This is caused by progesterone relaxing the wall of the bowel which causes the movement of food and waste to slow down. This is why constipation often becomes a problem – particularly early in pregnancy.

Other factors causing constipation during pregnancy:

• Many pregnant women take iron supplements which can sometimes cause constipation
• In the later stages of pregnancy the weight of the baby can push down on the gut
• Pregnancy may sometimes cause haemorrhoids (piles)

Constipation pregnancy tips

• Pregnant women are advised to eat a fibre–rich healthy diet, including five portions of fruit and vegetables every day, plus foods such as pulses and wholegrains at each meal to help counter the problem. However, you should only increase fibre gradually to help avoid wind and you should also be prepared for the fibre to take a while to have an effect on your bowel habits.
• Drink plenty of fluids, at least 1.2 litres a day.
• Keeping active by taking a brisk daily walk or swim can also help.

Consult your doctor before taking any treatments if you are pregnant or breast feeding.