Pregnancy is a beautiful yet challenging experience for many women. From the body changes to the hormonal fluctuations, expectant moms undergo various trials during their nine months of pregnancy. One significant struggle that most pregnant women face but hardly spoken about is bowel movement difficulty.
Can’t poop during pregnancy? You are not alone!
According to studies, constipation affects up to 38% of pregnant women due to high levels of progesterone hormone in expecting mothers' bodies that relaxes the muscles and slows down bowel movements. Constipation can be frustrating, uncomfortable and even painful at times.
In this article, we will delve into some hilarious stories shared by pregnant moms who couldn't 'do number two,' plus discuss causes and ways you can ease your discomfort when pooping becomes an uphill task!
The worst time ever
Have you ever been hit with nature's call while traveling long distances on public transport? Well one mom narrated how she felt misery after being struck with constipation during her road trip vacation. The story goes like this: "I was so excited about our cross-country adventure with my hubby! But on day two of driving downtown Pennsylvania heading into Ohio – I could feel something was wrong in my bowels. Tossing back amphetamines had made me bloated & gassy…It probably didn’t help that every restaurant or mini-store along our route offered hot dogs, greasy burgers & carbs…. Anyway
It became painfully clear -I'm lost somewhere between Cleveland & Toledo without any view of restrooms in sight. Why did I think it would be cool not carrying enough fiber supplements? Let’s just say I have avoided hot dogs since then!"
This empathic testimony shows how tough it gets sometimes navigating toilet woes when all factors aren't working simultaneously for good gut health.
What Causes Constipation During Pregnancy?
Constipation in pregnancy can occur for various reasons, including;
Hormonal Changes
As mentioned earlier, hormonal changes during the first trimester of pregnancy cause muscle relaxation in the intestines resulting in slowed bowel movements.
Progesterone hormone is crucial during pregnancy since it helps your uterus grow and maintains a healthy pregnancy by preventing contractions before labor begins. However, this hormone also influences other organs to relax.
Prenatal Vitamins & Medications
Taking prenatal vitamins or some specific types of medications such as iron supplements can further worsen constipation due to their side effects that include dryness and hardening of stools.
It's therefore essential to seek professional advice concerning these alternative meals (e.g., incorporating sufficient natural fiber) from medical experts regarding which supplements work best with one's body type at different stages throughout gestation months/weeks.
Increased Pressure on Bowels
The increasing size of your growing baby puts more pressure on your bowels causing them to become distended leading to bloating tummy troubles or poop difficulties.
How Do You Deal With Constipation?
Obviously no expecting mom desires an unhealthy digestive system impeding smooth labor – hence ways around as well as prevention tips are always helpful when dealing with birthing challenges like movement difficulty!
Here are some solutions most expectant moms use:
Lean On Dietary Body Detox Foods That Ease Passage
One way you could ease digestion woes is by going back-to-basics nutrition approach with organics full veggie servings plus lots fluids - juices /water, apples or cranberry fruits which contain abundant amounts natural-laxative fibers making elimination easier. Cranberries have A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs), unique chemicals known for anti-inflammatory properties while apple pectin slows down glucose absorption rates promising healthier pregnancies too!
These foods complement any medication appropriately facilitating better overall health status without necessitating prolonged hospitalization.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking adequate water amounts daily helps keep stools soft, preventing digestive issues. Staying hydrated is significant to your baby's development and ensures the right amount of amniotic fluid for their growth and well-being.
Exercise Regularly
Walking or light exercise three times a week can help promote regular bowel movements by increasing blood flow through intestinal lining cells plus leg movement markedly increases gastric motility reducing potential constipation occurrences and contributing positively to hormonal balance throughout this fascinating milestone along expectant dads & moms' journey!
Natural Laxatives
Natural laxatives such as prune juice, flaxseeds or chia seeds contain fiber that facilitates this process by stimulating peristalsis contractions thereby easing waste elimination.
Conclusion
In summary, pregnancy brings an array of changes in expecting mothers' bodies. Constipation may be problematic when not handled appropriately leading to discomfort particularly with pressures associated with early morning flight drills say while going through labor (prolonging hospital stay). Thus effective ways mentioned above will facilitate smooth bowel transitions promoting overall better health throughout pregnancies without trading sex during late trimester(s) months/weeks!