Things we don’t talk about when
we’re pregnant
Burping, breaking wind and constipation are just a
few ‘unmentionables’ pregnant women don’t like talking about. Seemingly a minor
issue, they’re never-the-less problematic, not to say embarrassing. Hormones, pressure,
nausea and the lack of exercise usually trigger these problems.
Causes of constipation:
During pregnancy, progesterone tends to make the bowel sluggish. This delays the progress of food through the gut, maximising nutritional absorption. On the downside, this delay tends to reabsorb water and dry-out stools, making them hard and difficult to pass.
Ongoing constipation often begins with bad bowel habits – like over-using laxatives, delaying the ‘call of nature’, not drinking enough water, a bland diet and not getting enough exercise.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with bloating, passing wind, constipation and diarrhoea is more common than we realise. This is mostly caused by today’s sedentary lifestyle, stress overloaded (no doubt exaggerated by Covid-19) and not eating enough raw fruit and vegetables.
Medical problems like diabetes or an underactive thyroid gland and depression tend to exaggerate constipation. More serious conditions like a damaged spinal cord, multiple sclerosis and Lupus Sjögren’s all cause chronic constipation. This means they won’t go away, and you’ll need to find ways to cope with this problem.
Chronic constipation is something you should talk to your doctor about because it could have more serious implications.
Supplementary Iron (folic acid) is prescribed during pregnancy. It should be taken with a glass of water to prevent constipation. Molasses is a good substitute because it’s rich in iron and doesn’t aggravate constipation problems. Other medications to avoid are codeine and calcium-based antacids. Some women have weird cravings. Called pica, nibbling on clay, chalk, laundry starch, toothpaste and even sand is not good for the gut.
Fruit can help. Bananas, however, because they contain pectin, can either aggravate or relieve constipation.
Women confined to bedrest miss out on exercise. Fortunately, this is rare and most women can carry on with their regular exercise routine throughout pregnancy.
What happens when you’re constipated?
Constipation can make you feel very uncomfortable – especially when your baby is taking up most of your tummy space. You could get haemorrhoids (piles) – best dealt with by using creams like Preparation-H. Passing big, bulky stools could split or tear the anus. This is evident when fresh blood is seen after wiping.
What can you do about it?
Treatment depends on the cause. In mild cases, a change of diet, exercise and increasing fluid intake solves the problem. A mild laxative such as milk of magnesia can help. Glycerine suppositories help to soften hard-to-budge stools.
Bowel-training means getting into the habit of emptying your bowel regularly – not necessarily daily, but at least 3 – 4 times a week.
A prescribed laxative should contain natural ingredients. Ask your pharmacist or doctor. Don’t self-medicate. Laxatives that contain fibre or softeners make stools easier to pass. Some laxatives draw water from the bowel or stimulates peristalsis. These are not recommended during pregnancy. It’s best to use herbal or natural laxatives – excluding Senna – during pregnancy.
