Pregnant women can be said to have difficulty defecating when defecating less than 3 times a week. There are many factors that cause pregnant women to have difficulty defecating, one of which is an increase in the hormone progesterone which can relax the intestinal muscles, so that food and feces move more slowly in the digestive system.
First steps for pregnant women who have difficulty defecating
Difficult bowel movements in pregnant women are usually easily overcome by changing diet. One way is to increase your intake of nutritious and fiber-rich foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, cereals and whole grain bread.
Not only that, there are also other ways that pregnant women can take as a first step in overcoming difficult bowel movements, including:
1. Drink enough water
Consuming enough water can help soften the stool and facilitate bowel movements. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to fulfill body fluids by drinking at least 2-3 liters of water every day.
2. Eat in small portions
Eating large portions of food at once can make the intestines work harder. Try to eat small meals 5-6 times a day, so that the intestines can digest food slowly until it is perfect. That way, intestinal work will remain optimal and defecation can be smoother.
3. Actively moving
Not being active can make pregnant women more at risk of having difficulty defecating. Come on, try to exercise for at least 20-30 minutes, 3 times per week, for example by swimming, yoga, or walking. This activity can stimulate bowel movements and help the intestines work more smoothly.
4. Reduce consumption of iron supplements
Taking iron supplements can also cause constipation. However, pregnant women also need to meet the needs of iron to prevent anemia. Therefore, consult with your doctor whether the condition of pregnant women is safe enough to stop supplements and meet the needs of iron from food only.
Laxatives for Pregnant Women Difficulty defecating
If none of these natural remedies help, pregnant women may be able to use laxatives. Before consuming it, it is important for pregnant women to know that the workings of laxatives can be divided into two, namely:
- Laxatives that soften stools or are called emollient laxatives
- Laxatives that stimulate the intestines or are called stimulant laxatives
For pregnant women who have difficulty having bowel movements, the safest laxatives to consume are emollient laxatives, such as macrogol and magnesium hydroxide. These emollient laxatives tend to be harmless to the fetus because the active ingredients are only slightly absorbed by the body.
Meanwhile, stimulant laxatives, such as bisacodyl and sennosides are not recommended for pregnant women. This is because stimulant laxatives work by stimulating the intestinal wall to speed up the passage of feces through the intestine, so that it risks causing diarrhea and stomach cramps.
However, keep in mind that pregnant women should consult a doctor before taking any medication.
Difficult defecation in pregnant women is not something serious, but this can be uncomfortable. In addition, if you leave difficult bowel movements and the pregnant woman is forced to push frequently, complications can occur, such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
If difficult bowel movements do not subside after treatment, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms, such as abdominal pain that does not go away or bloody bowel movements, pregnant women should consult a doctor for further treatment.
