What pills for constipation are allowed during pregnancy. How to get rid of constipation during early pregnancy. They have a pronounced laxative effect

According to the norms, the frequency of bowel movements should be at least 3 times a week. If this happens less often, we are talking about pathology - a defecation delay, which is called constipation. Potentially, this situation can lead to more serious problems, up to intestinal obstruction. How to get rid of constipation is described in the proposed article.

Constipation is treated by a gastroenterologist. Turning to him for an initial consultation is mandatory, since delayed bowel movements can develop against the background of many diseases. But if the reason is diet or lifestyle errors, you can cope with constipation on your own, at home.

In adults

In healthy adults, stool problems occur in the following situations:

• "sedentary work;
• Snacks on the go, eating large amounts of high-calorie carbohydrate foods that are low in fiber;
• insufficient water intake;
• numerous stress, anxiety;
• violation of the daily routine, overwork.

Getting rid of constipation without eliminating its causes is very difficult. Therefore, first of all, you should adjust your lifestyle. At the same time, you can help the body to establish regular bowel movements using the means, which will be discussed in detail below.

In the elderly

Defecation delay in the elderly is a natural phenomenon associated with the physiological aging process. With age, the sensitivity of the nerve endings that regulate the activity of the closure apparatus of the anal canal gradually decreases. As a result, a person does not always feel the urge to defecate on time and constipation develops.

Stool retention in the elderly is also associated with a general decrease in physical activity and the use of a large amount of medications.

Constipation can also develop against the background of diseases:

• diabetes;
• multiple sclerosis;
• Parkinson's disease;
• atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta;
• dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

As in other cases, constipation in the elderly should be treated once the cause has been identified. In addition, after 60 years, a person must strictly monitor the regularity of bowel movements, accustoming the body to "walk by the clock."

In children

Until the age of 3, the baby must go to the potty at least 6 times a week. For children over 3 years old, the rate of defecation frequency is set as for adults - at least 3 times a week.

Stool retention in a child is associated with various reasons:

• organic, associated with congenital anomalies in the structure of the intestine;
• functional, caused by dysbiosis, enzymatic deficiency, helminthiasis, rickets, inappropriate nutrition and diseases of the stomach and intestines;
• psychological, which usually occur after placing a child in kindergarten and are associated with increased anxiety and conscious suppression of defecation.

Children also have one-time constipation caused by compaction of feces (due to dehydration or the use of "fixing" products) or a decrease in peristalsis in infectious diseases.

It is not difficult to relieve a child of one-time constipation. It is enough to increase his fluid intake and exclude a problem product from his diet. In other cases, it is required to identify the cause of the disorder and eliminate it.

During pregnancy

Constipation during pregnancy is common, especially in the later stages. During this period, the uterus compresses the lower intestine, interfering with normal motility. At an earlier stage, an increase in the concentration of the hormone progesterone plays a role. It slows down the peristalsis of both the intestines and the gallbladder, which affects both the passage of feces and digestion in general.

In this regard, the question of how to get rid of constipation during pregnancy is not quickly resolved.

Many laxative medications are contraindicated in women in position.

Therefore, prevention is required:

• constant monitoring of the diet;
• sufficient physical activity;
• drinking regimen.

In some cases, irritating laxative suppositories can help out, a detailed description of which is given below.

The most effective laxatives

Medications should be consulted after consulting a doctor and establishing the cause of defecation disorders.

Irritant drugs

Means that cause emergency bowel movement are laxative suppositories. The active substances that make up their composition, once in the lower intestine, irritate the nerve endings located on the anal sphincter. As a result, there is an urge to defecate.

The most effective irritants are:

Glycerin suppositories act almost instantly - within 15-20 minutes after administration. Suppositories "Bisacodyl" are softer, their effect develops in about 1 hour.

It is important to remember that irritant drugs are symptomatic.

They are suitable for a one-time relief of the situation, but they cannot be used daily.

Excipients

Fillers are food additives that increase the volume of stool without being digested or absorbed. They can be of both natural and synthetic origin.

Effective intestinal fillers include:

Regardless of the origin, the mechanism of action of all intestinal fillers is the same. Once in the intestines, they absorb water, swell, stretch the intestinal walls and cause a reflex response.

Contraindications to taking these drugs are:

• irritable bowel syndrome;
• pregnancy;
• intestinal atony;
• intestinal obstruction.

The action of the fillers is slow, delayed. The effect occurs in at least 12 hours, sometimes in 1-3 days. To increase the effectiveness of the funds of this group, it is necessary to observe the drinking regime, consuming at least 2 liters of water per day.

Laxative prebiotics

The safest drugs for constipation should be sought among the group of prebiotics.

These funds allow you to establish intestinal transit, increasing the activity of beneficial microflora:

Prebiotics have a mild effect and are not addictive, therefore they are used for a long time and have a minimum of contraindications. The effect of this therapy is very persistent.

Osmotic laxatives

Saline laxatives are called osmotic.

Their mechanism of action is as follows:

• salt solution retains water in the intestinal lumen;
• feces soften, their volume increases;
• osmotic pressure in the intestine increases and there is an urge to defecate.

The group of osmotic laxatives includes the following drugs:

Osmotic laxatives do not cause addiction and the development of lazy bowel syndrome, so they can be taken for a long time. However, in order to avoid dehydration, it is not recommended to use drugs of this group for more than 3 months.

Traditional methods of treatment

Many folk remedies do an excellent job with functional constipation and can act as an alternative or adjuvant in their treatment.

Fruits, berries and vegetables

Fresh vegetables, fruits and berries contain a lot of fiber and are a substitute for pharmacy intestinal fillers.

Have a pronounced laxative effect:

• beet;
• all types of cabbage;
• pumpkin;
• plum;
• apples;
• kiwi;
• figs;
• apricot;
• grape;
• melon and watermelon.

Fruits and berries retain laxative properties in dry form, therefore, it is useful for constipation to include dried fruits in the diet - prunes, raisins, dried apricots, dates.

Unlike pharmaceutical intestinal fillers, they are not contraindicated in pregnancy.

Herbs and Seeds

Some herbs enhance intestinal motility and are part of pharmaceutical laxatives and herbal preparations:

• senna leaf (Alexandrian leaf);
• buckthorn (zhoster laxative);
• licorice (licorice);
• common toadflax;
• kelp (seaweed).

Also, to improve intestinal transit, flax and plantain seeds can be used, which contain a lot of mucus and have a beneficial effect on the formation of feces.

Vegetable oils

Vegetable oils help cleanse the intestines by stimulating the gallbladder. By provoking the production of bile and its release into the intestines, they powerfully increase peristalsis.

The following oils are used as a fast-acting laxative:

• sunflower;
• sea ​​buckthorn;
• olive;
• linseed;
• castor.

Contraindication to use - pregnancy, cholelithiasis, age up to 6 years.

In other cases, mix 1 teaspoon of any oil with 1 glass of low-fat kefir and consume it in the morning on an empty stomach.

Water treatment

Treatment of delayed bowel movements with mineral water is included in the programs of many sanatoriums. In fact, highly mineralized water is an osmotic laxative.

The following types are especially useful for constipation:

• sulfate waters - "Essentuki No. 20";
• chloride - "Essentuki No. 4", "Aksu";
• sodium - "Smirnovskaya", "Narzan";
• magnesium - "Erinskaya";
• sulfate-magnesium - "Uglichnaya", "Mirgorodskaya".

Mineral water is consumed before meals, 1 glass, slowly, in large sips. It is better that it be free of gases and have a temperature of 18-240C.

Constipation soap

Laxative suppositories made from soap are an old way of stimulating the emergency evacuation of intestinal contents. This remedy is an alternative to irritating pharmacy suppositories.

A small piece is cut from a bar of laundry or baby soap, which is inserted rectally. The urge to defecate comes quickly - after 10-20 minutes. Contraindications for use are the same as for pharmaceutical irritating drugs.

Laxative food

In addition to fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, a laxative effect can be achieved by consuming the following foods:

Salted fatty fish also has a laxative effect. By retaining water in the intestines and stimulating the gallbladder, this product acts as an osmotic laxative.

Meat and fish dishes should be consumed in moderation. It is better to cook them in chunks, since grinding into minced meat slows down motor skills. From side dishes, you should give preference to cereals, excluding white rice.

Constipation food should obey three "golden" rules:

• be fractional (5-6 times a day in small portions);
• contain at least 50% coarse fiber;
• include a large amount of water (at least 1.5 liters per day).

Alcoholic drinks are completely excluded, as they cause dehydration, depress the liver and exacerbate the problem.

Exercise and massage at home

Exercise and massage are helpful in treating constipation.

The simplest complex is performed in the morning, before breakfast, immediately after waking up:

• wrapping the hand with a damp cool towel, perform circular rubbing of the abdomen clockwise for several minutes;
• after the massage, the legs are alternately bent at the knees and pressed against the stomach;
• get out of bed, drink a glass of mineral water and perform 10 squats;
• in the last squat, linger on your haunches for a few minutes.

Enema for constipation

The child is given an enema using a rubber "bulb" -syringe. For an adult, the procedure is performed with an Esmarch mug.

The amount of water is determined based on age:

• newborn babies - 25 ml;
• children under 6 months - 30-60 ml;
• children under 1 year old - 150 ml;
• children under 2 years old - 200 ml;
• children from 2 to 5 years old - 300 ml;
• children from 5 to 10 years old - 400 ml;
• children from 10 to 14 years old - 500 ml;
• children over 14 years old and adults - 1-2 liters.

The tip of the syringe or Esmarch's mug is greased with petroleum jelly. The required volume of warm water is slowly injected in the supine position on the left side.

Bowel cleansing with an enema is contraindicated in hemorrhoids, inflammation and bleeding in the intestines, oncological processes, and rectal prolapse.

In order to avoid the development of dysbiosis, the manipulation is carried out no more than 1 time in 2 weeks.

Preventive measures

To prevent stool retention, the following measures must be observed:

• adhere to the rules of a balanced diet;
• drink enough water;
• lead a physically active lifestyle;
• monitor the mode of bowel movements, avoid prolonged containment of urges;
• control medication intake, maintain the normal state of microflora.

It is very important to monitor your emotional state as well. Constipation often has a psychological cause and occurs against the background of chronic stress and depression.

Compliance with simple preventive rules allows you not only to avoid problems with stool, but also to prevent episodic constipation from becoming chronic.

Constipation is a difficult or systematic incomplete emptying of the intestines (defecation) or the absence thereof for a day and a half or more. During pregnancy?

Causes constipation during pregnancy different women and at different times are different. Among them, the most significant are the following:

• A change in the hormonal background, which reduces the tone of the muscles of the uterus, and at the same time all other muscle cells similar to them (in the walls of the intestine and in the walls of large vessels).
• Change in the position of the intestine in the abdominal cavity, its gradual displacement by the enlarging uterus at a later date.
• Fear of straining. It is rather a psychological problem that is more common in women with increased uterine tone and the threat of termination of pregnancy.
• Poorly selected diet.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Psychological stress.
• Congenital features of the intestine, for example, its elongated sections.

According to the direct mechanism of development, two types can be distinguished constipation during pregnancy.

Atonic constipation(literally translated as "lack of tone") the variant is associated with a reduced tone of the muscular wall of the intestine. Peristalsis (bowel movements, thanks to which its contents move) from this becomes lethargic and unproductive. This muscle weakness, in turn, occurs due to hormonal changes, after surgery, and dietary errors. Another form is spastic constipation during pregnancy , in which the intestinal tone, on the contrary, is increased, peristalsis slows down, but due to the "clamped" state of the intestine. For this type constipation during pregnancy psychological reasons are more characteristic.

Constipation during pregnancy associated with lengthening of the large intestine, it is necessary to highlight separately. First, their occurrence is not related to your position, although it can intensify them. Secondly, although outwardly they appear as a spastic form, they are associated not with spasm, but with a longer passage of feces along a longer path. At the same time, more water is absorbed back into the body from the intestinal contents, the feces become solid.

Atonic constipation during pregnancy may be accompanied by a feeling of intestinal fullness, aching and pulling abdominal pain, flatulence (increased gas formation) and bloating, lack of appetite, nausea, lethargy, apathy, depressed mood. When defecating, there is a lot of feces; their initial portion is formed, dense, its diameter is larger than normal, the final portion is watery, mushy. Defecation is painful, there may be tears of the mucous membrane of the rectum and anus, then streaks of blood and (or) mucus remain on the surface of the feces.

With a spastic form, the pain is different: they are paroxysmal, even sometimes cramping, occur more often in the left abdomen along the colon and are given to the left groin area. This form constipation during pregnancy may accompany flatulence, lack of appetite, inadequate and unexplained fatigue, nervousness, irritability, nausea. When emptying the intestines, the feces are very dense, they are separate small rounded fragments in the form of the so-called "sheep feces". The urge to defecate may even occur several times a day, but the emptying of the intestines is incomplete, difficult, in small portions.

How to get rid of constipation during pregnancy

To relieve constipation it is necessary first of all to choose the right diet, taking into account weight control and possible allergic reactions, which are individual.

At constipation during pregnancy useful are millet, buckwheat, barley, oat bran, muesli, black bread, vegetable oils, fresh and cooked vegetables and fruits (carrots, beets, pumpkin, radishes, turnips, zucchini, cucumbers, young asparagus shoots, Jerusalem artichoke, lettuce, broccoli and other cabbage). Small laxative properties are possessed by: olives, dried fruit compotes, raw, boiled or soaked prunes, honey, watermelon, melon, apples, apricots, grapes, red currant or its juice, cherries. It should be noted that honey, fresh carrots and their juice, melon, apricots, red apples, red currants have an increased allergenic potential, so they can be consumed no more than 1-2 times a week. For women with allergies, these foods should be eliminated from the diet. From boiled or fresh vegetables, salads with vegetable oil can be prepared as side dishes. Fermented milk products must be included in the daily diet of a pregnant woman.

With a tendency to constipation strong tea, slimy soups, semolina, white bread, wheat bran, polished rice, blueberries, quince, pears, pomegranate, hawthorn, bananas, black currants, legumes, walnuts should not be consumed. Hard types of cheese can also slow down peristalsis.

In combination with a diet, physical exercise will help solve the problem of constipation; it is enough to devote 20-30 minutes of exercise every day, and it is better to do it several times during the day. Consult your doctor about the choice of exercises, because some of them may be contraindicated for you personally, taking into account the characteristics of your health.

With prolonged and active use of almost any laxative (both medicinal and herbal), addiction can develop, requiring an increase in the dose of the laxative. The effect of the drug is weakened, and the problem itself constipation during pregnancy aggravated.

From ready-made laxatives, expectant mothers should not take: REGULAX, HITOSAN-EVALAR, DOCTOR TAISS - SWEDISH BITTER . In rare cases, under strict medical supervision, GUTTALAX or DULKOLAX (aka BISACODIL ). Taking laxatives FORLAX and FORTRANS is not contraindicated. , you can use glycerin candles.

Preparations SENNALAX, GLAKSENNA, TRISASEN , made on the basis of senna (aka cassia acutifoliate, or alexandrian leaf), increase the tone of the muscular wall of the intestine. It must be used with caution, under medical supervision. Senna preparations should not be drunk for a long time: it is addictive, which requires an increase in the dose. In addition, senna can cause an allergic reaction and melanin deposition in the cells of the intestinal mucosa. Senna should not be taken with spastic forms of constipation, in which the bowel tone is already increased.

For to get rid of constipation herbal medicine offers such recipes.

With spastic constipation in pregnant women:

• Freshly prepared potato juice, diluted with water 1: 1, take a quarter of a glass half an hour before meals 2-3 times a day.
• Prepare a decoction of figs in milk or water at the rate of 2 tablespoons of raw materials per 1 glass of boiling water, let cool at room temperature, take 1 tablespoon 2-4 times a day.
• Dissolve 15 g of honey in a glass of warm milk, drink a third of the glass at night.
• Mix in equal parts the fruits of anise, herb of stinging nettle, rhizome of Valerian officinalis, rose hips, leaves of wild strawberries, chamomile flowers, motherwort herb five-lobed. Brew 1 tablespoon of the collection with a glass of boiling water in a thermos and leave for 1.5 hours, drain. Take half a glass after meals in the morning and evening.

With atonic constipation in pregnant women:

• Mix equal parts the fruits of anise, caraway and fennel. Brew 2 teaspoons of the mixture with 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 15-20 minutes, strain, drink a third of a glass 3 times a day half an hour before meals. Note that the seeds must be ripe for this harvest.
• Take in equal shares the fruits of mountain ash, blueberry leaves, stinging nettle herb and fennel fruits. Brew 1 tablespoon of the collection with a glass of boiling water, insist in a thermos for 1.5 hours, strain, take a third of the glass 3 times a day after meals.
• Pour 1 tablespoon of gooseberries with 1 glass of water and boil for 10 minutes, then strain. Take a quarter glass 4 times a day. Add sugar if desired.
• When brewing tea, add slices of dried apples or cherries.
• In the atonic form of constipation, the work of the intestines is stimulated by a glass of cool water, drunk in the morning on an empty stomach.
• Cut 3-4 unpeeled fresh apples into medium-sized pieces, boil under a lid for 15 minutes in 1 liter of water, and insist, wrapping it for 4 hours. Drink instead of tea 2-3 times a day.
• Pour 1 teaspoon of flaxseed with 1 glass of boiling water and leave for 4 hours. Without straining, drink the entire dose before bedtime.
• Drink freshly prepared carrot juice in a quarter of a glass on an empty stomach in the morning.
• Mix in equal parts freshly prepared milk whey and carrot juice, take half a glass in the morning on an empty stomach. To prepare whey, you need to boil sour milk or fresh milk with a small piece of brown bread, then strain it through cheesecloth; cheese will remain in the gauze, and the liquid part is whey.
• Pour 1 tablespoon of wheat bran with half a glass of hot milk, insist in a warm place or thermos for 30-40 minutes, strain, squeeze the steamed bran. Drink half a glass in the morning on an empty stomach.
• Prepare juice from 1 kg of ripe red rowan fruits (collect them until frost), mix the juice with 600 g of granulated sugar. Take a quarter cup on an empty stomach in the morning and at night. Keep the juice in the refrigerator.

From the recipes given, choose a few of the most suitable juices and decoctions for yourself and take them, alternating every 2-3 weeks.

No woman is immune from constipation during pregnancy. Partial emptying less than three times a week is already a deviation from the norm. In this case, something needs to be done, because the use of popular laxatives in the late and early stages is prohibited. Many medications negatively affect the development of the fetus and have a bad effect on the intestines of the expectant mother. In this regard, it is required to look for other ways to solve the problem.

Constipation during pregnancy: a clinical picture

For the first time, constipation occurs in early pregnancy, at the beginning or in the middle of the 1st trimester. Sometimes problems with bowel movement can accompany a woman during the entire period of gestation. According to statistics, this is about 60% of cases.

During pregnancy, emptying once every three days is considered the norm. If a woman cannot relieve herself within 5 days or for this she needs efforts, then it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor to fix the problem.

Constipation during early pregnancy is manifested by the following symptoms:

• bloating;
• vomiting;
• a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen;
• false urge to emptying;
• general weakness;
• decreased appetite.

Sometimes constipation is accompanied by acute pain in the abdomen, and of different localization. In addition, if you strained, there is a feeling of obstruction of emptying.

Causes of constipation during pregnancy

There are the following reasons for constipation:

• Hormonal disbalance. An excess of sex hormones caused by hormonal imbalances slows down the metabolism. Accordingly, because of this, constipation occurs.
• Improper nutrition. During pregnancy, women often change their usual diet, eating foods that they did not pay attention to before. Such changes are difficult for the body, which can lead to problems with bowel movement.
• Increase in the size of the uterus. This is the most common cause of constipation. Any pregnant woman knows that an enlarged uterus puts a lot of pressure on the intestines, which is why unpleasant symptoms occur. In addition, problems with the size of the genitals can also cause hemorrhoids.
• Stress. Women who constantly find themselves in stressful situations may experience discomfort in the abdomen, which later develops into a systematic inadequate bowel movement.
• Sedentary lifestyle. Pregnant women, excluding physical activity from their lives, mistakenly believe that in this way they will positively affect the development of the fetus. This is partly true, but people who don't move much have digestive problems.

If there are these reasons, a pregnant woman needs to reconsider her lifestyle. Often, constipation can cause complications in the form of secondary colitis or inflammation of the rectum, which will certainly harm the unborn child.

When should you sound the alarm?

The number of bowel movements is considered normal from two times a day to three times a week. Constipation is characterized by the following symptoms: a small amount of feces, its increased dryness and hardness.

It is important to pay attention to the existing symptoms in a timely manner, especially to women in position. Constipation is dangerous for both the expectant mother and the baby.

If a woman does not feel any symptoms, but a delay in bowel movement is present, then a doctor should also be consulted. A deviation from the norm is the complete absence of feces for 2-3 days.

Treating constipation during pregnancy at home

Firstly, a pregnant woman needs to know why in no case is it recommended to use classic laxatives (for more details, see the article :). In particular, this applies to medicaments based on the canopy leaf. It is believed that even the extract of this plant can provoke the development of defects in the fetus.

Secondly, folk remedies made on the basis of rhubarb or buckthorn bark negatively affect the body of the mother and the unborn child. Plants make the emptying process easier, but can sometimes harm the fetus.

Habitual enemas and suppositories, which are the first to be used for constipation and bowel problems, are used with caution and rarely. In some cases, prior consultation with a doctor may be required. When used frequently, they stimulate uterine activity. This not only badly affects the expectant mother, but can also lead to spontaneous abortion.

Despite the many illegal medications and treatments for constipation during pregnancy, there are relatively safe remedies that can be used without harm.

Medications

Due to contraindications, the list of medicines for women in the position is small. Recommended laxatives include:

• Duphalac, Normolact or Prelax. These are lactulose-based syrups without any additives. They have a detoxification and hyperosmotic laxative effect. They have a positive effect on the contraction of the intestinal walls, thereby ensuring the normal duration of digestion processes. Contraindications include individual intolerance to the components of the drugs and the presence of diabetes mellitus.
• Fiberlex. Available in the form of a white powder for solution preparation. The main active ingredient of the drug is oval plantain. Excipients - fruit flavors. The drug helps to quickly cope with constipation by softening the contents of the intestines and facilitating the passage of feces.
• Defenorm. Like Fiberlex, Defenorm is plant-based. Its main active ingredient is flea plantain, which helps soften feces and stimulates their rapid elimination from the body.
• Forlax, Tranzipeg. Medicines are produced in the form of powders based on macrogol for solution preparation. After using Forlax or Transipeg in the gastrointestinal tract, the volume of fluid increases, which softens the contents of the intestine and allows emptying. Due to the fact that macrogol is a practically non-absorbable substance, during pregnancy it must be taken as recommended by a doctor.
• Norgalax. Release form - rectal gel, which is introduced into the rectum using microclysters. The preparation contains sodium docusate and carmellose, glycerin and purified water. Although there have been no studies on the potential risk during pregnancy, Norgalax can be used in women in the position if other drugs have not had an appropriate effect.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies for constipation have always been famous for their effectiveness. They are suitable for pregnant women, although most pharmaceutical drugs are prohibited.

Of the most effective, the following traditional medicine can be distinguished:

• Prune broth. Cooking requires two tablespoons of fresh prunes. Pour it with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for a day. Drink the resulting broth in 100 ml before meals.
• Flax seed infusion. Add one teaspoon of flax seeds to a glass of boiling water. After the drink has been infused for about 3-4 hours, it must be drunk completely on an empty stomach.
• A decoction of figs and prunes. For preparation, 10 g of the above ingredients and 400 ml of boiling water are required. You need to cook the resulting mixture for 10-15 minutes, and then leave for 1-2 hours. Take 1 tablespoon three times daily before meals.
• Carrot, beet and apple juice. To make the juice, only the essential ingredients mentioned and a juicer are needed. You need to drink this drink 2-3 times a day before meals.

In addition, for a mild form of the disease, warm milk with honey or figs will be an excellent remedy. It is required to drink it at least 2 times a day before meals.

Diet correction

You should not immediately buy a bunch of medicines or experiment with traditional medicine recipes, especially in the first and second trimesters, because even proven remedies can harm an unborn child. Better to eat something healthy - diet is often required.

First, the following products should be removed from the diet:

• fried and fatty meat;
• mushrooms;
• sorrel and spinach;
• sour fruits;
• carbonated drinks;
• fatty fish;
• bakery products;
• dried fruits (with the exception of prunes);
• hot sauces, seasonings and spices.

Secondly, the diet needs to include:

• dairy products;
• eggs;
• garlic;
• sweet fruits;
• lean meats and fish;
• liquid soups;
• vegetables, especially carrots, cabbage, beets, cucumbers and zucchini.

Vegetable oil, which must be included in the diet, will help to remove the symptoms of constipation. It has a relaxing effect on the intestines, which promotes the speedy excretion of softened feces.

Gymnastics and massage

More movement is required to heal constipation during pregnancy. In this matter, simple exercises that can be performed at home will help:

• Sit down 10 times, holding on to the chair. Squats should be smooth so as not to harm the fetus.
• Lie on your back, bend your knees. In this position, make up to 5 pelvic lifts, then relax and pull your right hand to the left knee, and then vice versa. Do not overdo it strongly, as there will be joint pain.
• Stand up and tense as if emptying, and then relax. Repeat the procedure several times.

These exercises can be performed at any stage of pregnancy. They are completely harmless to the health of the expectant mother and baby.

After exercise, you can additionally perform a light massage. To do this, you need to massage the abdomen, especially the sides and the area below the navel. In this case, it is important to make smooth movements from side to side, not pressing strongly or pressing with your hand.

Prevention of constipation during pregnancy

Sometimes it is easier to avoid constipation in early pregnancy with the help of prophylaxis, without taking pharmacy pills. To prevent the disease, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• Eat properly. Eliminate poorly digestible foods from the diet. Instead, eat food with a rich vitamin and mineral composition. Eat often, but in small portions.
• To live an active lifestyle. Move more, do gymnastics, walk in the fresh air. Additionally, you can sign up for yoga or Pilates.
• Drink plenty of fluids. At the same time, exclude carbonated and sour drinks from the diet. It is better to drink about 1.5 liters of water, juices or sweet fruit compotes during the day.

In addition, if any complications arise, you should immediately consult a doctor. It is not recommended to treat constipation and take other measures to eliminate bowel problems on your own.

What cannot be done?

First of all, you cannot ignore the problem and believe that it will be solved by itself. Complications that the disease can cause will negatively affect both the health of the expectant mother and the baby. That is why it is not recommended for pregnant women to:

• eat fatty, acidic, poorly digested foods;
• eat a lot or starve;
• drink laxatives contraindicated in pregnancy;
• take medications that can cause constipation or complications;
• use enemas or suppositories;
• get nervous and try to get rid of constipation at the cost of incredible effort.

Upon learning about pregnancy, every woman experiences a lot of positive emotions: the first ultrasound examination, the first movement. But for 9 months of waiting for the long-awaited meeting with the baby, in addition to happy moments, the expectant mother will have to face various unpleasant surprises, one of which is constipation.

Difficulty with bowel movement occurs in 70% of women in position. And most importantly, such an uncomfortable condition is dangerous for pregnant women and their babies, so it is important to take timely measures to eliminate it.

Symptoms and causes of constipation during pregnancy

The disease is characterized by slow, difficult or systematically insufficient emptying of the intestines. Many pregnant women experience pain in the abdomen and pelvis during constipation, and blood streaks are observed in the stool during bowel movements. Also, symptoms of impaired intestinal functionality are:

• itching and burning after defecation in the anus;
• attacks of nausea, not associated with toxicosis;
• flatulence ();
• bitter taste in the mouth.

There can be several reasons for the problematic bowel movement:

1. Enlargement of the uterus. The baby grows, so the uterus begins to increase in size, and additional pressure on the intestines occurs, as a result of which there is a difficult excretion of feces, accompanied by venous congestion. Very often, this phenomenon ends with the development of hemorrhoids.
2. Hormonal imbalance. During pregnancy, hormonal disruptions occur in a woman's body, which, due to an excess of progesterone, slow down the digestion process. The consequence of this condition is the deterioration of peristalsis and the occurrence of constipation.
3. Iron and calcium deficiency. Lack of these micronutrients can cause stool retention. To eliminate this problem, doctors prescribe special vitamin preparations.
4. Lack of fluid in the body can also provoke problems with bowel movements.
5. Low physical activity. Many women in the position lead an inactive lifestyle, which often leads to problems with defecation.
6. Diseases of the anus(hemorrhoids, cracks) often cause constipation, as they impede the process of excretion of feces.
7. Stress... During pregnancy, physiological changes take place in the body of the expectant mother. In addition, every woman in a position fearfully awaits childbirth and the birth of a child. Fear, anxiety and nervousness negatively affect the frequency of bowel movements.

Constipation is a dangerous pathology that is accompanied by serious complications, therefore, women expecting a child should consult with their doctor to determine methods to eliminate this unpleasant problem.

How to get rid of constipation during pregnancy: proper nutrition

To get rid of the problem, you need to eliminate the cause of its occurrence. However, the first thing that a doctor can recommend is adjusting a nutritious diet, since foods consumed by a pregnant woman (as well as any other person) affect the process of digestion and defecation. That is why the expectant mother should include in her menu dishes and products that contribute to normal bowel movement:

• raw fruit and vegetable products;
• vegetable oils;
• dried fruits (especially prunes);
• black bread;
• cereals: oatmeal, barley porridge;
• fermented milk products (fermented baked milk, kefir, yogurt, yogurt, cottage cheese);
• meat with sufficient connective tissue.

In addition to useful products, pregnant women need to know about those that can provoke constipation. During pregnancy, the amount should be reduced or completely excluded from the diet of semolina, rice, cabbage, nuts, beans, sorrel, spinach, white bread.

As for the drinking regimen, a woman in position should drink up to 2 liters of liquid throughout the day: water, natural juices and compotes, fermented milk drinks. However, if you have problems with swelling, then the amount of fluid you drink per day should be reduced.

But drinks such as strong tea and cocoa should be excluded from the diet, as they greatly complicate the bowel movement.

Medication solution to the problem

If dietary adjustments do not bring the desired result, and the disease progresses, then medication is needed. But immediately I would like to note that such therapy should be prescribed exclusively by a doctor, since self-treatment can have unpredictable consequences, both for the pregnant woman and for her baby. Only a doctor can determine whether drug treatment is generally needed and will select the right remedy. In addition, most drugs have many contraindications and limitations.

Specialists often in such situations prescribe suppositories for constipation, which act locally. But during pregnancy, it is necessary to use this kind of medication with caution, since they not only eliminate problematic feces, but can also tone the uterus, and this is already a threat of termination of pregnancy. The safest for women in position are glycerin suppositories and papaverine. Their use helps to soften stool and relax the intestines.

Vaseline oil, which is used for topical treatment, also helps to cope with constipation. However, it is not recommended to use it for a long period of time, since the agent has the ability to accumulate in the organs and disrupt vitamin absorption.

Tablets (Mucofalk, Fiberlex and the like) also help to eliminate the unpleasant problem, but we remind you once again that it is forbidden to use such funds during pregnancy without a doctor's prescription.

Traditional methods of treating constipation

Traditional medicine is famous for many recipes for constipation, but at the same time, not all recipes can be used during pregnancy. For example, it is forbidden for women in the position to use herbal decoctions from senna, buckthorn, rhubarb and joster fruits.

For expectant mothers, you can prepare a healing remedy from honey and dried fruits: raisins, dried apricots and prunes. Mix together 100 grams of twisted dry fruit and two tablespoons of bee product. The resulting mixture should be consumed at night, two teaspoons.

The following decoction recipe also effectively relieves constipation and improves peristalsis. Mix equal proportions (100 g each) of prunes, oatmeal and beets and cover with 2 liters of water. Then put the saucepan with the contents on fire and simmer over low heat for an hour. The cooled and strained broth must be stored in the refrigerator and taken in a glass before bedtime.

Prevention of constipation during pregnancy

Preventive measures protect the health of a woman in position and a little man under her heart. Compliance with the following guidelines will prevent the occurrence of an unpleasant and dangerous problem:

1. Eat right.
2. Avoid foods that can negatively affect your digestive system from your diet.
3. Follow your drinking regime.
4. Lead (whenever possible) an active and mobile lifestyle.
5. Avoid stressful situations and try not to be nervous.

While waiting for a child, many women are faced with such an unpleasant phenomenon as constipation.

Difficult defecation brings discomfort to the pregnant woman herself, and can also negatively affect the condition of the unborn baby.

It is necessary to be well versed in the use of laxatives during pregnancy, which of the drugs are recommended, will not harm the woman's health and will not affect the fetus.

What are the remedies for constipation during pregnancy?

These are the remedies for constipation during pregnancy:

1. Laxatives, which contain lactulose - the mechanism of action of these drugs is to increase the number of lactobacilli, due to which the acidity in the intestine increases, the contents of the intestine soften and the peristalsis is mildly increased. They are absolutely safe, do not delay the absorption of vitamins and do not cause addiction with prolonged use. Prices in pharmacies: from 230 rubles.
2. Macrogol preparations - improve the movement of feces through the intestines due to absorption of fluid, are able to remove toxins, do not penetrate into the bloodstream. Cost: from 150 rubles.
3. Rectal suppositories - activate the emptying reflex and loosen stool. Cost in Russia: from 140 rubles.

Recommended Early Laxatives

Duphalac

The syrup is available in bottles of 200, 500, 1000 ml.

Contraindications:

Side effects:

At the beginning of use, gas formation is often. Very rarely - loose stools, pain in the abdominal region.

Price from 300 rubles.

Normolact

Syrup in bottles of 100 ml.

Contraindications:

Side effects:

Generally well tolerated. You may experience: bloating, mild nausea.

Price from 450 rubles.

Prelax

Oral solution 220, 400 ml, also in cardboard packaging dry powder for syrup preparation 4.8 g.

Contraindicated:

Side effects include the appearance of gases in the intestine in the first 2 days of admission.

Cost from 250 rubles.

Preparations for use in the 3rd trimester

Here is a list of drugs for late pregnancy.

Microlax

Release form: microclysters, 5 ml in a package of 4 pieces.

Contraindications: allergic reactions to the composition of the substance. When taken, sometimes there is a burning sensation.

Cost from 330 rubles.

Norgalax

It is produced in tubes - cannulas with a volume of 10 grams in a box of 6 pieces.

Forbidden if observed:

With prolonged use, there may be observed: rectal pain, itching and burning sensation in the rectal opening, diarrhea, urticaria, gas formation.

Cost from 410 rubles.

Glycerin candles

Suppositories for rectal use are sold in a dosage of 2.25 g, 10 pieces per box.

Contraindicated:

With long-term treatment, an inflammatory process in the intestines is possible, addiction may occur at the physiological level, as a result of which, the absence of independent defecation.

The cost is from 131 rubles.

Folk recipes

Medicines for nursing mothers

Lactulose-based drugs are used:

• Duphalac.
• Lactulose Poly.
• Normase.
• Romfalak.

Macrogol group drugs:

• Fortrans.
• Forlax.
• Forteza.
• RomFarm.
• Transiner.

Herbal preparations:

• Senade.
• Sennalax.
• Regulax.
• Glaxenna.

It is important to understand that taking laxatives while waiting for the baby is a last resort. Often it is enough to eliminate all provoking factors:

1. Products with anchoring properties:
   • smoked, salted, fried, fatty meat;
   • fish or bird;
   • sushi;
   • fast food;
   • fresh bakery;
   • White bread;
   • strong tea;
   • coffee;
   • chocolate;
   • milk;
   • rice and semolina porridge;
   • fermented milk products, from the production date of which more than a day has passed;
   • pasta;
   • applesauce;
   • persimmon;
   • blueberry;
   • Garnet;
   • quince;
   • black currant;
   • grape;
   • mashed potatoes;
   • all legumes;
   • sweet and boiled corn;
   • spinach;
   • cucumbers;
   • peaches;
   • apples;
   • conservation;
   • eggplant;
   • cabbage.
2. Laxative products:
   • dried apricots;
   • prunes;
   • beet;
   • fresh pineapple juice;
   • figs;
   • plums;
   • apricots;
   • Cherry;
   • kiwi;
   • watermelons;
   • melons;
   • zucchini;
   • fresh fermented milk - low-fat kefir, fermented baked milk;
   • whole wheat bread;
   • bran;
   • vegetable oil;
   • oatmeal and buckwheat porridge.

Constipation is a problem faced by about 50% of expectant and already lactating mothers. To eliminate and treat this unpleasant ailment, a variety of laxatives have now been created, suitable for different periods of pregnancy and after childbirth.

It is worth noting that medications during these periods are prescribed in exceptional cases and there is an opportunity to get rid of constipation simply by observing a diet, a special diet, strengthening health by playing sports and walking in the fresh air.

Our readers' stories

Defeated hemorrhoids at home. It's been a month since I forgot about my bumps. Oh, what methods I have not tried - nothing helped. How many times did I go to the doctors, but I was prescribed useless medications over and over again, and when I returned, the doctors recommended surgery. I finally got over my illness, thanks to this article. Everyone who has hemorrhoids must read it!

User comments

Alexandra 7 days ago

Yesterday I got out a large (bean-sized) hemorrhoid. Somehow it already happened, but then somehow it passed by itself. And now it is so big and the impression is that it is not going to pass. It hurts, but not much, rather itching. Upset all day. Any advice please!

Darya 7 days ago

I got hemorrhoids after giving birth. I thought it would pass by itself, but it was not there. He not only did not pass, but also began to progress. A familiar doctor advised Cream Healthy for treatment. Within a week, there was no bleeding, no bumps, no pain. Now I try to undergo prophylaxis annually.

P.S. Only now I myself am from the city of Moscow and did not find them in our pharmacies, I ordered them via the Internet.