Causes of Constipation During Pregnancy
Symptoms of Constipation During Pregnancy
How to Prevent Constipation During Pregnancy?
How to Relieve Constipation During Pregnancy Immediately?
Over-the-Counter Solutions
Long-Term Strategies to Avoid Constipation During Pregnancy
When to Seek Medical Advice?
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

Constipation During Pregnancy: Causes, Safe Remedies & Quick Relief Tips

Woman and child

Published Date: 19-09-2024 Updated Date: 31-10-2026

Written by Medicover Team

Medically reviewed by Dr B Radhika, Sr. Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Laparoscopic Surgeon, Infertility Specialist

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Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy. You may pass stools less often than usual, have hard stools, or strain in the toilet. Hormonal changes, iron supplements, and changes in your daily routine can all contribute. Simple dietary and habit changes may help you feel more comfortable.

Causes of Constipation During Pregnancy

Constipation can start during the early stages of pregnancy and continue throughout. The reasons may differ from person to person.

Hormonal Changes: During pregnancy, progesterone levels rise. This hormone relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract, slowing the movement of waste through the intestines. As more water is absorbed from the stool, it can become hard and difficult to pass.
Increased Pressure on the Intestines: As the uterus grows, it changes the space around the intestines and other organs. This may contribute to constipation, particularly in later pregnancy. However, hormonal changes and other factors can also cause constipation before the uterus becomes large.
Dietary and Lifestyle Factors: How often you pass stools might be influenced by your regular routines. Eating fewer foods high in fiber, drinking too little water, or engaging in less physical activity can all lead to constipation. If iron supplements are given to prevent anemia, constipation may get worse. If you believe your supplements are the cause of the problem, consult your doctor rather than quitting them on your own.

Symptoms of Constipation During Pregnancy

You may notice changes in your bowel movements during pregnancy. Common symptoms include:

Passing stools less often than usual
Hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass
Straining while using the toilet
Bloating or a feeling of fullness
Mild abdominal discomfort
Feeling that your bowels have not emptied completely

Having fewer than three bowel movements a week can be a sign of constipation, but your usual bowel pattern also matters. Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or significant rectal bleeding should not be ignored.

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How to Prevent Constipation During Pregnancy?

Small changes to your daily routine can help prevent constipation. Eating enough fibre, drinking fluids regularly, and staying active when safe may make bowel movements easier.

Dietary Adjustments

Incorporate foods high in fiber into your meals to maintain soft, easier-to-pass stools. Lentils, beans, whole grains, fruits, and veggies are all excellent options.

It might be beneficial to eat a balanced diet with 25–30 grams of fiber per day. Gradually increase your fiber consumption to lessen bloating and gas.

Staying Hydrated

Water helps soften stools and makes them easier to pass. Drink fluids regularly throughout the day, adjusting your intake to your needs and your doctor’s advice.

Soups and other suitable drinks can also contribute to your fluid intake. If your doctor has advised you to limit fluids because of a medical condition, follow that guidance.

Regular Physical Activity

Your bowels can be kept moving with light activity. If your doctor has certified that walking, swimming, and pregnancy-appropriate workouts are safe for you, they might be helpful.

Steer clear of activities that your healthcare provider has warned against and begin at a comfortable pace.

How to Relieve Constipation During Pregnancy Immediately?

Constipation does not always improve immediately, but a few simple measures may help. If you are uncomfortable, start with gentle changes to your food, fluid intake, and toilet routine.

Home Remedies for Immediate Relief: Although they don't always work, home treatments can help with minor constipation. Inquire about other therapy choices with your healthcare physician if the issue persists.
Prune Juice: Because prune juice includes ingredients that promote bowel movements, it may help ease constipation. Although eating entire prunes, which are high in fiber, is another alternative, neither one ensures instant relief.
Warm Liquids: A warm drink in the morning may help some people establish a regular toilet routine. Warm water is a simple option, although warm liquids alone are not a proven treatment for constipation.
Gentle Abdominal Massage: There is little proof that pregnancy-related constipation can be relieved by abdominal massage. Prior to attempting abdominal massage, it is preferable to concentrate on eating meals high in fiber, drinking enough water, and avoiding straining. You should also consult your healthcare physician.

Over-the-Counter Solutions

Your doctor might suggest a pregnancy-safe constipation medication if dietary modifications prove insufficient. Options could include laxatives, specific stool softeners, or fiber supplements, depending on your symptoms.

Do not take laxatives, herbal products, or other medicines without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. They can help you choose an appropriate treatment and explain how to use it safely.

Long-Term Strategies to Avoid Constipation During Pregnancy

A few regular habits can help reduce the chances of constipation returning. Pay attention to your bowel pattern and make changes that work for your daily routine.

Consistent Meal Schedule: Eating meals at regular times may help you maintain a routine. When you feel the urge to pass stools, try not to delay going to the toilet, and avoid straining. Smaller meals may be helpful if pregnancy-related nausea makes eating difficult, but they are not necessary for everyone.
Probiotic-Rich Foods: Yogurt with live cultures and other suitable fermented foods can be part of a balanced diet. However, their effect on constipation varies, and they are not a guaranteed treatment. During pregnancy, choose pasteurised dairy products and follow food safety guidance.
Avoiding Constipation-Inducing Foods: A diet low in fibre and high in refined or heavily processed foods may contribute to constipation. Replacing some of these foods with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes may help. You do not need to avoid specific foods unless they worsen your symptoms or your doctor advises you to do so. If iron supplements appear to be the cause, discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider.

When to Seek Medical Advice?

Constipation is common during pregnancy on occasion, but persistent symptoms may require medical attention. If minor adjustments don't relieve constipation or the discomfort persists, contact your physician.

If you experience severe or ongoing stomach discomfort, vomiting, considerable rectal bleeding, or trouble passing stools accompanied with an inability to pass gas, get medical help right once.

Conclusion

Pregnancy-related constipation is common and frequently goes away with little adjustments to your daily schedule. Foods high in fiber, enough hydration, and little exercise might be beneficial. Your doctor can suggest an appropriate course of action if your symptoms persist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main causes of constipation during pregnancy?

Constipation during pregnancy is frequently caused by hormonal changes, iron supplements, poor fiber consumption, and decreased physical activity. Particularly in the latter stages of pregnancy, the expanding uterus may also play a role.

2. How does hormonal change contribute to constipation?

During pregnancy, progesterone delays the passage of waste via the digestive system. This makes it more difficult for the stool to pass by allowing more water to be absorbed from it.

3. What role does the growing uterus play in causing constipation?

As the uterus grows, it changes the space around nearby organs and may contribute to constipation. Hormonal changes, diet, and supplements can also affect bowel movements.

4. Can diet impact constipation during pregnancy?

Yes, eating too little fibre can make stools harder and more difficult to pass. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can help keep bowel movements regular.

5. What are some remedies or treatments for constipation during pregnancy?

Drinking enough water, eating fibre-rich foods, and doing gentle exercise when safe may help relieve constipation. Ask your doctor before taking fibre supplements, stool softeners, or laxatives during pregnancy.

6. Is severe constipation harmful during pregnancy?

Constipation is usually manageable, but repeated straining can contribute to haemorrhoids. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by abdominal pain, vomiting, or rectal bleeding.